You know, I wonder if Chuck is so high on these plus/minus lists because he plays less minutes. His minutes are on average about 10 minutes per game less than the other four starters are playing. Would his numbers be lower if he was in the game longer?
I know that as long as we're playing well that the numbers are nothing to worry about and all, but Rafer's field goal percentage for the season (37.7%) is now lower than it was last year (37.9%). His three-point percentage has dropped to 36.1% ... it's 34.1% without the Mavericks game (14 of 15 games). In the last 5 games, Rafer is shooting 13.8 times on average (compared to Yao's 14.4) on 34.8% shooting from the field and 30.8% from long range on nearly 8 threes a game. It's downright antoinewalkeresque. Right now Rafer shouldn't be our top concern given McGrady's clunker, but certainly worth keeping an eye on.
In conclusion, I will stick to what I have been saying since Rafer came to Houston. Rockets are not going to the promised land with Rafer as a starting PG. He is the weakest link on this team among guys getting majority of the minutes. The link is a thread....Ready to snap and bring the whole team down.
I'm not trying to pick a fight, but... I dismiss what I consider an insignificant change in numbers. If the trend becomes prolonged-- for example, Rafer keeps on shooting 33-34% for the remainder of his contract -- then I'd start to worry. Otherwise, Rafer Alston is John Stockton reincarnated. Such slight changes in fantasy stats can't really help understand why the Rockets lost the game tonight. Just my 2 cents, sorry if anyone finds it offensive...
Amen brother, the guy shoots WAY too much..... He should be setting the table for others to eat, not pulling up a chair and picking up a knife and fork. DD
Consider this, DaDa: the guy is shooting 38% from the field so far this season, and almost every single shot het gets is a WIDE OPEN JUMPER! I would hate to see how terrific a shooter he is with someone within a mile of him.
