Would the fans really notice a slight drop in minutes? They would still get to see our stars-and our players could stay a little fresher.
Exactly - they would still be starting and finishing the games, but just a bit more time off in the middle. And get some players that are only 1 injury away from playing a bit of court time to get them comfortable. DD
Extra rest, or no rest... either way, I'm never ever ever going to consider that as a reason why we don't get out of the first round (if that's the case). If they really are getting smoked up and down the court by (half-court) Utah, this team has a lot more problems than just fatigue.
Agreed - but the Utah topic is for another thread. I just want to make sure the team has EVERY chance for success, I would hate to see a worn out Battier or a fatigued TMac in the first round of the playoffs. DD
Folks, the playoffs are near. We need our best players playing so we can be ready. We need to get the team in kill mode, just like the other elite teams. Every game needs to be played at a high level. Do you think the Mavs, Suns or Spurs are going to let up just because they have the best records and locked playoff positions? We need to finish off strong. Expanding the rotation at this point is just asking for problems. The team needs to be playing their playoff rosters for preparation. The Suns, Mavs, and Spurs have all gone on long winning streaks and big runs. The best teams seem to turn it up when the playoffs are around the corner. The Rockets need to do that, they need to play their best basketball all the way till end the season. No elite team changes their rotation at this point just to rest their stars. That starts to happen when there is like 1-2 weeks left in the season, not now. Yall wonder why JVG still plays starters when the game looks done? Well, he wants to team to finish strong. We have had problems this year closing out games. JVG wants the team to close out and demolish teams, especially the ones we are suppose to beat. The team needs that killer instinct mode that the elite teams have. We aren't going to gain that if we take it easy and change up the rotation. It's not like Yao and T-Mac are on pace to play 82 games. They've had their rest, they will be ready and fresh for the playoffs.
Vic, While I disagree with your post, because each team has different agendas and motivations and needs. I still congratulate you on coming in with a very good post and a well thought out argument. Thanks. DD
Vic, I agree with you! I just think we gotta be heading to the playoffs like we are the best team in the NBA. Let's get on that 15 game winning streak.
That would be awesome !!! Unless the starters are worn down when we hit the playoffs, and resting them an extra 5 minutes a game does not mean we are forfeiting the games. Why not rest them AND go on a 15 game winning streak? Best of both worlds ! And again, I appreciate everyone in this thread talking about the topic and nothing else...well done. DD
If T-Mac goes down, we aren't getting out of the first round regardless. If you just want to reduce his minutes, I say we do it by playing Snyder or Bonzi more. Yao is backed up by veterans. And Shane Battier is seemingly indestructable. Look, I get it. You're angling for Spanoulis to get more minutes. Personally, I'm more worried about how Luther Head is going to play in the postseason than VSpan. If you want to play Spanoulis (and Snyder), it will only come at the cost of Head's minutes. Not a good idea. Luther needs all the practice time he can get.
So you're telling me that Charles Barkley knows more about coaching than Mike D'Antoni? That's odd because a few months ago you were singing a different tune: But now I guess you're saying taht Charles Barkley is an ideal coach (better even than your hero D'Antoni(o)) because he is spouting off a load of crap that happens to dovetail with your theories? No, I'm saying that your theory of giving somebody 2-3 extra minutes of rest provides minimal returns over the long term, and that NBA coaches, including ones you profess to love and respect, at least this week, think it's bogus.
We are not talking about who is a better coach are we Sam? No, I am saying that Charles Barkley knows more about how players bodies respond to a bit more rest than Mike D who has an agenda to preach. Nope, I like Mike D as a coach, but I disagree with his assesment about players and their need for rest. One is not the same as the other....get it... Stay on Target Sam...stay on target !! Again, I am saying Charles knows more about how a players body responds than Mike D....since Charles actually PLAYED the game. You are free to take the opinion of a coach over a hall of fame player. I disagree, I think having a bit more rest will help keep them fresh, but also allow players that may be called upon in case of injury to get some time on the court and thus be more ready should a catastrophe happen. DD
I agree. All you need to do is to go to the chat room and see all those 'why is yao not playing' or 'why is yao benched' questions everytime Yao needs to sit down and take a breath.
D'Antoni didn't play the game? He's considered one of the greatest players ever in the Italian leagues. And he's been around the game far longer than Charles, and he's enjoyed more championship success. Barkley, obviously, was a greater player, but that doesn't make him more qualified on this issue. I certainly wouldn't call Sir Charles an expert on how athletes should treat their bodies.
I know some fans would complain about it but the idea is that it is more about the big picture and less about the individual game. This team has a chance to contend for a title, and they should be doing everything they can to prepare for that. Including keeping their players healthy and fresh. DD
Playing in the Italian Leagues where there are far fewer games does not equate to playing in the NBA. Again, I like D'Antonio a lot, I just think he is wrong on this issue. I think it is prudent to give some players a few less minutes to keep them fresh, and give some other players a bit of court time to get them ready in case of emergency. DD
I agree with your first point, in general (though for the specific case of Phoenix, D'Antoni knows what he's talking about more than Charles). And while I think the second point has some value, it is far less of a priority than building team chemistry with the core group and getting the key reserves meshing in the rotation.
Now that is danged funny !!!! One thing I want to point out to everyone is I am not condoning tanking any games or trying to win any less of them. One is not exclusive of the other. We can win the games with an expanded rotation just as easily as a smaller rotation. I am pointing out that at this point in the season, we have bigger fish to fry than winning individual games. I am saying the focus should be about getting ready for the playoffs, and making sure the team is fully healthy and eveyrone is prepared and ready. DD
