Is there any reason why Brooks and Landry shouldn't start?

This is crazy. Landry has a hot pre-season, Scola (after playing in the Olympics) is starting slow, which is exactly what he did last year and people already think Landry should start. What happened to the drooling over Scola's (sometimes) domination in the Olympics?

If Landry started, his flaws would get magnified. He does well against reserves and that is where he should stay. He is too small to defend good starting PFs. Scola has the bulk to hang with anybody. I also question Landry's durability and think coming off the bench is best for his career in the long-term. Scola is also more versatile on offense and blends better with Yao & Tracy. When he ramps up, you forgetful folks will remember how good he was for us last season.

Needless to say, AB would be abused game after game as a starter, even more than Rafer. Putting him in a starter role before he's ready (if he is ever ready) would be a grave mistake. AB has barely proven he belongs in the rotation. We still don't even know how he's gonna do when the intensity is raised after the games start to count. I'm hopeful he will prove worthy of 15-20 mins/game. If that happens, then we can consider more responsibility.

 

It doesn't matter who starts, it is all about who finishes.

DD

 

Read my lips, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, and so my fellow Rocket fans, ask not what the Rockets can do for you - ask what you can do for your Rockets...

 

People are connecting starting with being the better player. There are things that Alston is better at than Brooks. #1 is getting into the offense, it just flatout looks better with Alston in the line-up. Brooks still has a turnover problem. He's a guy that can come in off the bench when Tmac/Alston/Yao come out and provide energy. He's a better scorer than Alston (which really isn't saying much), but with Yao, Tmac, Scola and potentially Artest already in the starting lineup, he would be your 5th option. You are almost wasting his offensive ability by forcing him to play the distributor role. Therefore, Brooks is better coming off the bench.

As for the Scola v Landry debate, I'm not really partial to either one. People are going to point out that Scola was the starter during the 22 game win streak, but if I remember correctly they were both just as impressive during that stretch. I think at this point tho, you go with what has been winning you games. Landry will get plenty of minutes to prove that he deserves to be in the starting line-up. And they will probably both play 24 minutes anyway so its really a moot point.

 

Scola is going to play a whole lot more than 24 mins/game.

 

The Rockets are undefeated when both Yao and Scola start. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I will admit that i am much more excited about Landry right now. At the same time, I can't think of too many foreign players that were as productive their first season as Scola. Talented Euro's really seem to improve drasically their second year.

 

No, you have to have Rafer be starting point guard so he doesn't have to shoot much (4-5 fg attempts)

 

its about consistency and defense. rafer can almost guarantee his 12 points 5 assists a game and many of us do recognise his defensive presence on opposing PGs. aaron brooks cant guarantee the productivity that we want need from him, and his height and weight allows the stronger opponents to push him around.
Scola is the exact kind of PF we wanted so badly 2 years ago and we got him. landry relies too much on his athleticism and doesnt have the post moves that scola does. and again, defence. scola's presence helps out yao a bunch and he can almost guarantee that 1 charge a game.

 

Because Brooks and Landry are the backbones of the bench mob version 2.0.

 

I don't have a problem with having Landry as a starter and bringing Scola off the bench. Rafer is nevertheless steadier,taller and is less likely to commit turnovers than Brooks. He is also a better defender than him.

 

brooks will get owned on D and get yao fouled out

and brooks can't make entry passes to yao

 

I expect Scola's numbers to regress. The only reason his scoring went up last year was because of the injuries to Tracy and Yao. We've added more scorers on this team, and he's going to have to rely much more on garbage baskets around the rim and catch-and-shoot midrange jumpers. That's why, with this team, I think Landry might end up being a much more effective offensive player. He does those things better than Scola. Scola does do a nice job running the floor, though. But with Rafer, McGrady, Artest, and Yao next to him in the starting lineup, don't expect a lot of fast breaks.

 

where is Shane Battier? no body mention about him!!!!!!

 

All I want to know is it possible for Aaron Brooks to add a little weight and some muscle to his frame.

 

By now, I think everyone admits Yao's lack of mobility is the main reason it's hard to get him the ball. But that means the ability to make precise entry passes is that much more important. AB has a ways to go. I think with playing time he will improve over the long season.

 

I could see Landry starting. I think he would actually fit in better with the starting lineup because he is a finisher. He can snag those boards, hit the open js and get some awesome dunks afforded to him by the extra attention the stars would get.

Scola would be able to have the o run a little bit more through him in the 2nd unit, and I think that plays more to his strengths.

AB needs to prove some more before the keys are handed to him. You keep railing on and on about how he needs to start. Let him walk before he learns how to run. He hasn't even been able to be a reliable backup at this early point in his career.

 

The coach know more than us...