DaneB - I generally agree with getting Dream his shots early. One drawback. The Rockets are currently averaging 75 shots per game. The '99 Pacers avg'd 81. ------------------ GATER
The problem is that Hakeem is out of touch with where his skill levels really are. He's still one of the better centers in the league, but do you really think the Rockets would be best served at this point dumping the ball into the post on 75% of the plays (as we did in Hakeem's glory days)? I think not. What Hakeem is upset about is that other guys are getting isolation plays and he's not touching the ball first. As much respect as I have for Hakeem, this only proves that the guy has lost touch with reality. The Rockets can't ride him anymore. He's contributing a hell of a lot though and if he wants to do more he should start calling for the ball or talking to his teammates instead of crying to media. ------------------
I think the Rockets should do exactly what the Pacers did last year with Smits. Start going to Hakeem early and getting him his shots, like the first 3 or 4 times down the floor. Then giving him the ball again every once in a while. They were able to get Jalen and Reggie a good amount of points with Smits averaging around 13 points per game. Reggie was still able to get his 18 ppg and Jalen was still able to get his 18. Im sure this is all Hakeem wants. ------------------ http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/houstonrockets2000
Well then, why doesn't he just talk to Rudy about it instead of whining to the media? That's what I don't understand. I'm sure Rudy wouldn't just ignore the guy and would probably work with him. Still, Hakeem's just not happy with the fact that his skills have deteriorated and the Rockets have started rebuilding with him still on the team. ------------------
