Myth: The Rockets ceiling this year is the 2nd Round

Statistically you're right. I guess the Rockets need another year. And mainly because our superstars are not Top 2 kind of superstars

 

Funny thing... all winning coaches had a first win.

 

Statistically, last year's Rockets team had about 3-4 teams that were statistically similar to them based on age/performance if I recall correctly. Based on the careers of Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan, and Howard, no team (at least in the last 20 years or so) has had the age and performance of the Rockets and then added the top center without losing one of its top 6 players. The too young argument as presented has little merit.

This is not to say that an analysis like what NASA did for O Rings could show that the age/performance of Rockets adding Howard could or could not show the Rockets are not contenders. I don't have the desire or time to do something like that, but expect the results would be inconclusive based on the inconsistency in data (i.e. a lot things affect winning and losing in NBA that aren't measured) for NBA.

 

The SG/Center combination has some serious synergy working for it. Add Asik to hold the line when Howard is out, and it will be tough for teams to make up points during the minutes Howard is out.

It is always possible that an injury to one of those three will hold us back, but barring that the rest of the team is good enough to make us a real contender.

 

The slogan of the NBA is 'The Finals - Win or Go Home' is it not?

 

I think it also comes from the..."Rockets are not deep." this is a myth and I think the team will prove that.

They have two of the best centers in the NBA. Two starting PGs. A solid veteran in Garcia backing up Harden. Another solid vet in Cassipi in backing up Parsons.

The only question mark is at PF...but the Rockets will go small or play both bigs which is the big questino here.

They have more than just two all-star players. The team around them is very good. Problem is they weren't on TV a lot so for these guys they only know Beverly as the guy who hurt Westbrook.

 

This team is pretty loaded. Western conference finals is very realistic.

 

I agree except for #2. When great players join a new team they don't go straight to the Finals and win. They need experience playing together in playoff intensity games to win it. Barkley joined the Suns and they went to the Finals and lost for example. I guess Magic as a rookie would be the exception.

 

The heat is an example of a team needed time to gel. Bron/Wade is a hard pair to play together compared to Howard/Harden though.

I agree that the status quo and "learn to win" are a bunch of crap.


None of that will hold the Rockets back. The only thing limiting their potential THIS SEASON is we don't know what contributions we will get from PG and PF.

 

Yeah and this is the Morey rockets were talking about. This time last year, James harden wasn't even a rocket.
People wanted us to tank.

2 yrs ago we had all different players but parsons. It's only his second training camp.

If any team can mesh well in a short period of time, it's these rockets. Not saying we should be crowned champions already, but the wcf is very reasonable.

 

This.

 

True. For example before Lebron joined Miami he had also been to the finals and his partner Wade had a championship ring along with finals MVP.
But they had a 3rd option capable of taking over chris bosh. and they still lost the 1st year.

I hate to say it but it would be a miracle to win the finals this year we do have the pieces but we don't have the chemistry yet compared to the other contenders.

 

We have two top 10 players, and another top 5 center. Give this team some time, we will be gunning.

 

Really? You write us off already. We may not be destined to win the West, but I think we are good enough to have some chance.

 

Ive said the above before.

Our Ceiling is finals that doesnt mean we are saying they'll reach it.

 

Haven't we learned our lessons from last season? We had a horrendous record against top ranked teams. 3-20 vs Heat, Spurs, Thunder, Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Pacers.

Rockets also lost leads in many close games and simply couldn't score when oppositions stepped up their defense. Do people really think Dwight will change that?

Our offense is gimmick, based on 3's and rims shots, which is great for the regular season, but it's easily to defend against in close games, in playoffs, and especially by a good defensive team.

We might get lucky and win a series against good defensive teams such as Spurs, Grizzlies, Bulls, Heat, Pacers or Thunder, but highly improbable to win 2-3 series against them. Rockets, as of now, are NOT built for championship.

 

There are too many things to argue with in this post to even be worth the time.

 

I believe we will make the conference finals at least. We are so versatile now on both ends of the court. Our talent will get us to 50 wins alone.

How we can gel and the moves we make later in the season will define how far we can go.