If message board afficianados aren't fooled by preseason performances, what makes you think other GMs will? I mean, except Isaiah Thomas of course.
I'm really happy for Rafer. I never understood the Rafer Hate by some Rocket fans. He's a really good PG who can handle the ball, and pass.
Yes he can. He is a good player only when he's a playmaker. We saw him as a shooter last season and that's the reason for "Rafer Hate"
Luther Head has the highest trade value than any other on the roster whose name is not TMac or Yao Ming, because of youth and a small pay check. If Luther is going to be traded, expect a 2-3 for 1, so that the Rox cut short the roster and bring back a significant forward/center. Otherwise nothing will happen. To trade Luther just for a late first round pick is not acceptable.
I am sure fans like us like to have both Alston and James. I completely agree with you that each of them has their own strength and it's an advantage having the option to play one or the other. But as you said, it's silly to pay each of them the salary that you usually pay for a complete (not one half of) point guard, which is the reason the Rox was shopping Alston. Basically the management had counted Alston off when they brought in James, Francis, and Brooks. Now with Alston playing significant minutes, will James and Francis be happy with their minutes? I got burned in another thread but no one seemed to think about very likely chemistry issues. If Alston will be a significant piece of the roster, then keeping both James and Francis is a luxurious risk.
Trust me, the lovefest is temporary at best. When Rafer starts floating them over the backboard and clanging threes at will, reality will return. Nice kid, good ball handler, can't shoot.
this is a bad sign for luther. yao-deke scola-hayes shane-bonzi tmac-steve rafer-james if those guys are in the rotation (assumeing that rafer isn't traded), luther is out. i don't see a possition that needs an upgrade besides PF but scola and hayes will not be traded before the season starts, or soon after, like luther will. i expect luther to be moved for a future first rounder.
It is not outside of the realm of possibilities -- Rafer's trade value was at an all time low prior to camp.
Im also happy for Rafer Alston. I didn't think he deserved all the criticism he received last year. If we Rockets fans were to look back at our championship years, Kenny Smith was not the best offensive Pg out there, and on defense player like Rod Strickland, Payton, Kevin Johnson, would beat him. Anyway the point is Rafer ran the offense his coach (Van Gundy) wanted him to run, and his defense is not that bad but we can live with it. Now Im happy he can show he can be a big part to this years Rockets.
I agreed. Rafer from what i heard from interview is such a humble nice dude...I truely don't believe he did some of the things they charge him with during the offseason.
Roffle on the floor, laughin' my saurus off! (sorry, couldn't resist! ) Rafer is a great backup point. Gotta give him credit for working hard to keep his starting spot. The smartest player on offense? I don't think so.
First, Rafer was "all the rockets need at point". Now, he's the "perfect fit". Forgive me for not being sold on the idea.
what's with all the rafer hate if he is playin poorly you can put mike or steve in it's not that big of a deal
I kind of think the same thing, he's probably being shopped for a potential trade. The rockets cannot and will not win an nba championship with Rafer in the backcourt.
If Alston's first 2 games are any indication of what is to come, then I completely agree with Adelman. He has been almost perfect...setting up plays, making good passes, and shooting the lights out. If he can continue to play like this, there is no question who should be the starter. IIRC...Rafer also had a great preseason last year and was extremely inconsistent during the regular season.
Wait, RA obviously doesnt read this board enough. Has he measured Alston's HEART? Because I've read here that its all about HEART when it comes to being a PG for this team. Let the best player win the gig, and the rest fill up our deep bench. Its win-win, people.
