The Rockets needs to stop using Rafer's groin as their crotch. It's like they have a mental block whenever Rafer isn't around. He cannot be this important. If the guys on the roster now can step up, they better do it really soon. Otherwise, Morey need to find another smart professional PG like Rafer, if only to calm the other guys' nerves when Rafer isn't around. I don't care if the guy is a physical freak or can score in bunches... the guy just has to be a real PG and a real professional who comes in humble and ready. Cassell would be great, but the Rockets should try and find guys like Chris Duhon or Steve Blake, too.
Apparently rafer is that important. the whole offense just seems more lost than usual when he's not playing. francis is far from the answer.
Yep, I would start Rafer, and play Brooks at backup PG, and then let Steve, Luther, James etc...fight over backup 2 minutes. DD
yes, he has a nash-effect on this team. PHX falls apart w/out him like the rox fall apart w/out rafer. It has happen many times over and over again..... By no means am I comparing their talents, but their similar effect on their respective team's offensive flow. I wonder what our record is on Rafer DNPs.
I'm pretty sure Rafer would have done a heck of a lot better than Francis' 1-8, 3 point, 5 turnover performance. I don't believe they've won without him. I could be mistaken, but I wanna say they're somethin' like 0-4.
"O'fer" now stands for the Rockets' wins when he doesnt play I just dont see how even a good point guard will make Battier or Chuck score better on offense, I just dont...I know a BAD one will make them look worse. When given the scoring oppurtunity they just won TAKE IT, so whats the DAMN point of even looking for them anyways? Francis's game is shot but if he or Mike James were even 3/4's what they were, I'd say NEVER pass to Battier or Chuck, forgetting setting up the offense, and just the 3 of them trade scoring opportunities down the floor unless they HAVE to pass to them. Rafer's been at 43% shooting with 35% from 3 the past 8-9 few games, thats PERFECT. But it wont last. So a regular ol' decent guard with a balance of passing and scoring, preferably with outside shooting, is whats needed.
With what we have he is that important, unless you like starting with inexperience rookies or a turn over wash up guards. Thats not saying much though...
