Just wanna conduct a simple poll here: <CENTER>How many of you still think the Rockets are going to make the playoffs?</CENTER> Well, I am one of the optimists. <CENTER>Goooooooooo Rockets!!!</CENTER>
Man, i dunno. Im really confused on what i am thinking, kinda like clutch. in one hand, you want them to win every game and go on to win the championship, which i think is highly unlikely at this point. But on the other hand if they cant win the championship and are just barely making the playoffs, you dont want to be losing balls in the lottery so we can watch another 1st round fizzle. so i guess im going to happy, win or lose, watching francis tear it up [This message has been edited by Nutcracker (edited January 07, 2000).]
Keep in mind that this is from someone who can't watch all the games because of location. The only way I can catch the Rocks is on real player or if they are on national TV (but! I do have tickets for MSG when the Rocks come to New York on March 14th!). Hence the reason I haven't been making many posts here recently. But... I'm also torn! I would love to see the Rocks make the playoffs, but I wouldn't want to see them become 1st round fodder. On the other hand, we have to look at the long term goals of the team; to become contenders for years to come! The only way to do that IMO is to draft quality players. And how do you do that? By having high draft picks come draft time. but I'm sure you all know that. It's a classic catch 22.
If it weren't for Dream, I'd forget about the playoffs. Both because I wouldn't want to get there and because we wouldn't be able to reach it anyway. I'd hate to see Dream miss the playoffs altogether (as much as I argued with the people who wanted Dream to retire over the summer for precisely this reason). Otherwise though, I'd love to see them lose every game (except maybe another 5) by one point. Wouldn't that be infuriating to watch!
No way are they going to make it, I will tell you something else. I don't think Rudy is trying to make it either. You think if they were in contention a little WRIST sprain would keep out Cato? Nope,!!! It is clear they are tanking the season, or more poinently letting the young guys learn. Dadakota
When Hakeem gets back, and in the flow of the game, I think the team will be like it was right before Chuck got hurt. I think that he will add to the stability in the 4th quarter that we are missing. Right now, there is a lack of respect inside, and teams are determined to at least hang around for the 4th quarter. The team as a whole has moments where they look like they are the only team on the floor. Then the stupid turn overs take place. When Hakeem gets back you will see what we have been lacking. An inside game. Kato has provided a little, but nothing like the presense of Hakeem to bring the double team and free up one of our guards for the outside jumper. There was a real chemistry starting to develope before Chuck got hurt. If Hakeem can come in, and accept the roll that CB4 played, then you will see the Rockets steal the one of the final spots. They can only do this with mini runs of 3-5 wins the rest of the seasons. If they play .500 ball when he gets back, then no, I don't think they will.
I'm w/ DaDakota on this one, I don't think we will be in the playoff race. Sorry to be a pessimist but I don't see it happening.
What a bunch of quitters.You dare try to change destiny for a couple of stinking ping pong balls. Maybe we come in as an #8 and upset someone ? It could happen . There is a better chance of that than winning the lottery. Anyway I hope we win and make the playoffs at least to give Francis some on the job training.
Twice, I think. Back in 94 when Denver beat Seattle. Last year the Knicks beat the Heat. I think they were the 8th seed, but I'm not sure. Hey, it could happen. In 98 we almost beat Utah.. ------------------ Francis+Charles+Dream-Pippen= Rockets 2000 NBA Champions
I think a lot of Rocket fans have forgotten how wonderful it is just to make the playoffs. It's a great achievement every year. And I would love for it to happen this year, but we are getting beat every night out. And we are getting beat at every position. I'm not advocating losing. I'm all for winning, but it's not happening right now. We are looking the lottery in the face. We're just not that good....yet.
This team has a MUCH better chance of winning the lottery than beating the Lakers, the eventual #1 seed.
One sobbering thought. We are closer to the worst record in the NBA then we are to the last spot in the playoffs. Chicago 4-26, at 10-22 we are 5 games ahead of them. Denver is 16-15 we are 6 1/2 behind them for the final spot in the western conference playoffs. Perspective can be an evil thing. DaDakota [This message has been edited by DaDakota (edited January 07, 2000).]
This team can't compete with any of the potential #1 seeds whether it be LA, SA or Portland. Not in a five game series. While if we make the playoffs, that'd be just fine, we'd be better off getting a lottery pick.
Forget all you people that are pulling for the lottery. What this team needs is experience and added experience in the playoffs. It almost makes me sick to hear some of you honestly saying that we can't compete and that we'd be better off as an organization going into the lottery. PhiSlammaJamma is right. Its an honor to be in the playoffs....EVERY YEAR!! If we make it to the next round then its an added bonus. Yea the truth is that we're headed down the lottery road, but the journey isn't over yet. There are still games to play and moves to be made. Like JuanValdez said, my playoffs hope lie with Hakeem coming back and playing well. Its really going to be interesting to see how this team plays without the post area being clogged all the time. I have a feeling we'll start seeing some EASY baskets when Hakeem is back to 100%. Ace, I think its time to change the sig now that Chuck isn't part of the equation anymore. I've said my peace. ------------------ Without a good defense, there is no offense. We don't need no stinking badges!!! We need some stinking WINS!!!
Charles is still under contract, damn it!! I still believe we can make the playoffs... ------------------ Francis+Charles+Dream-Pippen= Rockets 2000 NBA Champions
LOL....ok. Like Burger King....have it your way Ace! I'm with you. With Hakeem back and only him controling the low block, I think we have a fighting chance....a good one. Call me crazy and I know someone will, but with the Chuckster out(DAMN I hate saying that!) I think Dream may perform better. 15-20 ppg and 8-12 rpg a game sound good from Dream? I think so. ------------------ Without a good defense, there is no offense. We don't need no stinking badges!!! We need some stinking WINS!!!
