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Needed: Three Additions that Would Make Us Contenders

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Jeff, Dec 23, 2004.

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  1. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    After watching this team for this season, there are three glaring areas that need to be addressed. I seriously doubt we can address them all this season, but that will be the Rockets' charge over the next couple of years to put this team over the top.

    I REALLY don't want this to decend into trade discussions because, in all honesty, I seriously doubt our ability to plug in all these pieces right now.

    1. Athletic, Rebounding, Defensive-Minded Power Forward

    Dreamcast Example: Omeka Oakafor
    Old-Skool Example: Charles Oakley
    All-Time Rockets Example: Otis Thorpe
    Low-Rent Example: Danny Fortson

    We've got no one to protect Yao's backside and guarantee a rebound when we need it most. Barkley could almost will a rebound in a clutch situation. The Rockets need a guy who can do the same but who is also willing to body up on defense - even taking the opposing center when Yao sits - and run the floor. Oh, and it would be nice if he could knock down the open 15-footer.

    2. Lights Out Shooter/Scorer

    Dreamcast Example: Peja Stojakovic
    Old Skool Example: Alex English
    All-Time Rockets Example: Calvin Murphy
    Low-Rent Example: Jason Kapono

    Never have I seen a team so inept at hitting open shots. We have two of the best offensive players in the league (one who could rank with anyone all-time) and we rank near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage. Guys are getting all kinds of open looks and they just can't knock them down. Getting someone who can do this consistently will open up all kinds of space for other players.

    3. Shut Down Perimeter Defender

    Dreamcast Example: Ron Artest
    Old Skool Example: Michael Jordan
    All-Time Rockets Example: Vernon Maxwell
    Low-Rent Example: Bruce Bowen

    The best perimeter defender on this team is T-Mac and you NEVER want your best perimeter defender to be your best player unless his name was Michael Jordan. You want your best scorer to be able to rest - at least a little - defensively. The Rockets have always had guys that could fill the role of perimeter defender, but they don't now and it shows. With as good as JVG's defensive schemes are, they would sure be a lot better if he had one go-to defensive player.
     
    #1 Jeff, Dec 23, 2004
  2. alaskansnowman

    alaskansnowman Member

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    Jeff, fear no more.

    Position #2 - lights out shooter - has been answered.

    JON BARRY!:D
     
    #2 alaskansnowman, Dec 23, 2004
  3. LegendZ3

    LegendZ3 Member

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    What about Hobert Horry? He is a good shooter and an above average defender, we kill two bird with one stone by getting him.
     
    #3 LegendZ3, Dec 23, 2004
  4. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    He just signed his last contract. I really don't want to suggest players, but it would have to be someone a LOT younger than Horry.

    alaskansnowman - funny. :)
     
    #4 Jeff, Dec 23, 2004
  5. darkwarrior

    darkwarrior Member

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    i asked in the stickied thread also: I remember hearing about him being able to play some defense; yay nor nay?
     
    #5 darkwarrior, Dec 23, 2004
  6. clove

    clove Member

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    Totally agree with 1 and 2.

    I feel we might have a great defender in Tmac. He hasn't been put in situations to prove it yet, but with his length and speed, he can be our T. Prince.
     
    #6 clove, Dec 23, 2004
  7. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    Again, as I said, I don't want our best on-the-ball defender to also be our best scorer. That is more than I want to ask of him. I'm talking about role players who can do that for us. I agree that T-Mac can be a great defender. I just don't want him to HAVE to be for 48 minutes every night.
     
    #7 Jeff, Dec 23, 2004
  8. solid

    solid Member

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    This is an "on the money" analysis; now, proposals for how to make it happen. Is this a draft only option? Do we have "any" trade capital? Is there a team out there that matches up with our trade needs? What is the possiblity that we can get one or more of these needs met this season? AND, what is your view on the coaching situation? JVG is smart and knowledgeable, BUT, is he the right "chemistry" fit for the talent the Rocket's have, especially Ming and TMac?
     
    #8 solid, Dec 23, 2004
  9. dragonsnake

    dragonsnake Member

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    I may add one:

    4. A coach that prove can win NBA championship and prove be a better motivator to help such characters as T-mac and Yao.
     
    #9 dragonsnake, Dec 23, 2004
  10. mulletman

    mulletman Member

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    if only weatherspoon was a little bit taller. and a little bit more athletic. and a little bit younger. :D ;)

    but for his size, i'm amazed at his rebounding ability. i guess thats part of the reason why they used to call him a barkley clone (i'm sure his weight has something to do with it too)
     
    #10 mulletman, Dec 23, 2004
  11. clove

    clove Member

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    He falls under the "subsidized housing example" under lights out sharpshooter.

    lol

    Still much better than our "abandoned crackhouse example" that we have now.
     
    #11 clove, Dec 23, 2004
  12. clove

    clove Member

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    Yeah, but you listed MJ as the old school example.
     
    #12 clove, Dec 23, 2004
  13. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    I don't think we can make these moves now - maybe one of them, but not all three. Some will need to be done in the draft, others through trades and others through free agency. It will probably take multiple moves to get to where we want and fill these spots, which is why I didn't make any suggestions. It just isn't going to happen right now.

    As for JVG, that is for another (or 100 other) threads. I don't think he can succeed with this set of players - not in the long haul. I'm not sure many coaches could. That doesn't mean I think he is the right coach for the job. I don't know at this point.
     
    #13 Jeff, Dec 23, 2004
  14. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    I also said "unless his name is Michael Jordan." He is the exception to virtually every rule ever written.
     
    #14 Jeff, Dec 23, 2004
  15. coma

    coma Member

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    Of those 3, I think #2 would immediately improve our team, so that's what the brass should concentrate on. I guess they are/did with JBar.

    If JBar can hit his open shots, he'd be the only one off the bench who can do so.
     
    #15 coma, Dec 23, 2004
  16. tierre_brown

    tierre_brown Member

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    I don't think TMac is a great on the ball defender, just my opinion. Team him up with an Artest or AK or even Tayshaun Prince, though, and he'd be one of the top 5 in steals. He's pretty good at playing those passing lanes with his long arms.

    At any rate, great breakdown. We lack in all 3 areas (although weve addressed one with Barry's trade), and I don't see the potential for any of them on this current team (except maybe Boki: become the next Peja alreadY!)
     
    #16 tierre_brown, Dec 23, 2004
  17. clove

    clove Member

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    I can't read! Just ignore me.
     
    #17 clove, Dec 23, 2004
  18. dharocks

    dharocks Member

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    Kurt Thomas, Kerry Kittles

    Kittles is a good shooter and defender. Both could be available.
     
    #18 dharocks, Dec 23, 2004
  19. Charvo

    Charvo Member

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    The Rockets should try to pursue Vladimir Radmanovic in the offseason. Go draft a young power forward. The Rockets aren't going to get any good big man in free agency with their cap situation.
     
    #19 Charvo, Dec 23, 2004
  20. maderzhao

    maderzhao Member

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    Maybe you forget Kobe, who also can do this as long as it's necessary.


     
    #20 maderzhao, Dec 23, 2004
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