I really don't see how we can score enough points to win on a consistent basis with our current roster. Brooks and Scola are going to have to have breakout years which is possible since they will be the number one and two options, but I'm not sure how effective they can be when teams are game planning to stop them. However, I really don't think Morey will go into the season with both Battier and Ariza on our roster.
I think your seriously underestimating Chris Paul and overestimating Tyson Chandler. To say Paul + West+the rest of the "nobodies" on the Hornets roster(including Peja & Posey) is still worse than the Rockets without Yao/McGrady is a bit of a stretch. Houston has zero star power on their team without Yao, Mcgrady, or Artest....yes, we can play good team ball in stretches out of necessity, but Paul+West+ the Hornets nobodies would beat Brooks+Battier+Ariza+Scola+Chuck freaking Hayes 75% of the time at least. Who scores on that Houston team but wildly inconsistent Brooks and maybe Scola? I doubt we even bring Wafer back... ...and I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that suiting up with an inferior lineup that happens to play to your opponent's weaknesses, is good for specific matchups(see the Lakers vs. Rockets, 09 playoffs) but over the course of a full season playing against the other 28 teams I think you'll find it is not near as effective.
Great Thread but still to soon to know and injuries to us and other teams have to factor in. There is enough crappy teams along with an outstanding amount of heart to keep us from going in the toliet but that being said we are going to be in no mans land probably 35-40 wins with this roster. Lets wait till we finish the offseason and maybe even after finding out TMAC's faith is determined before making a logical guess.
Scribo, I like your winning attitude. But... A lottery position is not just a few slots above the playoffs teams, it is also a remote chance of getting one of the top three picks. Granted, the chances are remote if we have one of the best records among the non-playoff teams. But it is nonetheless a chance. It seems that there are only three possible paths of getting back to being a contender: 1. Trading T-Mac for a star player. 2. Clearing enough cap room to sign a star FA in 2010. 3. Getting a high draft pick and get a star through the draft. I don't know what the chances are for #1. It seems that since the Yao situation went public, everybody knows we are desperate for trading McGrady, and thereby lowering his trade market value. I have always opposed to #2. It is too risky and too unreliable. For #3, we either trade some of our assets to acquire a high pick, or we get a high pick ourselves by "tanking." I hate tanking. So I am just hoping Morey can work some magic in the trade market getting either a high pick or a franchise type player.
Not to be picky, but T-Mac was there for the 22-game win streak. It was Yao who was injured for 10 of those 22 games. So do I, come hell or high water! Go Rockets!
I think we'll be fine at home. It's the road games which worry me. Mcgrady will have to be back asap for playoffs to be a possibilty, unless if he gets traded for players that are ready to contribute immediately.
Id really like to find a way to get the knicks unprotected first rounder away from the jazz. That way, if we end up missing the play offs, we could have 2 decently high picks.
And I know alot of people here are against 'tanking', but id rather have a decently high draft pick then another first round exit... And there is no way with the roster now, we are getting to the second round.
This current team went 2-2 against LA. Don't be decieved, RonRon did not help in that task. I'll take my chances without him. Hell, even sans Tmac and Yao we went as a 15/1 shot for winning it all Vegas odds. IT's time for the scrubs to show up. All we have missing is a backup center. Mark my words, we'll make the playoffs and some noise.
Nope, the team that we have went 2-2. Yao went out game 3 (2-1) Mutumbo went out in the Portland series. With four games remaining, we went 2-2 Game 4 Hou Game 5 LA Game 6 Hou Game 7 LA I know, it's too small of a sample size, but I think it can be done. Heart beats out skill anyday. Believe.
I'm not arguing any of that. What I'm saying is with Yao back, we're missing a backup center. If and when he does come back, we'll need a decent-good backup center. Why? Because I don't know how long he'll be able to stay on the court uninjured and if he were to go out with an injury, we'll be back to square one again. Now, that's with Yao back. Yao will not be back next season. That means we have no C and no backup C (as of right now). Now this could all change. I was just saying that we're missing both now. That said, I have no doubt that the Rockets can and will make it to the playoffs and do pretty well. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised come game-time. I would mind seeing McGrady back healthy and playing well, either to help us or to up his value in a trade.
True, The team is built to compete but the team lacks a center and not just a back up center. The 5 spot is a concern. As of now, only Hayes, Dorsey and Scola will rotate in this position.
I'm really hopeful for next season, but after thinking about it, my hopes are based on the fact that we get a decent center, who can play in the future as backup center behind Yao. If we just have Hayes, Dorsey, and Scola rotating, I will be worried.
Loved the OP, Scribo. Love the optimism. I think we have a shot at the last playoff spot if we can add a decent, backup quality 5. Agree that the team without Yao and Artest, but plus Ariza and with everyone returning fits Adelman's offense better than last year's group. We just need that center. He doesn't have to be a world beater, but we need him. Without a legitimate center, I don't see how we eke out a return to the playoffs. I'm hoping we have some more moves coming from Morey. Guess we'll see!
Hayes, Battier, and Scola will develop major back contusions from all the extra charges and flops they will have to commit to protect the basket. Teams will have the green light to drive to the basket at will. Pray that Dorsey can be at least a serviceable center that can stay on the court for 10 minutes or more. I'm not a fan of playing for the 8th seed only to be kicked out as expected. If we are going to suck, do it properly and get a high pick out of this season.
I agree that the Rockets minus Yao and McGrady may actually fit Adelman's offensive system better. That, coupled with the team attitude developed over the last 2 seasons should make for a fun team to watch. They will be forgiven for mistakes made as they grow into "who are we now?" But successful trends and player patterns WILL emerge and they will be no less enjoyable to watch than the team that won games against the Lakers without Yao and Deke -- even minus Artest. The problem with Scola being any kind of go-to guy is that he rarely passes once he gets the ball in the post. Ditto for most of the other players on the team -- Brooks and Lowry being exceptions. Of course, by definition, the PG does that by definition. Wafer rarely passed. The best kind of go-to player also passes and gets his teammates involved. Ariza is probably more of a passer than Scola. We'll see about the other new players.
Bingo. Adelman's teams have finished below .535 in winning % only twice in the 16 full seasons he's coached. And his last 10 teams have been above that mark. Doesn't sound like lotto-land to me.
How u know we will get the 19th pick if we do make the playoffs and the 16 spot if we dont? Come now, its pointless to make the playoffs and get our ass rape and kicked out of the 1st round.
