From Ric Bucher's chat today-- Sam (Waco, TX) Ric,First off I'd like to say I enjoyed your book with Yao. My question is when will the Rockets catch a break? Although they're way under .500, they seem to lose all of their games by small margins and at the end of regulation. Do you think McGrady's return will really propel the team all the way back into the playoff picture, or was this remade roster a disaster waiting to happen? Also, do you think CD will make any moves to pick up guards after the disappointment of Rafer Alston and career threatening injury to Bob Sura? RIC BUCHER Glad I found another Rockets' question -- I saw one in the queue and then couldn't find it again. Yes, a healthy TMac can get this team to the playoffs. But the offseason moves have not worked out and show no signs of improving. I'd heard Stro Swift wasn't always terribly motivated -- a big reason Memphis didn't want to keep him and there weren't many other takers -- and I'd seen firsthand he didn't have great instincts, but man, has he been disappointing. As has Rafer Alston. Teams are swarming Yao and daring someone else to make a shot and it's just not happening. FYI -- from everything I hear, don't count on Bobby Sura being back, which is a shame. He really showed what he was made of last year. I can't see any revolutionary moves, other than working a deal where a team with cap space signs Spree and then deals him to the Rockets -- and I'd have to check my CBA rules to see if that's even legal. FROM JIM O'BRIEN'S CHAT Andrew (State College): Hi Jim, in your opinion, which team has the best duo in the NBA? SportsNation Jim O'Brien: When Shaq is healthy, he and Dwayne Wade are a very tought tandem act to handle. Perfect inside out combo. Yao and Tracy, Nash and a healthy Stoudemire will be tough to deal with for a long time. Peter (Hong Kong China): Hey Coach! Love your posts and chat! Supposingly, the rockets should be only second to the spurs in the West, now they are last! Do you still see them making the playoffs?!? Why are they not starting Stromile Swift!!! especially when Yao Ming is rendered so useless every game! SportsNation Jim O'Brien: The Rockets are digging a tough hole for themselves. A great deal has to do with McGrady's health. Van Gundy can not go away from Yao. Yao is carrying a heavy load without Mcgrady and their lack of speed has hurt them. Sura's surgery is another huge challenge to overcome. Swift is athletic but how much can he play with Yao and what is he going to bring to the offensive end where the Rockets are stagnant. FROM JOHN HOLLINGER'S CHAT Sam (Houston): Hey John, Is there any chance Rockets will drop JVG? He seems have problem to put a team together and can't maximun players' talents. SportsNation John Hollinger: Oh yes, lots of problems with JVG ... For instance, he's only had his team in the top five in FG% defense every year that he's coached .... Look, let's keep in mind that the Rockets started in the gutter last year too. They even lost twice in a week to the Bobcats. It's painful to watch right now, but they'll get it fixed.
FYI, the Wolves can still S&T Spreewell, but it has to be for a minimum of a 3 year deal. I dont see anyone taking on Spreewell for 3 years.
I love it when the loud mouths that cry trade and fire so-and-so get told that are a dummy like that last guy, hahahah. Love the sarcasm.
basically stuff that we know. -a healthy tmac will get us into the playoffs. -injuries are killing us. -no trade options right now. -JVG will not be fired because there is no one else out there right now. at least we play the hawks tonight.
How can this guy be an expert when he doesn't even know that you can't sign and trade another team's free agent?
