The Rockets after they won the championship in 93-94 made a bold move to get Clyde Drexler the next season. Was that a panic move that wasn't justified? They then made another bold move after they got swept by the Sonics the following year by bringing in Charles Barkley. They got by the Sonics which would not have been possible without Barkley. They didn't get by Utah, but that was one of the most exciting playoff series in Rockets history. Fans approved of these changes via pretty good attendance. This team needs change at the latest in the coming offseason especially if they don't make the playoffs. The core components of the roster has had years to get it done with this team. Dwindling attendance even with a new arena is a damning statement of the average fan's view of this team.
Well, both of those moves made the team better. They also neted us superstars in return for average players. If we can get a trade like that, maybe even artest + croshere for Mo T and Cat I'd do it in a heart beat. But if we're trading down in talent i.e. Steve for crawford + fillers I would be pissed as hell.
Les isn't affraid to pull the trigger on trades, especially if they are for star players. Les knows that star players are what win championships and bring in the crowds. The only problem is there likely is no one on the block that fits or is worth dealing for right now.
The Barkley and Drexler trades were totally different. If the Rockets could send Moochie, Taylor and Cato to San Antonio for Tim Duncan, of course they would do it. But no one is talking about those kinds of deals because they just don't exist at the moment. When they moved for Drexler, the trade was basically Otis Thorpe for Clyde. Sure, Thorpe was an important part of the championship run, but he was still a role player. Drexler was a superstar and a legend. Barkely came here for Horry, Cassell, etc. Barkely is one of the 50 greatest. As much as I love Horry and Cassell, no one would ever confuse either of them for Barkley. The two deals you mention were bold because we traded role players for superstars, NOT the other way around. Here, the suggestions seem to be mostly moving Francis for multiple role players. That is the EXACT reverse of what the Rockets did in acquiring Barkley and Drexler.
it pains me to say it, but i agree. I don't care if defence is supposed to win games, it doesnt make for an interesting game, its just plain boring. You watch teams like Lakers or Mavs, and its fun and uptempo, from what I have heard (not being able to watch my first rockets game of the season untill the xmass game against the lakers) our games seems to be clumsy and slow.
Rob you bring up an excellent point.... A vast majority of us Rox fans watch because of the entertainment value. However, over the last several years the Rox have not been exciting to watch. Most of their games are boring and unasthetic with very little fundamental skills shown (unlike the Kings, Mavs, Lakers and even the Nets). Most of us watch because we desperately want them to learn how to play fundamentally sound basketball and win on a consistent basis. Looks like neither is happening and changes must be made. JMHO
The Barkley trade was a terrible trade, the Rockets gave up too much for a player who was past his prime and riddled with injuries (back problems). The only thing he helped the Rockets accomplish was beating Seattle in the playoffs. I think the Rockets need until half season to see if they're still running in mud as Rudy T would say. I remember waiting like what seemed forever for the Rockets to get back to the NBA finals in 1986, they eventually did 8 years later. So I'm willing to wait as long as we don't pull a stupid trade like the Barkley mess.
Rockets weren't going to beat Sonics without Barkley. Beating the Sonics that year was well worth it in my opinion. It's not like they totally laid down for the Jazz. It came down the 6th game with Stockton making that infamous shot with Bill Walton saying "uh oh". I just want to see the Rockets get back into the playoffs. I don't care if they get stomped by the Lakers in the 1st round. Being in the 8th seed and competing is a whole world of difference than being the 9th seed looking forward for a freaking lottery pick.
I am a Yao-fan, but I think I am gradually loosing interest in watching Rockets, and become less Yao-fan, because of their boring games.
Anyone who watched the Rox during Hakeem's prime know we watched a team that was borign as heck. But every once in a while, Hakeem does something that just make your jaw drop and that was all worth it. In the end, winning is all that matters. It's just that we aren't winning . P.S. maybe it's because I started following basketball during rox's championship runs but I've learned to love the half court game. Sure running up and down taking fast break shots might be fun, but what I really enjoy is half court 1 on 1 games between the big mens or little guys. Maybe that's also why I didn't mind the iso that much. I liked seeing superhuman individual moves and efforts, but I like seeing winning more and that's not happening this year.
For the people who are tired of how the Rockets play or their style of play, let me ask you are you guys going to become Cavs fans or any Eastern Conference team fans??If you think the Rockets style of Basketball is boring pick any team in the East and believe me you'll come running back and asking for forgiveness>
I hear ya, but just because the east is boring doesnt mean that it is acceptable for us to play the same way.
No, actually the vast majority of the fans watch because the Rockets are their team. Over the years, exciting has not been the adjective that most fans would attrribute to the Rocket's offense(except for maybe the Malone/Murphy/RudyT teams). Throwing it down to Hakeem or Chuck and waiting by the 3 point line for the kick out pass has been the Rockets offense for years.. Only the newer fans who envy the fans of the other "exciting" teams in the NBA expect the Rockets to be like those other teams. It aint happening, get used to it, or go back to cheering for Sac or LA or someone. Slow and boring basketball is a Rockets trademark...
I agree, I want to win, but the two arent mutally exclusive. You dont have to play boring to win. If its one or the other, then I am always going to choose win, just dont think it has to be that way.
I respect the fact that you have probably been a big Rockets fan for a long time and seen a lot of games, but I disagree, I'm not a new fan, and I don't see that there is anything wrong with wanting the Rockets to play with a little more intensity and to please the crowd.
Can anyone actually remember any game in which the Rockets or any Rockets player played well and lost. I mean truthfully, something that sticks out in your mind even though the outcome wasn't how you wanted it to be. Everyone remembers Jordan scoring 63 but his team lost the game. I tend to remember what lead up to a Rockets win and agonize over how the Rockets lost than on any individual player.
True..... IMO, bring in players that know how the game is supposed to be played. Then you will generate excitement and energy.
