[ESPN]NBA Special Preview

vcchlw · Oct 29, 2006

SpiffyRifi said:

I can't start a threat, but did anyone read Charley Rosen's article on the Southwest Division. You can read the article here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6067742

But here's what he said about the Rockets:
Houston Rockets
The guards: Rafer Alston has a career FG percentage of .387, as well as a penchant for thinking more like a scorer than a playmaker. If Bob Sura ever regains his health, his courage and unselfishness will make a huge difference. John Lucas isn't ready to assume control of a high-powered offense. Luther Head and Kirk Snyder shoot first and never ask questions. Tracy McGrady can literally do it all — shoot, score, pass, run, rebound and even defend — except stay healthy. Unless T-Mac can operate at top efficiency for at least 70-75 games, then the Rockets will barely squeeze into the playoffs.

The forwards: Juwan Howard puts up numbers but can't pass, defend or produce in critical situations. Bonzi Wells is a monster both in the pivot and along the right baseline — but he's also been the source of disharmony everywhere he's played (Houston is his fourth stop in the last four years). Shane Battier is a winner, but Houston will be a loser if Battier doesn't play 30-plus minutes. Indeed, look for Battier to eventually supplant Howard's time at the power-forward spot.

The centers: Yao Ming sports the most notable toe since the salad days of Lou Groza. Can the big man's sore digit survive the rigors of the season? Will Yao ever become an aggressive, durable, monster of the midway? Dikembe Mutombo is Zaire's version of Old Man River.

Outlook: With Alston, T-Mac and Wells all needing their ball time, where does that leave Yao? Also, the Rockets' hopes will ultimately be sabotaged by the divisive antics of Wells, as well as the self-serving excuses routinely offered by Jeff Van Gundy. Houston is a very dangerous team, capable of beating any of the NBA's best at any time — yet the talent isn't balanced, and the team has too many emotional hot spots. If anybody can save this team, it'll be Battier.

I wonder what these writers are talking about...ESPN, Fox Sports, whatever...they're all so negative about the Rockets, I can't wait for all these writers to eat crow at the end of the year.
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I know Rosen is a hater, but c'mon. Rafer plays more like a scorer than a playmaker? With the team's depth this year, I believe Juwan Howard can't even "put up any number", including TOs and fouls. And Battier has ALREADY "supplanted Howard's time at PF spot". The team has many "emotional hot spots"? Sounds like Big Ben and Ron Ron is in our squad...

Sherlock · Oct 29, 2006

I'd just as soon we be underdogs all year, and then surprise everyone. Let the DOUBTERS write all they want.

forchette49 · Oct 29, 2006

Relax guys, ESPN has Juwan starting! LOL! If that's the case, then I do agree with all these rankings...

drich · Oct 29, 2006

Gutter Snipe said:

The bizzarro world thing about the whole lot of predictions is where they place the Rockets in the conference. It's understandable where they have them in the division, but an average rank of 6 after throwing out the outliers of 1 and 12 is ridiculous.

Who is going to be possibly ahead of them after Phoenix?

LA Clippers or Lakers?
The Nuggetts? Seattle?

Come on, the rest of the West just isn't that strong.

The regular season is going to end up with Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Phoenix contending for the top seed with around 60 wins. One of these teams may break out and get 63 or 64, but personally I think that this is the year that Phoenix and San Antonio take a step back. Timmy's been playing old for his age and Nash might start to lose something this year. Btw, has anyone other than MJ stayed at an MVP level for more than 2 years in a row in their 30's?
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man I could not have said this any better I totally agree with this post

wink3 · Oct 29, 2006

Sherlock said:

I'd just as soon we be underdogs all year, and then surprise everyone. Let the DOUBTERS write all they want.
Click to expand...

my sentiments exactly. Rosen has made a career out of being a pessimist.

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