Summer league has been interesting, particularly of note to me were the Eric Gordon and Stephen Silas interviews. Gordon had commentary to the extent of "this is what happens when you have a team that competed for years" and seemed resigned to his fate of being the old hat on the squad, the last remaining member of the WCF team that came so close. Silas had a couple good lines but the one about raising the youngsters right told a story. Also noted that he said it's his job to combine the veteran side of the squad with this influx of youth. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but it seems like Gordon isn't going anywhere. Also for fun, who ya got? Old Rockets Augustin - Wall - Gordon - Nwaba/House - Theis ~Versus~ New Rockets Porter - Green - Christopher - Martin/Garuba - Sengun Purposefully leaving Wood and Tate out, they aren't exactly rookies or young but neither are they grizzly NBA veterans. Plus both are so talented it would skew the teams.
Going with New Rockets. All are scorers except Garuba. You could actually put Tate in new rockets because this is his sophomore year.
Wood is always left out. What did he do to you guys. Turned 25. I'm almost a man, almost 40! But would love to be 25 again.
No Wood or Tate because they aren't in their 30s or 10th year in the league, nor are they in need of a fake ID. Also they are too good and would totally ruin the comparison. I thought I said that already. They are the bridge.
If House is playing, new Rockets. If Nwaba, old Rockets. As much as Clutchfans hates them, Gordon and Wall are relentless at attacking the rim. Gordon, Nwaba and Theis are all tenacious defenders. That team also has 3 NBA proven ball handlers. Christopher at this point in his career plays fast but has 2 left hands, and Porter/Green are a soft cheese defense. Porter as the only ball handler will get harrassed by Augustin/Wall/Gordon. Out of 3 playground games I could see the rookies taking one. Next year I expect to be saying this differently.
New Rockets Christopher, Garuba, Green, Martin, Porter, Sengun, Tate, and Wood This will be a fun and young core to build with. I really want these guys to get the most minutes if/when Wall, Gordon, House are gone in the future.
If we're not counting Wood and Tate then I think the vets would take it fairly comfortably. They can defend the best scorers on the youth (Porter, Green) way better than the youngsters could guard them. It's like people have never watched basketball. John Wall and Eric Gordon are far from scrubs, the bias here is insane.
I'd take the new Rox and the tip in the scale would be chemistry. The youth seem to enjoy playing together. The veterans would have veteran savvy but that's about it. The chemistry issues would take away from individual prowess for the old Rox. Just my opinions.
I'm going with the youth. I think they have a bit of physical advantage and Sengun really sticks out as a difference maker in the matchups but I am admittedly a complete non-believer in Daniel Theis. I don't think the veteran defense stands up to the offensive firepower and Wall is too selfish to win even in hypothetical pick up games. In a best of 7 I'm going young Rockets in 6.
I wouldn’t read too much into anything these guys are saying. Last year Silas was saying things about coaching Harden and Westbrook. Even if they are working on trades behind the scenes he’s still only going to talk about the squad that he has at that moment. If the right trade comes along to get Ego or Wall to a contender I think stone pulls the trigger.
That's fair. I do think it's interesting they went to the SL games though. Regardless of outcome at least they are supportive?
the key is to love whichever age you are now! because in 10 years i bet you gonna love being exactly this age
