I've b****ed out Rafer from my couch probably as much as anyone else on this board, but gotta give him props, he played a damn near perfect game tonight. I also admit I was wrong about how Rafer as the "floor general," was overrated. It's obvious he makes a huge difference when he is running the team. We need him to be consistent, so lets hope he can keep this up.
Yao had the most shot attempts and the Rockets won. The Rockets lost against the Warriors on Monday, who had the most shot attempts that game? Id tell you but i dont think before I speak so why dont you tell me smart guy?
you posted after this game, thus implying you were talking about it. had you said golden state it would be a diff. story. that game is also a terrible example since Yao only played half the game. Who else do you want having the shot attempts? I don't trust head, battier, bonzi, scola or brooks to shoot anymore than rafer.
My goodness! Rafer's dribbling skill is crazy! He sure has come a long way from playing street basketball.
Just because I posted following a certain game doesnt mean my comments are only valid for that one particular game. I am looking at the big picture. Rafer is taking too many shots for my taste. This time it worked out well, but for every situation like this there will be many others where this strategy backfires. There is a reason why Rafer is not considered a top end PG. Its not because of his ball handling abilities, its mainly because of his shooting. I dont think the Rockets will make any noise in the playoffs if Rafer continues to be used as one the highest volume shooters. We need to spread the ball more, get Scola and Head more attempts and get ball into the other players hands for easier looks. Also we should ease Brooks into the rotation more. I believe Alston can play a supporting role in this team's success, but if he is intended to fill the role of our 3rd scoring option after TMac and Yao then I might as well give up on this season now.
Rafer is shooting better than Mike James and Steve Francis, and I agree he deserves to get their minutes. But he is still 10th overall on the team. Yao Ming Tracy McGrady Luis Scola Kirk Snyder Aaron Brooks Luther Head Bonzi Wells Shane Battier Chuck Hayes all of these guys have a better shooting percentage than Rafer Alston so far this season, even with Rafer shooting uncharacteristically well.
who'd thunk it I'm still leery of his 3pt shooting though, we'll see I may have to change my sig very soon
Rafer's 2 pt shooting really improved this year.... Also, he seems to be the guy putting up big stats when McGrady is out. Should we trade McGrady to let Rafer develop?
AS a PG, Rafer has less turnovers. He protected the ball well. If he can make some 3 points, it is better.
It seems that T-Mac made Rafer a worse player. Now without T-Mac he plays like a star, even better than T-Mac.
It has to do with his role, right now he has a lot more freedom than when Tmac is playing. It clearly suits him. DD
Rafer I want it you out but you prove me wrong You are working in you scoring in the paint and getting better and better every time, you still a great ball handler and play maker PG. Pros keep the good work Next player: Battier, pls start making opens 3 pointers and I will love u again.
So many people here wanted our 3rd best player traded for trash before the season started. I don't know if he's the answer as a starting point, but he's the best we have, and he's not making much either.
