My God, You really are a downer . I would hate to watch a game at your house if the Rockets lose. I'm sure you would make me feel so sad that I'd just have to end it.
I'm the resident pessimist here and I resent the OP trying to take my throne. Seriously though, I'm glad the blinders are finally off for everyone that "health" would solve all the Rockets problems. But it's too early to say there isn't enough time. The Rockets have 2 weeks before the All-Star break and then the rest of the season to find themselves. That is plenty of time. I'm not saying they will do it, but there IS enough time. Another factor is if the Rockets don't trade for a real NBA-level PG and knock one of our two D-league PGs out of the rotation, they are cooked. Our PGs are sorrier than sorry. If it takes trading Artest, Battier, Luther, Wafer or even Landry, the Rockets must do it if they want to contend. There ain't no way the rest of the roster can drag the Rafer/AB combo deep into the playoffs. Another 1st round knockout is likely. I have zero faith in either Rafer or AB. More than anything else, it's those two that have shattered any illusion for me this team could contend.
A few points. 1. I am the resident pessimist around here 2. PG is a huge problem; I agree. However, I say SG is an even bigger problem. Airballston at least plays D. TSlack doesn't. While many fans only look at the stats (say 20/5/5), they don't see that TSlack is responsible for about 20 or more opponents' points per night. It is his lack of effort on the defensive end that costs us game. TSlack gets crucified when he holds the ball on offense (as well he should), but he should be equally accountable on the other end. The bottom line is that he is a net negative.
I've yet to see an unbias post from you. Your hate for Tmac obviously prevents you from seeing that it is the team and quite possibly the coach. How about more rational arguments. Like the fact that the coach is using Wafer sparingly while being more efficient than Ron. I would say Tracy too but a healthy Mcgrady that scores and creates (something that Wafer lacks) is a little more efficient. Or how about the fact that Alston is no longer in his hot streak and making bonehead plays. What about Shanes defensive decline and his lack of offense? Take the hate goggles off and make some real arguments. TMAC isnt perfect, but the rest of the team sure as hell isn't either including the coaching staff. Your sig goofs on the "starting" line up but you dont mention anyone else's flaws. Oh and Artest doesn't start so which one of those is shane??
I think there is still time left to get comfortable. For most of they key guys, this is their second year with Adelman's offense, and the players who've previously played under him have consistently stated they didn't "get it," until well into the second year. The offense has looked great for stretches; to me, it's coming around. The Rockets really need to work on their defense though. By the way, why the hell do people not foul guys going into the paint for lay-ups? I can understand when you're in foul trouble, but if not, you gotta send a message.
1. Unbiased in what way? 2. I don't hate TSlack. He just shouldn't be playing very much. He hurts the team greatly on D and contributes much less than most people think on O. 3. Wafer starting at the 3 is okay with me; he a more natural 2, though. With Battier (or Artest) at the 3, we have someone who plays defense. Wafer and TSlack would be horrible at defending the wings. 4. I've crucified Airballston enough. He's terrible ... always has been ... always will be. I almost jumped through the television with Airballston turning the ball over so much especially on a fast break. 5. I haven't written much about Battier but you're right; he's declined greatly. He doesn't do much on O and his D is probably over-rated. I prefer tangible wins and points over intangibles. BTW, he was absolutely terrible last night .... I have written about that. 6. I haven't been able to come up with a good nickname for Battier ... any suggestions? 7. That sig was written much earlier in the season when Battier was out. There ... are you happy?
Thats more like it. Sorry to call you out, but seemed like every time I entered a thread I saw your name and a post about "TSlack." Therefore I assume biased hate post. I'm just getting a little irritated with all the TMac hate threads that flood this forum. The whole team is struggling to work together and its not just one man's fault. As far as your points, 1. I think Tracy contributes a great deal on O due to his playmaking much more so than Rafer or Battier. 2. number 1 being the reason why I wouldnt mind to see a Wafer SG, Tracy SF lineup because all Battier does is troll the perimeter so we dont need 2 players out there doing that. 3. We've know that Tracy can play defense when he wants to. With Battier's decline, I don't see an issue trying it out. 4. Ron and Battier can come off the bench as a duo, giving Ron more room to operate since he seems to lack the capacity to pass the ball. 5. Batman is looking more like Robin out there...but no nicknames from me lol
I really think everything could be solved bby simply playing Wafer a lot more and having Ron play EXCLUSIVELY with the second unit. Wafer is that guy we are looking for but he's not getting enough time!
No apologies needed; I like to vent. Concerning TMac's O ... look at offensive efficiency of the whole unit. I believe you'll find that we are simply more efficient with Von Wafer than with TMac. TMac may get more ppg, but he shoots way more too. Also, as someone else pointed out, his assists numbers are due to the fact that he dominates the ball. The one huge thing that Wafer gives you that TMac doesn't give you is fast break points. Those are very high percentage plays and only add to his (and the team's) efficiency.
