I know, I know. Everybody jumped on me last summer when I predicted the Rockets as a lottery team. BUT, let's be realistic here... WHY did the Rockets trade DOWN in the draft to get Collier? Because they knew that they weren't going to get anyone who could make much of a difference at 9, so why waste the salary cap $$$$. They understand, as I do, that they will most likely be a lottery team AGAIN next season. So, instead of belaboring the point, they grabbed someone at a non-lottery position that they could sign at a lower amount. What does this do? It frees them up next year or possibly the year after that (can anyone say "Tim Duncan", "Vince Carter".... etc..??). This team is in rebuilding mode and I wouldn't expect much until at least 2002 at the earliest. That's not to say it isn't fun worrying about whether over-priced role players like Croshere might end up on the Rockets roster. But, it's definitely going to be more fun seeing how the Rockets deal with the free-agent hunt next summer and the summer after that. Could be very interesting (not to mention the LOTTERY pick they'll have next year). ------------------
This is such a ridiculous post. Just look at the facts. You don't know how Collier will do. For all we know, he could be great. You don't know how Langhi will do. For all we know, he could be great. You don't know if we won't pick up a good free agent. You don't know if we won't trade for Fizer, etc. like we did Francis last year. You don't know if Mobley will resign. You don't know if perhaps the Rockets will continue the way they performed the last month of the season. Could we be in the lottery? Yes. But to say that we definitely are and to forget the season is completely ludicrous at this time. ------------------ http://www.saveourcuttino.com
I don't think you'll get nearly the reaction you got last time. Some people are predicting playoffs this season, but I think you are in the majority on this one. C'mon now, don't feel bad; it happens to everyone at some time or other. ------------------ Rockets Draft Obligations Summary http://www.gaffordstudios.cjb.net/
I too think this team is lottery bound, but I don't think it is a bad thing. Next year's draft looks to be loaded. ------------------
RT45/Sky, What a surprise you think we're lottery bound, being the ever optimistic one you are. Seriously though, I understand those of you that feel we are lottery bound. Talent wise the Rockets don't in all likelihood equal teams such as Dallas, and I know I am in the minority that believes that with all the intangibles of this team we will be a playoff team. But I do firmly believe we are a playoff team next year, with or without Cuttino. I may be dead wrong, but I do believe. ------------------ http://www.saveourcuttino.com
lol. How did I know Cat would be the first to respond to this topic. ------------------ You ain't gotta like me, you just mad cause I tell it how it is, and you tell it how it might be.
It'll be an exciting year witnessing the growth of the new Rockets regardless whether they make the playoffs or not. I did not get to see Hakeem's team from beginning to end. I will not miss a second of Steve's team. And it's not impossible for the Rockets to make the playoffs, but it is highly unlikely. ------------------ I am so exasperated that I could expectorate.
I''m half-way on this......Cat is right, Coo\llier might improve, although he SHOULD be doing better.....but on the other hand, Kenny isn't doing as good as he should be either.....Another thing is that, we need Walt at that age, hakeem won't be there the whole time, and we can use his leadership....and yet another thing is that more than half of our squad got their first year of real playing time, so they're a safe bet to improve a lot this coming season...Kenny, Shandon, and Francis will all definately improve....But, there is a bad side to this, if u look at it realistically, collier isn't getting enough boards, and he may be good soon, but probably won't make any impact.....langhi might have more impact.....although, langhi can be our sixth man and we could use the same line-up of the end of the season with langhi taking mobley's role.....there's some good, and some bad...you can never tell....Orlando gelled and almost made it to the playoffs last year.....could be our turn......and why's everyone on The Cat like white on rice anyway?
Just a quick hypothetical scenario. The new season is about to commence, we have Lost Cuttino and picked up two rookies in Collier and Langhi and thats it no FAs and no trades. So the team is Cato Thomas Williams Anderson Steve with Dream, Pig, Rodgers, Langhi, Collier, Drew and Moochie coming off the bench. What position will we finish now???? Hard to see us being much better, if at all than last year. ------------------ Stuff BBS, the Rockets and you guys It's all Clippers these days, come join the bandwagon and visit http://www.ClippersCity.net
Welcome back, Axeman!!! I must concur, we do appear to be lottery bound -- lets just how they don't funk it up this time like they did last year, going on that late tear and all... RT45, why aren't you posting using your other alias? ------------------ It doesn't matter if I have a signature!
*bleyeach* Can i heave now This is perhaps the most defeatist Pessimistic post i have even seen on this BBS. I think we underestimate chemistry. - A year of playing together will help Rocket River anyone remember a lil saying we have in houston . .. it went a lil something like . .er. . .uhm. . YOU GOTTA BELEIVE!!!! ------------------
That saying originated with the 1969 New York Mets. So its been around for awhile. ------------------ "Don't think twice, its allright"
hey river and bob read the dare in the deep do do thread ------------------ Stuff BBS, the Rockets and you guys It's all Clippers these days, come join the bandwagon and visit http://www.ClippersCity.net
Man, Rockets faith has gotten low. I remember a time when we wouldn't have seen a post like that until we at least made all of our off-season moves. Give the team a bit more time. If Mobley leaves and we don't get any good FA's, THEN, well,...you know... ------------------ Ugh, Another Rockets off-season....I'm gonna need a keg of Pepto-Bismol.
I am not being pessimistic, just realistic. The Rockets will be a young, inexperienced team. The most senior contributing member (because unfortunately I don't think Hakeem is going to be capable of contributing much) is going to be either Shandon Anderson or Pig Miller. Doesn't that worry anyone (not to say Shandon isn't a really great player, but he's not a seasoned veteran yet). I think it's just unrealistic to expect this Rockets team to do much better than they did last year over an 82 game season. I think Rudy and C.D. have the same outlook and know that the next 1 to 3 years are going to be major rebuilding years and they have a long term plan. That being said, I still will watch the Rockets and love every minute of watching them develop and come together as a team. ------------------
I will wait to see 3 things. 1. Does Cuttino stay. 2. Who do the Rockets get with the Trade exception, who is on the final roster. 3. Is Hakeem healthy? The last one is the X factor, if Hakeem can give you 15-10, they could sneak into the playoffs and make some noise, but that is a big if. If I would predict, based on the roster as it stands now. I would say lottery, but almost in the playoffs. DaDakota ------------------
I agree that there are just too many variables to make serious predictions yet. First, I don't see Houston being much worse than last year. Everyone's had a year to play together, and a year more experience. I think Francis, Anderson, and Thomas will both be signficantly better. Will we retain Mobley? Will Hakeem play well? Will Croshere sign with Houstonwell (or someone else)? Can we execute a deadline trade to push us over the brink? Nobody knows these things. Frankly, this post was premature and SENSATIONALISTIC. Let's wait an see. ------------------ [This message has been edited by haven (edited July 26, 2000).]
