I can see how the acquisition of Swift would sting a little to a vet like Howard. He's an articulate, educated man, though, and I'm sure that he sees the need for a versitile, quick, healthy, young forward, especially in our conference. I wouldn't say that he is lonely at this point- he has had a long, decent career that is very much on the downside right now. Remember, his career may even be over depending on his injury. He's well liked, and I'm sure he has plenty of buddies in the NBA that are looking at similar situations that he can call up and talk to. So definately not lonely.
even if he backs up stro, i think he'll still get some burn backing up at the 3 and 4... i think eh's versatile enough to play the 3 in limited minutes
That's just what he does. I started reading this thread and just knew there would be a pgabriel sighting telling us Swifts career stats. Sure enough I scrolled down a bit and there it is. That train's never late.
The question is, what will be best for the Team? Yao starts, obviously, and TMac starts. This is a given, as long as both are healthy. So the determining factor as to who starts is: Which one of the two benefits the team more as a starter, given the presence of Yao and TMac? And which one benefits the team more when the bench comes in, when Yao and/or TMac are NOT on the floor? Seems to me (and I know some others have made this point on the boards too) that what the Rockets need more of, when Yao and TMac are out there at the beginning, is defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking. In this case, Swift should have the advantage. And when the 2nd unit comes in, it seems to me that a steady, consistent pro, with genuine ability, and capable of being a first or second scoring option, is just what the doctor ordered. Howard seems to fit this bill best. A bench that consists of Howard, James, Barry, and Deke.. heck, that is a pretty decent unit for the number of minutes they will be required to play. Obviously it all still depends on how the players mesh, and on how Swift fits in, follows JVG's coaching, etc etc. And nothing against JHo, who I really admire for his professionalism and everything, but it seems, on paper at least, that the team benefits most from having Swift start and Howard lead the bench crew.
In addition, surely Howard has heard the "unverified" reports (Fox Sports) that the Rockets tried to make a ST for D.S. and that he and Spoon were offerred. That can't make him feel real secure. Actually, I hope he stays and that he is full recovered. There are some really serious health concerns at play here. Any updates on his condition? Several posters have asked this question, but no responses.
considering that his contract was the driver behind the lockout of 1998 - I imagine that Howard is not going to worry about a few trade rumors
You must realize that pgabriel rips all players that the Rockets acquire. He ripped Tmac, he also ripped Pettite when the Astros got him, and now he's ripping Swift. If we were bringing in Lebron I'm sure he would find something wrong with him.
I think Jhoward would make a great role model for Swift to pattern his game after (offensively). I agree that I see us starting .. BSura DWes TMac SSwift Yao w/ MJames, JBarry & JHoward providing scoring off the bench. Throw in Deke for some defense and thats a solid bench squad. J
My thoughts exactly. Howard was playing really well for us last year and I expect he will be the starting PF in the upcoming season. Coaches don't usually stab the players in the back like that if they are performing and go down with injury, it sets a bad precident to do that.
I am a realist about Swift and I'm not the only one. Tracy and Swift are not the same people. Tracy has performed in his career, I never had any doubts about whether he would, the questions of Tracy were about his leadership and committment to team. And I'm not saying Swift won't perform, I'm sayin there is risk with this signing. Harrassment says I posted his career stats like I'm lying about something. And specifically as this thread is concerned, there is no guarantee that Swift will even start. Howard was key component to this team so Swift's past performance won't be enough to make Howard feel lonely. We are aquiring him with the hope he steps up. That's why the Rockets got him for the MLE.
So being positive is weak minded...quite the contrary. It takes a stronger mind and spirit to see through the crap in this world. Its weak to give up
Howard combined with swift gives us one of the best PF rotations available, IMO. No way he goes anywhere. He is also a team player and I believe highly regarded by both CD and JVG. Swift can play a litle center if need be, and the front court is dynamite. Why the hell would you trade Juwan now? Starting a game is not as important as finishing it. He would have been very important against dallas, as everybody knows. and injuries can happen to anybody, including swift.
