TheFreak It is a good thing Hakeem "gave Rudy job security", because Hakeem wasn't going to win without him. Not too many coaches anywhere would have have accommodated Hakeem like Rudy did. Hell, Hakeem complained so much in the early days, I hear he drove Rudy to drinking on the bench. as a side note: Why is it you never hear people say Shaq gave Jackson job security. Jackson installed a new system, so did Rudy. Jackson's system with Shaq will not repeat; Rudy's did! The triangle is so overrated. It is the players, player management, and defense that wins...not offensive system like the triangle. Jackson and Rudy tie for player mgmt and defensive intensity. They are the same type of coaches. They both cling to offensive systems. But I believe before Rudy is done, he will show us a completely different system that we've ever seen. Phil will never and could never change.
What does that have to do with Francis here in Houston? Why would we run Francis out of Houston for something that happened in Vancouver? This would only be relevant if Francis was still in Vancouver. ------------------ If Megatron can become Galvatron, why can't Rocks2001 become RocksMillenium?
Guys, TheFreak is referring to the fact that what Francis did to Vancouver is equivalent to what Pipsqueek did to Houston. btw, nice post Freak. Azim da Dream ------------------ We don't live for the destination. We live for the journey. http://www.clutchtown.com
I agree with Haven's statement that Hakeem owes this team as much as this team owes him. ------------------
Okay, if what Francis did to Vancouver is equivalent to what Pippen did to us, then what Dream is doing to Houston is the equivalent of BOTH of them right? What makes it any different? ------------------ If Megatron can become Galvatron, why can't Rocks2001 become RocksMillenium?
Freak, for the first time ever, I agree with you. Hakeem deserves better treatment and appreciation from the fans and the organization. That means YOU RUDY. LET HAKEEM PLAY! ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
We will never see hakeem in a rockets uni again. Doesnt that bring tears to your eyes, .................tears of happiness! GO CATO GO!!!!!!!!!!!! ------------------ President of the Moochie Norris fan club.
hardwood -- you deserve Hakeem, the city of Houston doesn't. I'm being general here. Btw...definitely true about this 'going public' being all about PR. I agree. For all we know the organization requested that he do that so they wouldn't catch flak for moving or releasing him. Azim--thanks. heypartner--Hakeem wasn't going to win without Rudy? Okay, Rudy is a great coach, but if you're going to say that then you must say Jordan wasn't going to win without Jackson. I disagree with both. For both players, it was finally their time. They were the best! That's what the best do. And what are you talking about with Rudy 'accomodating' Hakeem? If he wanted to win he had no choice. And Shaq didn't give Jackson job security, Jordan did--just like Hakeem gave it to Rudy. If Rudy wanted to leave the Rockets, he could go to, say, the Nets (just an example), and get Marbury to finally listen to his coach just because "he's won championships". Same thing with Jackson and LA. Aaahh...the difference is, I try to be consistent. I didn't slam Pippen for what he did, didn't slam Francis for what he did, and definitely won't slam Hakeem for what some people think he's doing. I know that athletes are human, and they get frustrated with their job just like everyone else. The only time I bring up Francis' actions is when people try to play dumb by pretending he didn't do anything wrong, and then turn around and slam other guys because it's convenient. ------------------ "I have to say, I don't understand why these Rockets' fans are booing Scottie." -Calvin Murphy [This message has been edited by TheFreak (edited January 18, 2001).]
The idea of Cato starting "all" of next year makes me want to resign Dream for the max . Seriously, I wonder how many games he'll actually play... 20-30? Maybe 50 if we get lucky? It looks EXCEEDINGLY likely that Hakeem will not return.... which means we might be in dire need of a big man next year. Eeek! ------------------ Shandon Anderson rocks. The lottery sucks. Playoffs 2001.
Hardwood, I really identified with your post. I was at the dome when the Coogs with Elvin Hayes beat UCLA with Alcindor. I suffered with all the Oiler and Astro near misses, as well as the Coogs in the final fours. There is one thing that Hakeem has given me that Francis, Mobley and the rest of the rock stars may never give me, and that is a championship for the city of Houston. I may not live in Houston now, but I did for 20 years, and I supported all the teams through thick and thin and still do. If Hakeem leaves or stays, I don't think it will make any difference to this team. Rudy has basically refused to give him significant minutes in the 4th quarter, and I don't see that changing. If he hangs on too long, or if he flat out quits, or if he continues to play the rest of this season, I don't care. Without him, I would still be a frustrated fan. I will continue to be a fan of Houston sports teams regardless of what happens, but I may never witness another championship. So puke away all you weak-stomached fans that can't stand it that I appreciate a person that allowed me to know what it feels like to have one of "my" teams win a championship. ------------------
Freak: That is simply not true. Rudy is the one that convinced Hakeem to trust his teammates. Before that, Hakeem was a black hole. Rudy was the one who installed the low post offense that allowed Hakeem to flourish and develop the Dream Shake. Rudy put players around Hakeem that he needed to do his job. He called the right numbers at the right times. He made not only personnel decisions but decisions on the sideline that turned into wins. Finally, and most importantly, Rudy babysat Hakeem. You heard it right. He convinced him to stop demanding a new contract in the locker room before every game and go out and play hard within the confines of the offense. The mark of a great coach in the NBA is not the X's and O's. That has all been done. The mark of a great coach in the NBA is his ability to mold his best players into being great with the right offensive schemes, the right players and the right psychology. If great players knew how to do all that, more of them would be successful coaches today. ------------------ I am very very sleepy.
