I became a Rocket fan for only one reason: Hakeem Olajuwon. I am now a fan for other reasons and love the new team but Hakeem is what brought me to the sport of Basketball. I hear so many suggestions on this BBS that we should tank next year just to get good Draft positioning. A factor that is not considered is that this is Hakeem's last year and he has only missed the playoffs twice in his illustrious year. I'm sure Hakeem and his competetive spirit ( maybe not lately but he's a beast in the playoffs) wants to go out on a high note. I personally would give up some draft position to allow the man who made basketball the passion most people here feel it is in Houston. Drexler, Barkley, (gulp) Pippen and all other free agents that see Houston as a great place and the Rings all derive from Hakeem. We are able to sign guys like Shandon Anderson for less because of what Hakeem has made the Rockets into...a respectable well loved franchise that is always competetive. I think if we do make the playoffs we would be a very dangerous team. Except for the Shaq matchup last year (he did great in the first game though) Hakeem has always dominated in the playoffs, even with injury (Utah '97 we almost beat them! Still hurts today that we didn't!!) He played the entire season in 98-99 and averaged 19 points and 9 boards and a few blocks and made the NBA 3rd Team. He even played a few games very well last year when Healthy. I feel he could make the all-star team as well, Truth is there arent any great Centers out west besides Shaq. Maybe D.Robinson or Vlade, but who else? If Hakeem gets past his Breathing problem (Which is easily curable from what i've read, it just takes time) I feel he could be a 15/10/3 guy next year, if not more. Hakeem has always been able to take his game outside and hit the mid range jumper, and with our penetrating guards he would get a lot of looks as the defense converges on Francis, Mobley, Anderson etc. And it will be hard for teams to double him with guys like Walt, Mobley, Langhi able to hit the perimiter shots. And Hakeem's a prety sly passer..thats how we won 2 championships! Do you feel its worth it to lose some draft positioning to make sure Hakeem makes the Playoffs in his final year? ------------------
Good post... The fact is that we are NOT gonna tank next year. Even if some idiots say that we should, we wont, so there's really no reason to worry. I also want Hakeem to enjoy a nice winning season to end his career. Though I dont think Hakeem can be a 15/10/3 kinda guy, he will still be a contributor. As you said, there arent many quality centers out there, so if Hakeem could just stay healthy for a CONSISTENT amount of time, then he can be counted as one of the top 6 or 7 centers in the league. And if his midrange game is working(and that'll prolly be how he gets the majority of his points), he can easily score 10 to 12 a game. So to answer your question... No we shouldnt tank, and we wont tank. Thats for sure. I dont think I could bear another big losing season. ------------------ president of the dan langhi fan club.
Tanking is not an option, plain and simple... Although I'm as big on Hakeem as anybody, the Rockets have some three main priorities to accomplish this season, IMO: 1) decrease Steve's turnovers 2) get Cuttino to pass the ball some more 3) develop Cato's post moves Now, Dream can contribute to the third one, but as far as being an offensive weapon, his time has gone. Hakeem has been nothing but the ultimate team player and professional for 16 years, but he took on a lesser role last year and handed the team over to Steve. He can't back out on that now, so I see him averaging 10-12 PPG. As far as the playoffs go, I don't think that's really a priority for him...Even if we DID make the playoffs, it will be as a lower seed and we would most likely get swept in the first round. If Hakeem goes through his final season injury free and contributes something to the team, I think it can be viewed as a big accomplishment for him. Also, I think there are still a couple of guys he can pass up on the all time scoring list (anybody have that list handy?), plus that blocked shot record needs to stay put for a few years... Besides, I hate it when he does a spectacular move or makes a tough shot, and the announer says, "Wow!! It's vintage Hakeem!" or "That looks like the Hakeem of old!!" A-Train ------------------ If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding!!
I think Hakeem can be a 15/8/2 guy next year if he can stay healthy. He will also have some great games like the 31 points against sacramento last year. If Hakeem is healthy, he will get his looks. Rudy always gives it to the hot hand, especially with Hakeem. ------------------
Hakeem looked like he was in awfully bad shape last year when I went to see the Rocks play the Kings. He could barely get off the floor...... And remember those two bricked dunks against the Knicks last year? ------------------ Who's ya daddy?
No tanking please. Hakeem will average 22/11/3.5. Okay maybe not, but that does not mean anyone will love him less. He is the greatest sports hero Houston has ever known, and the team should do everything possible to make sure he goes out on a high note. ------------------
