I rip Mobley for passive playmaking last night. But, he did actually seem to try to get other's involved and focus on helping with rebounding and transition. As silly as it seems in the box score, considering he shot 23 times, he did try to defer to others in the 1st Q and 2 Q more than I can remember recently. His attempts at playmaking and getting others involved was miserable though. If he's going to be that passive with his passes, then I'd rather he continue to the hole than dish during drives. Mobley is a man of reflex. He needs reps. When he tries to change, he overthinks and thinks poorly. He is much better in reflex actions. You know, we have another player who worked on reflex...his name is Hakeem. Some guys see the opponent and the rim only, and have trouble seeing the whole court. Mobley and Dream are like that, imo. When they start looking for the whole court, they slow down and lose their reflex. But keep trying Mobley. If you keep dishing on pnr drives (like in the 1st Q last night), the team will eventually adjust and give you a consistent passing lane so you don't have to think. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited January 24, 2001).]
I disagree that the Rockets underachieved from '87-'92. How can you expect much of anything with guys like Mike Woodson, Buck Johnson, Mitchell Wiggins (the 2nd time, remember?), Dirk Minnifield, Walter Berry, etc, in your starting lineup? And who are these outstanding guards you're talking about? Sleepy Floyd? The Rockets were not underachievers those years, they just had no talent. They weren't even that talented during their championship years, they just had Olajuwon and played way above their heads. There were many teams more talented than the Rockets when they were winning it all.
I agree Freak. The Rockets' main problem during that time was the HORRIBLE personnel decisions they made. Does anyone here remember the fantastic trade the Rockets made for a past-his-prime "Cornbread" Maxwell? THEY GAVE UP A FIRST ROUNDER FOR THE GUY!!!! Remember when the Rockets drafted Dave Jamerson, a shooter who couldn't shoot or dribble the basketball, or Steve Harris? And, unfortunately, we all should remember the wonderful John Turner. They were the San Diego Chargers of the NBA!! Ah, the good ol' days!! ------------------ "ON-BEE-TAH-BULL!!", Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, alumnus, University of Houston
Actually, on a struggling team, it is very easy to tell who is a good player and who isn't. The good players never quit. They hustle and give it their all no matter what the score of the game or the teams wins and losses. Thats what made it fun in the 80's. Dream never quit. In the 70's it was Moses and Rudy and Murph and Newlin. It isn't easy watching Francis and Mobley and Shandon make mistakes that cost us games now. But, in the near future, those losses will be wins. ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
It must be a comment on modern America or something for ANYONE to be upset about the progress of this team since '95. Are you kidding? This team has done a COMPLETE overhaul without ever sucking. Okay, sure, last year wasn't anything to make a documentary about, but Chuck's farewell tour and the entrance of Steve made it that much more fun. I don't care what you say, if you don't stand by your team when they aren't at the top, then you're not a true fan. Good thing we have an exciting team to watch develop over the next couple of years. ------------------ "There are three kinds of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and STATISTICS..." - Mark Twain -
