Look the thing is Yes Rafer is one of the better point guards you can get for 5 million. but we will have the expiring contract of Bobby Jackson that would net you a player of a contract worth 8 million. Add in Luther Head or Aaron Brooks and that gets to 10 million. The point is starting next year we can realistically have the expiring contracts to acquire a quality player if we wanted to, and if there was said player available. If we were to actively upgrade a position PG seems the most likely if keeping the core of the team is important. Yao, Tmac and Battier arn't likely going anywhere. ScoLandry is'nt either that leaves Rafer as the weakest link. I just dont see him being that steady and in the playoffs its steadiness that we need. Obviously we could do it with him, but it would require him playing his best nightly and then other players as well having good games. With a better fit point, we wouldn't need such a strong performance every night.
Morey tried. His first choice was Rudy Fernandez of Spain, not AB. For next season, are there any other European PGs expected to make the jump?
Rafer is a relatively consistent ball handler, but a VERY inconsistent shooter, who now thinks he deserves 15-20 shots per game. Yao could only dream of getting that many shots. We are stuck with Rafer for now, and I will give him this, he is an amazing survivor. Whenever, the Rockets try to replace him, he becomes Magic Johnson, at least until the storm has passed. We have too many streaky shooters. A consistent outside shooter would make the Rockets a very serious contender, something they would likely be now with Yao.
I don't see our point guard situation is as dire as everyone seems to make it out to be. Rafer is a decent point guard who knows how to play within the system. His pay is chump change, and the guy is straight up durable. Let me remind you he beat out 4 other point guards for his starting position.... Mike James, Aaron Brooks, Steve Francis, Luther Head). The guy is doing something right. I think people are having a knee jerk reaction to the last couple of games we've played against great point guards(CPaul & Bdiddy). I don't see how TJ Ford would have done a better job on defense with these guys. Not to mention TJ ford is a hard foul away from living in a wheelchair. These guys eat 95% of all point guards out there so I don't see much hope in the PG improvement department in that regard. If Francis can come back and contribute, the only player I see that needs really needs to be moved is Head. The guy clearly cannot do 3 simple tasks. Move the ball up. Pass to McGrady.
I would prefer to upgarde that PG spot. Coming into this season the weakest links were PF and PG. Rafer is ok when he is hitting his shots....but he isn't always hitting them. As the streak showed us, a PG that can hit shots makes a huge difference. I'm hoping we package these expiring deals for someone. If we don't then what is the purpose for getting them?
I am not sure. This year is his 4th year in NBA. It should be his last year of the 1st contract. Anyone else knows this? But anyway, the nets also have Marcus Williams. I think they maybe want to develop him. If the rockets can give up a good and young player (e.g., one of PFs), the nets might agree.
Sorry, but we aren't going anywhere. Prepare to stay annoyed as long as poodle-dog is our starting PG.
Rafer shoots too much, he can't make a pass to a cutter to save his life, and he gambles a bunch on defense. He is a very consistent ball handler, but there is a reason the Rockets brought in all those PGs....we still need a better one. Look at the other teams in the playoffs and their PGs... 1. Lakers - Derek Fisher - old but so clutch as a shooter and great defender 2. New Orleans - Chris Paul - So good at everything. 3. Phoenix - Steve Nash - Possibly the best PG of all time 4. Utah - Deron Williams - About the same as CP3..which is very good 5. San Antonio - Tony Parker - Fastest guy and best finisher in the lane 6. Dallas - Jason Kidd - Still a great passer, and team player 7. Golden State - Baron Davis - So explosive, wonderful player And we have Rafer....I mean come on...the PG is the QB of your team.....and we are hoping that Rex Grossman....errrrr....Rafer Alston can lead the team anywhere.... Not gonna happen, we need a better one. DD
Rafer is not a legit Championship PG just as Hayes in not a legit PF and Dikembe is not a legit Center. We need a good draft this offseason and then halfway through next year we need to trade for a 3rd star from a team doing a fire sale.
