One definition of insanity is doing the same things, but expecting different results. If we are going to play the Jazz every year in the playoffs, might want to consider some more restructuring. With Yao and TMac, without Yao, and only TMac, same results. If this team doesn't get some consistent shooters, then just plan to enjoy the regular season.
What makes you think we are going to play the Jazz every year? Don't you think with Yao this season would have had a completely different playoff? Add him to the mix of how our team is playing and we would be up 3-1 or have swept the darn team. Give this team a training camp to work out any kinks with Yao back and "we're contenders, baby"
I never liked the construction of this team. Before the streak, after the streak, or even when Yao was healthy. A team has to have certain element to succeed in the PLAYOFFS. Not the regular season or preseason. In the playoffs, u have to have creators. I think u need 3 guys that can get a good shot despite anything that go on during the game. Those creators also have to be able to create for others. There is a reason why Utah hasnt won a title. In this modern nba, u have to be able to matchup and create matchups. You also have to be able to penetrate and get to the basket. A team needs at least 2 of these guys to make it happen. I'm not going to turn this back into a trade thread, but just like last year, our warts are clear in the playoffs. Upgrade the pg. Either roll with brooks and then back him up with Watson,Arroyo,Vujacik or someone a little bigger. His penetration and quickness is a huge plus in todays game. This summer he'll get stronger but he is always size limited, but his offensive game can put him on a level the rox havent had. Upgrade the sf. This isnt a knock on Battier because he's good at what he do, but they either have to upgrade him or the spot bhind him. Upgrading this spot also helps tracy. Of course i want Artest because he solves alot of problems with the rox. His best attribute beside being able to create for himself and others is the sheer toughness and grit he has. Other options is getting some long atheletic guys like Outlaw or Childress. I know many like miller, but he's struggled during the playoffs and is soft as butter. Upgrade versitility on the bench. Solving the 1st 2 problems will help this problem. They need size and length at the 4/5 spot. The Scola/Landry combo can work because neither will play long enough to get exposed. They need 2 backups to yao to matchup with teams. They should look at elson and mihm. Both can play 4/5 in case yao gets hurt again. both are pretty atheletic and 7 ft. They should also resign Woods and let deke retires. If Yao goes down, then mihm starts and elson backs him up and woods is emergency. Novak has a role as a situational shooter and luther has to go. The rox need to progress like the rest of the league and upgrade their atheleticism. Personally, I would check his health 1st, but i would take a long look at Livingston. His upside is so huge that its too big to ignore, Playing it safe though isnt so bad as long as they make championship moves.
Trade Luther Head for 200 Rockets game tickets. Give those 200 tickets to Beyonce and Jay Z. And we are guaranteed to beat any elite teams in the NBA.
I really think we are a Pg and a swingman away from winning the championship. I believe this series wit Yao the Jazz would be no chance. Look at the dude that killed us last series What has he done this series? not much at all
I think the league increased their watch on drugs. Steroids Boozer obviously has to keep the steroids down a bit.
mostly because our other guys do a better job on him. If Yao were in Boozer would be playing better because he would be able to get by Yao easily. The rockets would punish them though
Any hopes for brooks to develop into a tony parker type pg? Do not ever trade for a 20+ M 30+ years player! I really hope detroit wants to rebuild next year: tmac/bjax/scola/brooks for billups/rip/sheed billups/rip/battier/sheed/yao, bench skip/landry/deke/a big wing player
Leebigez, you are much more on target than most posters who can't seem to get beyond the "rah, rah - I am a real fan, crap" to actual analysis. This team has many issues, some new, some longstanding. At present, it is not geared for the current league and its rules, and it is obviously not a playoffs juggernaut. AND, we don't match up with the Jazz, who we may keep seeing in the playoffs year after year. Furthermore, when we have our wagon hitched to two fragile stars, how far are they really going to take us? Size, athleticism, durability, and toughness: those qualities are on my wish list.
We've got to look to upgrade Alston and we've got to consider any trades that involve Battier if we can get a more complete player.
I think this team with yao is definitely capable of winning a championship and against popular notion i think the yao/t-mac experiment is a great one if they're actually healthy. their record when both play is phenomenal. The problem is health and i don't know when you draw the line if this pops up again. certainly next year you have to give them another shot with adelman's system in place for a full season and our youngsters a bit more seasoned. if something, knock on wood, happened again well then you have to look hard at other options. there's never been a time that we've gone into the playoffs with our complete team healthy and there's only been one time where both t-mac and yao we're completely healthy and that was against dallas when yao wasn't nearly the player he is now. last season against the jazz yao was definitely not all the way back. I'd LOVE to see what these guys can do when both are healthy and this team has a roll going into the postseason. hopefully we'll all experience that.
GREAT POST!!!!!!! I agree 100%. Fundamentally, there is something wrong with the makeup of this team. I think everyone else is fooling themselves if they think the addition of Yao is enough to win it all. Sorry Will, it's not whining or doomsaying.....it's reality.
I don't see the Rockets trading McGrady. I think the front office sees what most of the "fans," around here don't: A injured star giving as much effort as possible and often times playing 1 on 5. I'd like to see this roster (with a couple of minor tweaks) next year. I just refuse to believe the Yao-McGrady combo can't work if both stay healthy. We could easily win 60 games. Seriously, with a healthy team, there is not one team in the NBA the Rockets couldn't take in a 7 game series. We had a huge hole at PF which has now been solved. We could use a better shooting PG, but that would be gravy. No matter what happens this year, I am totally pumped for next year. Oh, and funny thread Will. Thanks.
