I would be happy if Rafer could just convert 41-43% from the field, I'm not asking for Tony Parker #s 52%fg. Rafer did not have one descent (not asking for good), but just plain descent offensive shooting game in the Utah series when it counted. Morey aquired 3 PG's for a reason.
There's no need for this type of over-analysis and knee jerk reaction - especially since the Rockets haven't played any meaningful games yet. It's just overkill. I don't understand why people are living and dying with every word that comes out of somebody's mouth who is affiliated with the Rockets at this point in the preseason! I think the original poster was just trying to push people's buttons and/or is a JVG fan. I never liked JVG as a coach for this team nor his style of play. Personally, I can't wait to see Rafer gone as well. I will definitely celebrate that day if and when it comes. I think a Mike James and SF platoon at PG is the way to go.
Not to mention the opposing defense only has to guard 4 players while Rafer is on the floor! If thay had to respect his shooting, there would be more opportunities for others on the floor.
You make yourself an easy target. Over/under on the first Dakota reactionary thread this year? Methinks that "Dakota cuddling" line makes it up there with Sura faints, point forward, inknown commodity, and hispanic.
I know right? Because subtracting the only true PG on the roster is definitely something worth celebrating.
You know for a forum moderator, your bias towards this one particular individual is pretty ridiculous. You chose him and decided to rip on him all of last year, and I guess it's still going to continue. I've got news for you, whether you like it or not. Rafer Alston was the starting PG of statistically the most efficient starting lineup in the NBA. Of course he has offensive limitations, but it wouldn't matter if we had other scoring options. We didn't, and he was forced to play SG in addition to PG. That's on management. Regardless, JVG teams are defensive teams. We lost to the Jazz because we couldn't get defensive stops. We lost because we couldn't stop Carlos Boozer, period.
That's part of my point: expect ths same kind of stuff being said by the new coach because most real NBA coaches would say such things. The only difference is that maybe this time around, people won't b**** about these things as much as they did last year. Or maybe not... who knows which fan Adelman will offend this season by not cuddling the fan's pet scrub.
Wikipedia Definition: Point Guard (PG), also known as the one or "the ball-handler", is one of the five traditional positions of a basketball team. Typically, being quicker and shorter than even a shooting guard, the more speed a point guard has, the more likely he/she will be able to create separation and space off the dribble, which allows the guard room to work. While a shooting guard's primary responsibility is to score points through perimeter shooting, a true point guard's job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. He does this by passing, setting up plays on the court, getting knowledge of the game and skill. They usually exert a leadership role on the floor similar to that of a quarterback in American football. After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this reason, passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are pivotal. Point guards are often evaluated more on their assist totals than on their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot. Does that mean Rafer is second rate or maybe even third rate, since we know he does not have a "reasonably effective" jump shot?
I want in on that action. I also want in on the following bet: "Which scrub will DaDa adopt as the next savior of the Rockets?" Count me in for "Carl Landry" at $5.
You are right, it's coddling. But cuddling seems to fit, now that I think of it. And I'm not sure since when cuddling becomes strictly sexual. Doesn't seem so in my dictionary.
Thanks...lol I really don't understand this whole "true pg" argument in realtion to Skip. What has Rafer done to help the Rockets. He's a liability. Everybody knows he has the worst FG% in the entire NBA, which is why he the defense always rotates off of him and he gets wide open shots. I said this in another thread, but an open shot is an open shot no matter what type of offensive system is being run, and he has proven that he can't hit them. Not to mention that fact he can't create or finish when he has to. The guy can't even dribble the ball past half court during crunch time. I mean if an AND1 player can't dribble the ball then what good is he? I know you miss JVG and hopefully we'll all be missing his pet Rafer soon too.
It's not that he shoots so poorly; it's that he doesn't know he shoots so poorly. Why else would he continue to jack up shots after he has missed 10 in a row. Not to mention as bad as he is in the regular season. He is worst in the playoffs. When everything is on the line and the clutch players shine, Rafer stinks it up even more. Oh, and forget about the fact that he can't finish a layup and most of his 3 point attempts are wide open shots.
The rockets also lost to the Jazz because Rafer and Luther couldn't hit an open shot if there lives had depended on in it during the series. Open your eyes.
cuddle transitive verb : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection intransitive verb : to lie close or snug coddle 1 : to cook (as eggs) in liquid slowly and gently just below the boiling point 2 : to treat with extreme or excessive care or kindness
He also has defensive limitations. Sure he gets some steals, but most of those are off the ball. He constantly gets torched by opposing PGs. Jamal Tinsley posted him up and schooled him last season! Off the top of my head, the only starting PG last year who was as bad as Rafer was Smush Parker. At least Smush could dunk and finish well, but even he got benched in the playoffs in favor of the rookie Jordan Farmarr. Skip just has too many weaknesses that can be easily exploited by other teams. MJ at least brings some defensive toughness and SF brings offensive creativity. I would argue that they're both better shooters than Rafer too. I don't understand why anybody would want Rafer on the team if they want to see the Rockets succeed.
Heck, I know I am reactionary, and there are worse things than being known as "The Cuddler"....hey, maybe I can be in the new Batman movie.... Watchout for the rotund short PG from Austin......"The Cuddler" I will try to tone down the reactionary posts this year.......but I would put the over/under at the first loss to a lesser opponent. You lose, this year it is Mike Harris. And I still want Van Gundier banned for at least an hour for illegal use of context.......shame shame shame. DD
hmmm...So does "The Cuddler" have a Boy Wonder, too...or a whole team of them. btw: I think I'd rather be "The Snuggler" vs "The Cuddler." The Snuggler sounds more nemesing...or is that menacing.
