All, A few final thoughts on the season: http://blogs.houstonpress.com/ballz/2008/05/houston_rockets_20072008_requi.php Also, a season-ending Q&A with Daryl Morey coming tomorrow. If you have any questions for him, send them along via the comments section at the end of this column, and I'll try to squeeze a few of them in. Finally, thank you all so much for the great feedback all year long. You guys (and girls) have been absolutely fantastic. Thanks for reading! JCF
Great job as usual Jason. You have breathed fresh life into the BBS. Keep in touch during the off-season even though it will be slow.
Posted on the blog! Thanks for the great summary. Have fun this summer blogging with baseball. (I have already given up on my baseball franchise... 8 games under .500 for the Reds.. we so stink - but there is hope that they will have a "Rockets-like" season and comeback.)
This has been hell of a season, I'm proud of boys, so much improvement since last year but we were just unlucky. I hope this is start of something big.
very well written article, just a question though, when does bobby jackson's current contract end? is it over this season or next season?
I liked the article, fritz. The unseen potential of a full playoff squad really made me angry. It seemed like the talk of winning now was to head off season ending injuries or players past their prime. We're in our primes and to have a wasted season is hard to cope with. I'm proud of what the team accomplished with what they had, but it wasn't the dream or journey we were promised, so I haven't accepted like other fans on what the Rockets were supposed to have. I can't blame Yao and Tmac for injuries they had no direct control over, but I can't absolve them because getting injured every year is part of who they are. I don't know what to think about this offseason. Too many high and low emotions to deal with from this year.
All, just an update: Scheduling conflicts have dictated that I won't be talking to Daryl Morey until Wednesday. On the plus side, that gives you more time to submit any questions you may have (see initial post in this thread). I apologize for the inconvenience, but I'll have that interview for you guys by Thursday morning. Thanks for reading. JCF
1) it is a given that when trading a superstar, equal value is rarely actualized. that said, would the rockets even entertain an offer in exchange for a lesser, yet more durable star + whatever filler is necessary? 2) if les alexander is sincere in his pledge to continue to build around yao and tmac, what measures are we prepared to take to ensure their durability? we haven't seen a full, healthy combined season out of our stars yet; and, while "luck" may be a factor, it seems to be a reality that we may never see a full season of health out of both of them. reduced minutes may help that, but that may come at the expense of more losses and a missed playoff birth - essentially cutting off our nose to spite our face. how does the organization plan to address this lingering, chronic problem? 3) the rockets obviously have a need for a 3rd star. by star I mean, one that can create his own shot, be efficient, and relieve pressure from our two stars by creating more movement and options offensively. how, without trading one of out cornerstones, do we plan on acquiring such a player? are we relying on the large free agent class to force a player into a "bonzi" situation where the player has to take less $, due to the limited number of suitors vs the exhorbitant number of free agents? 4) what is the club's opinion on yao training to get back in time for the olympics? contractual obligations, and personal desires, may take the decision ultimately out of the org's hands, but are they concerned that yao may come back too soon in an effort to play in the olympics, and jeopardize next regular season? 5) has/is the organization considering any modifications to the toyota center to alleviate depth perception problems players have complained about both privately and publicly? 6) how were players allowed to dictate playing games only find days/games later they sustained significant ills? 7) what is his opinion on the role of the medical staff and their impact on the injuries we have perenially suffered?
What are the rockets potentially looking for in the upcoming draft? And are the rockets looking to add some size (which was exposed this season, especially when Yao went down) in the frontcourt this offseason via free agency or trade?
8) our players and coaching staff are always evaluated after each season. is the medical staff evaluated as well? what is the criteria? are they measured on their effectiveness of treating injuries and preventative medicine/training? 9) does he think we have too many one-dimensional, specialized players? ....there's a good start...
