Does anyone else get the feeling they had in the early 90's when the Rockets made the moves that eventually led to the roster that won a championship? Acquired Steve = Acquired Dream (lucky) Drafted Mobley = Bought Maxwell (lucky) Traded Dream = Traded Sampson (let a fan favorite go) Acquired Thorpe = Acquired Taylor (solid role player w/little ego) Acquired Smith = Acquired Shandon (key contributor that the fans love to criticize) Drafted Griffin = Drafted Horry (rookie starter) Smith/Maxwell/Thorpe/Dream were together for several years before they become contenders for a title. Now they're locking up Steve/Cuttino/Taylor and eventually Griffin maybe Shandon and Norris to be together for years. I'm not saying our existing core will be champions, but I do think they'll be similar to the Sonics or Suns. I think they'll win a lot of games together.
Jeez, you people need to get real. If Griffin is as good as Horry was as a rookie, I WILL BE THRILLED. Griffin won't start this year either. Shandon is much better that EG right now at every phase of the game except shot blocking and rebounding.
Shandon is much better that EG right now at every phase of the game except shot blocking and rebounding. Thats exactly what we need we got scorers with mo, cat, and steve
Dude, don't we lack Rebounding & Shot Blocking in our current starters, espcialy since Dream found the exit????? I think Mr. Griffin could be on for the ride quicker than planned.
<b>Ever</b> gave? I don't think you're giving Horry enough credit. He was a good outside shooter, albeit a bit streaky, played good defense, and fit well into the Rockets system. His seven steals in one game is still an NBA Finals record that won't be broken for a while... As for the current team, we still don't have a consistent rebounder. I'm not talking about a guy that can get twenty boards one night and then take a week off, but somebody we can count on to get ten boards night in and night out. I think that Taylor will have to sacrifice some of his offense this year. I also think that Moochie fits into the Mario Elie role well...A tough guy that does the dirty work and gives a spark off the bench
Robert Horry has always thrived when there is a go-to post player, like Dream or Shaq. He is also a terrific post passer. Offensively he can set up shop on the perimeter and wait for kickout passes. He really lacks the ability to handle the ball, and does not have a midrange shot. Defensively he was always strong. IMHO Griffin will very soon eclipse Horry re. team impact. He has much more versatility offensively, and will be a better rebounder and shot blocker. By year's end I fully expect him to be starting (if not sooner).
I still think some on this board are too high on Griffin ... I mean he will be great, but not yet as good as someone described him ... I will be pleased if Griffin has a rookie season comparable to Horry's ...
Are you sure Shandon has a better post up game, ball handling skills and a better jumper then Eddie ? I'm not so sure.
Acquired Steve = Acquired Dream (lucky) *I think Griffin fits in here better than Steve. Franchise doesnt fit any comparisons.* Drafted Mobley = Bought Maxwell (lucky) *not even the same ballpark here man. Mobley is a much better player.* Traded Dream = Traded Sampson (let a fan favorite go) *agree* Acquired Thorpe = Acquired Taylor (solid role player w/little ego) *good comparison* Acquired Smith = Acquired Shandon (key contributor that the fans love to criticize) *not too bad, maybe Mooch instead of SA. SA is more of an Elie.* Drafted Griffin = Drafted Horry (rookie starter) *Sub In TMorris for Griffin*
Horry was 10 & 5 with a block and 2 assists in his rookie season. If EG matches that, I for one will very happy!