I can't believe I'm being insulted like this. Hakeem Olajuwon is NOT the Houston Rockets. Never has been, never will be. Hakeem is a great player, but point blank, he's done with. Sure he can still put in 10-6 in limited minutes, but that isn't anything to bow down to. I love the Houston Rockets and rooted for them all of last year, but I'm sick of hearing how I should be bowing down to worship Hakeem's jock strap just because he was the centerpiece of two championships SIX AND SEVEN YEARS ago. This is not his team anymore, and he can't play more than 8 minutes before he starts huffing and puffing. Hakeem is done with. Get him out of here. ------------------ Who's ya daddy?
One more thing I forgot...what about all the fans that have started rooting for the Rockets since Hakeem's hayday is over? Just because he use to be good before they started rooting for the Rocks, are they suppose to want to keep Hakeem around? ------------------ Who's ya daddy?
Why the pointless whining about attendance? Come out or shut up. TBS screws up attendace for their games. All TBS games start at 7:00. Most teams schedule their games at 7:30, so everyone is 30 min. late. The only 7:00 home start all year. Happened at the Summit on Tues, I saw half of the fans walking in late. By starting the game a 1/2 hour early, TBS makes all the national telecasts look empty. If you can't afford tickets, plan ahead, and buy em before the $10 tickets sell out, then move down. Or come to the game and out-wait the scalpers. Try to buy a scalped ticket at the end of the 1st quarter. RM95, I agree 100% that Pippen's Comments == Olajuwon's comments. I don't think we should waive or trade him, but sit him. See my post in the "Thoughts..." thread [This message has been edited by jamcracker (edited January 18, 2001).]
Freak, I'm humbled by that remark.......BIGTIME.I just shot from the heart-Thanks You know ,I have always been a Rocket fan and always will.From the Big E to Moses,Rudy,Calvin,and that wonderful,zany cast of characters then,in between,and after(Lucas,Sweet Lou,the Chicken man,Robert Reid,and even Billy Paultz)Akeem's arrival, I look back with pride at the good and down right hillarious times we enjoyed while they helped build this organization into what it is and give it a history and a foundation.....including getting to the finals.Yes ,the dawn of a new age is upon us,Hell ,it's arrived.Shandon,Stevie ,Cat,and the boys look like they are now ready to continue that winning tradition,attitude,and professionalism that has marked our team for most of it's history.Everyone is excited and they should be.This DEFINITELY includes me.Rudy is now in a situation in which he excels like few others.Man,he is so good at molding young players into a TEAM , teaching them the game of basketball the way it should be played,and giving everyone their role. Moe, I'm so glad I hit that spot.I must admit that I'm envious of you being there in the dome and watching that game live.My mom listened to that game and she remembers exactly where she was.(much like most Coogs and sports fans do)the beauty shop..haha..It's true!Even though you don't live in Houston now,I have a feeling you'll be making a pilgrimage back to Houston in the next couple of years to watch our Rockets in the finals,and enjoying our new Arena.While this team might be young and different in some ways,I see that same Rocket attitude already.Rudy has frustrated me to the max at times,but I have always believed there is a method to what may appear to be madness.We are blessed to have Rudy to not only coach this team,but bridge the gap from old to new.I have complete faith in this organization and......WELL,... what goes around comes around.The Rocks and all of us are like one big family, and I am looking forward to watching THIS team make new history. ------------------ [This message has been edited by hardwood (edited January 19, 2001).]
I disagree with everything Freak said. The old Olajuwon has resurfaced. Since he knows he isn't gonna get the money from the Rocks, he will pull a Ewing and demand a trade. Lets see... In 1998, we all screamed about keeping Olajuwon instead of trading him. Dream comes out and says its "all about loyalty" and "completing the circle". He wasn't the focus of the offense then. He was 1/3 of the focus. Forward to 2001 and he is demanding a trade, breaking the very circle he was whining about keeping and betraying the very loyalty he was demanding. By the way, he is still 1/3 of the focus NOW. Complaining about the same type of fans that have existed in Houston since God spoke to Moses makes no sense. Fans in Houston never filled up ANY stadium when I lived there. Sure, when you win you get the crowds. But when you lose and fans show up(Green Bay, St. Louis, New York), then we can talk about fan loyalty. Dream, I love you. But right now I am confusing you with another center named Ewing. Sounds like another selfish athlete to me. ------------------ [This message has been edited by Almu (edited January 19, 2001).]
Almu is on the money. Unfortunately. Just check Nba Talk. ------------------ "Dream another dream, this dream is over... Dream another dream, this dream is over... Dream another dream..." - from the Van Halen song, "Dream Another Dream". Fitting, isn´t it?
ven.. well you wo'nt see hakeem in street clothes at the games. since most of the time he is "too good" to come to the games when he is injured ------------------ Shane "Save Our Rockets" "Life without basketball in Houston........without an arena that is what it will be"
