I think our playoff success depends more on our 2 stars more than Rafer & Luther. These two are our leaders and we can only go as far as they can take us. T-Mac has yet to get out the first round, came within one game two times in his playoff career. For us to be successful and gain respect from everyone is with both T-Mac and Yao stepping up like the superstars they are.
no PG should be taking 17 in a game or taking bibby one on one in an OT when Tmac is clapping for the ball. even my friend who is a die hard phx fan doesnt want NASH to take 17 shots
The question was in the clutch, if Tmac is double teamed and there is no option but Luther or Rafer which one would you rather take the shot. It has nothing to do with who's a better PG.
Rafer isn't bad in our system -- solid ballhandling, good defense, good decision making, and unselfish. He's better than most of the PG above, but certainly not TJ Ford. Ford's stats this year: 44.7% FG, 14.3 ppg, 7.8 APG, 32.6% 3PT, 3.3 TO, 1.3 STL He's nowhere close to Andre Miller (who you rated as an equal), either. Miller is a far better scorer (excellent mid-range game, which is what we need more than Rafer's 3pt shooting), rebounder, and passer.
count tear drops those might as well be turnovers bottom line, the guy cant shoot worth ****. if tmac or yao have to pass to one of them 2 with 10 seconds to go. prefer luther head
I'd take Ford, Jack, Ridnour, James, Dre, and Nelson off your list--they are better all around and probably better for the Rockets IMO. Another to add to your list is Tinsley. But I do think Rafer is better than GP, Blake, Snow, Claxton/Lue, Livingston (but Cassell is really the starter) and probably even/tough call with West, Smush, Tinsley and Stoudamire. So he is bottom 1/4 of starting PGs, but closer to the top of that bottom quartile. He also is much better than the other PGs on our roster, we would be totally lost without him. I have been mildly pleasantly suprised with Rafer's play this year. He at least has his 3 point range up enough to have some effectiveness in the offense. My bigger grip is we don't have an equal/complimentary vet to share the PG load and spell him his off shooting nights (someone like Stoud/Atkins, A John, James, Boykins).
I'm just disappointed in Rafer and Luther inability to finish around the rim. They keep taking those ugly floaters and missing. I can see the big men from Dallas or Phoenix laying off of them as they drive to basket and miss. I also see the Rockets being demoralized as they continue to miss. We need these two to finish close shoots and layups.
I think we have a good selection of role players. Battier is the epitomy of a role player. Juwan steps up when needed, Mutumbo has been solid, hayes brings energy, Luther has been Mr. 4th quarter, bonzi/snyder which ever plays can be a problem for defenders. we have an awesome team, just need all the pieces together. rafer is a good point guard, although his shot does leave something to be desired. But, as far as i'm concerned, it could be worse, francis could be running the show with his marvelous shot selection!!!
Some of you guys are unbelievable. Rafer Alston is the best PG we have period. Even though he doesn't shoot as well as Luther - he is a slight better defender and can bring the ball up the court against pressure (unlike Luther). He's trash? Umm sure let's play Lucas and V-span instead. There is a reason why he's the starting PG.
I agree he's a bottom 1/4 starter at his position. I like Rafer overall as a player and I think he does a good job of running the offense. I just can't see the Rockets depending on him in the playoffs because his shot is so streaky and his decision making tends to break down under pressure. At the end of games he just seems to run around with no idea of how to get the offense going and JVG realizes this too. He's trying to use Head and T-mac at the end of games because he doesn't trust Rafer when the game is on the line and for good reason.
its just like comparing too bad grades. You cant compare a D- and an F. Both are bad, but you'll take the D cuz it's higher. Nobody here is saying Alston isnt the best PG we have. we know that. The question is the last shot....who do you want taking it? Alston or Head? It's obviously Lu...he's been money all year
Luther sucks at PG because he's not a PG, plain & simple. His defense is lackluster because everyone he guards is half a foot taller than him. That's why Lucas doesn't get to play. I'll take my chances with Luther. He'll have a long career in the NBA.
