Maybe SF3, not Mike James. MJ just doesn't run like a real good point. I think he's more a point scorer, and truth be told if thats what we need just make Tmac bring up the ball. What we really need is a 100% point guard, pass first shoot second. SF3 just doesn't have enough in the tank to be that completely. Brooks or Head could be a better pick, but as for startness, hells no.
Head CANNOT play point. He cannot defend anybody and he's a turnover waiting to happen. It just creates more pressure on McGrady. Head and Snyder for Charlie Bell.
most of mentioned posts are about offense. what do you guys think about these 3 in comparison to each other on defense? for both one on one and help types ... and i guess post up too? I'm starting to believe Francis' d is better now than it ever was before (not sayin that that much though as Francis admits himself that he's not put in the game for defense ). It did scare me (and a good # of people here on clutchfans) to see Lowry blow by Francis so much in that one pre season game ... But to see Francis blocking 1-2 shots a game ... along with 1-2 stls a game ... and not just getting blown by ... puts a smile on my face.
Seriously, is this debate still going on, I mean come on. Rafer lovers and haters alike, do we really want a PG who poops out on us. Pun intended.
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Francis' defense has been impressive as of lately which is very encouraging to see. But as of now I feel Rafer is still the better defender of the 3 PGs because of his experience with playing as a defensive unit along with the other starters. However, this season our "stellar defensive unit" of last year has not been as convincing as last year with many slip ups. _ Laby
Mike James played great offensively in the Warriors game. This is a HUGE boost for our offense if he gets his shot going. Everyone knows he can't play PG, so DAMMIT RICK, stop putting him in a position where he has to play PG. Let him play SG, which is clearly more suited for him. That's what we did in the GS game. If he's in, make sure that Alston/Francis is in the game too to actually play PG. Either that, or have T-Mac switch to his playmaking role. Run plays for James to get good looks and score, not to pass. If he was supposed to be the equivalent of Bobby Jackson in Sacramento, then for the love of God, let him play like Bobby Jackson.
I don't care who plays as long as they are producing. James can torch the nets if he gets the touch back he had in Toronto. If he doens't then I'm in favor of him coming off the bench or having his minutes reduced. If Rafer plays well, give the guy minutes. Francis..he's playing well and with aggression something we haven't had from the pt. guard position in awhile.
Changes I would make. Rafer benched for Steve Francis Hayes benched for Scola Bonzi dropped from the rotation all together, maybe traded, move up Head or Snyder for those minutes. Mike James is on a short leash, when he is shooting well, his minutes increase, when he plays selfish, he gets yanked. I think this team can rebound...just got to get our better players on the floor for longer minutes. DD
The loss to the Kings just showed how valuable Steve Francis is to the Rockets. Today was the Tmac/Yao show with no one else able to create,standing around looking confused. Francis would've done something. It's sad that Adelman said that he'd be getting a lot more minutes and an injury had to sit him out. Francis >>>>Mike/Rafer Hope he is back for our next game.
I doubt he will ever, I didn't watch him played much last seasn when he was in Timberwolves. But you could argue that the offence was entirely relied on him and bosh when he was in toronto. He probably took a lot more shots than last and this season combined. That's how he got so hot. I really liked his agreesiveness though going to the rim but he's too old/short to finish at the rim so now all he does is taking jumpers.
Finally, proof that Adleman didn't have a beef with Francis's play but rather his conditioning. http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/mmonroe/stories/MYSA120207.NBABeat.en.1e9e243.html Where's Stevie? Finally, a Steve Francis sighting. After playing in only one of the Rockets' first 12 games (despite chants of "We Want Stevie" at the Toyota Center), Francis has begun to contribute to his once and future team. The former All-Star guard last week returned to the Rockets' rotation against Denver and played a bit against the Clippers, then took a starring role in Houston's 100-94 victory in Phoenix. Francis did some good things on his way to nine points and seven assists off the bench, with a few nice hustle plays. Mostly, he stole the show in the final minute. With the Rockets up two, he drove between the Suns' Steve Nash and Shawn Marion for a layup, and on the next possession he stripped Amare Stoudemire to seal the victory. Said the erstwhile Stevie Franchise: "It just showed that coach is slowly developing confidence in me. That's what I've done throughout my career, help teams finish games." Rockets coach Rick Adelman was happy to see Francis drive to the bucket, rather than rise for a jumper. "When we kick it around to him," Adelman said, "instead of shooting the three, take it to the hole. He made an unbelievable shot. He's going to get in better shape. He's going to be valuable for us."
MJ played terribly in the 4th against the kings, even if the refs were nit picking, too much matador defense and dumb fouls led to us having 5 team fouls far too quickly... he just played flat out terribly. I don't know what else to say. I hope stevie comes back soon.
I'm not sure we can give up on Bonzi, I think Shane needs his minutes cut. Not because he's killing us offensively (he is) but I don't think he's all that healthy. Maybe some bench time would do those knees a favor. We're going to struggle for a while anyway, lets get him healthy for a late season/playoff push.
