I say Alston, but if he continues to pull and shoot 18 footers with 18 seconds left on the shotclock, then Brooks should start.
I'm with you 100% DaDa,it's time for AB to start.I would have probably played him more in the first half. On Scola,he definitely should be starting now with Landry poised to play the 3/4 at a very high level.I love Chuckwagons attitude but our quality depth has caught up.He should strictly be played as a defensive specialist up to 10 - 15 minutes a game from now on.The Rockets will win and these guys adjust to the NBA...It's a win win.
Which should further go to show that there's more to putting together a rotation than "Player X>Player Y => Start player X". It's not just about talent.
brooks and landry are ~ 1-2 months away from being in the starting lineup - and that is if they're in the rotation and get meaningful minutes.
I hate the idea of Brooks playing starter minutes against an explosive power guard like Baron Davis that he matches up horribly with. Other than that, I suppose you can try this idea in some matchups.
Brooks is still learning, too early to give him the keys to the car. Somehow someway Rafer is still our best option at starting PG
If Brooks started 2nite, Davis will post him up all night long and abuse em and I dont suggest starting him 2nite as someone has mentioned. Regardless we have to double Davis when he's in the post. I voted no
Give steve francis more chance and help him to adjust. You cannot teach talent and you cannot teach ambition. I still believe he got a lot left in the tank.
Kind of interesting how Rafer's play always picks up in spurts when he's pushed.(he was finishing so much better and running the team...declined lately).....Don't you think it's right around the corner for AB though? BIG upside. I see him starting to hit that J more consistently and playing under more control very soon. Defense is improving...It's gonna happen.
I like this kid a lot. I think he'll be a x-factor late this season like I am Sam did in his rookie year. But I'd like to start him next season.
Whether or not he starts or comes of the bench AB should be getting about 25 minutes a game for sure.
He would guard Monte Ellis, and Battier would guard BD. The point is ( and it is very close to my V-Span argument of last year ) that with Rafer starting the team is just not going to go anywhere. Sure we had our fools gold moment where he had a phenominal stretch, but once Tmac got back, he was basically asked to be an attacking SG, and his disasterous play has continued. So, if you believe that Brooks is the answer, or MIGHT be the answer, I think you throw him into the fire, and have the steady handed Rafer off the bench to control the temp when Tmac is out. Brooks may not be ready, but Rafer is never going to win us anything. DD
voted no. AB has to get the minutes from Rafer (the best PG in practice) and the ball from TMAC for him to be effective. that's mission impossible.
I can agree with this point, if we get down early to GSW because they are running by us. It's time for AB, Scola, and Landry (Yao can't cover the 3 point line and Harrington is having a Michael Jordan moment). AB, Scola, Landry, Tmac, and Battier (who holds BDiddy). Tmac must check Jackson, Scola on Harrington, AB on Monta, and Landry on the other 4.
Rebuild? --Aaron Brooks. His strength is as obvious as his weakness. But anyway, he is our only young PG stands a chance in recente years. PlayOff only? --Rafer Alston. If playoff is our only goal, then go for him. He gives us the best chance to qualify the playoff. But make some noise in the west? It's hard... it's hard.... It's time!? --Steve Francis or acquire another good PG If things doesn't work, we may lose everything. But, if it works, then IT'S TIME!
If McGrady's in the starting lineup, Brooks should be on the bench. If T-Mac's coming off the bench, Brooks should start.
Honestly, it is far from the ideal scenario, but it is our best option to make Brooks the starter. We are going nowhere with Rafer playing 30+ mpg. I am not worried about Brooks losing confidence or hurting his development by starting him halfway through his rookie season. IMO, the worst case is that he just doesn't play well which to me is a risk worth taking considering Rafer's poor play and our clear lack of other options. There are a few reasons why I believe that starting Brooks NOW would be a low-risk, high-reward move: 1) Rafer sucks. He isn't good enough to be the starting PG for a contending team. 2) Brooks displays uncanny composure for a rookie. He showed it in Summer League and, despite some off nights, he has carried that over for the most part to his play during the regular season. He doesn't seem to get rattled no matter what stage he is playing on. This mental attribute of his has been as impressive as any other, including his ridiculous speed. Unlike Rafer, AB always has that even-keel, poker face you want out of your starting PG. While Rafer wears his heart on his sleeve, Brooks doesn't let things noticeably get to him. When Rafer is struggling, his teammates can see it, the opponents can see it and the fans can see it. Good PGs tend to stay cool during the ups and the downs of each game and over the course of the season. 3) Brooks seems to have impenetrable confidence. I don't think rushing him into a starting role would have negative long-term effects if he did end up struggling initially. The guy has a quiet fearlessness about him that should eliminate almost any risk of ruining his potential by increasing his role at such an early stage.
