I'm not buying any of this talk about some of our key players (i.e., Howard, Sura, Ward) simply needing time to recover so that they can come back stronger next season. Sure, they will heal their wounds, but does anyone honestly believe they will be much better than they were before they went down? Ward proved he deserves to barely sniff time on even the worst team in the league, Sura had a nice little string of games and infused some much-needed toughness, but let's examine...he's our PG, but he's a subpar passer, shooter, ball handler, defender (alrighty then). Howard, on the other hand, adjusted nicely this season, but he shouldn't be more than an option off the bench. Padget wasn't injured, but dudes gotta go!
You are shortchanging Howard and Sura. Howard is an impact player, whoever he plays for next season. He's always been a good scorer and passer in the post. He's a former all-star. He may not be a perfect fit for the Rockets, but there are not many that could be. Bottomline, Howard is our third best player. He's a solid professional, great locker room guy, experienced and has been a consistent scorer/rebounder throughout his career. He has been a first option on many teams, so you know he will step up if somebody gets injured. Bob Sura was injured. Mid-season he was a player of significance. Injuries took a tall. He's not a perfect fit either, but he will fulfill his role next season, whether it's starting, coming off the bench or as trade material to get a player we want. A lot of teams would love to have Juwan Howard and Bob Sura. If they don't help us next season, they will help somebody else. As far as Charlie Ward, he can be a solid back up or a 12th man.
No one expects Ward to ever play significant minutes again. You're really understating what Sura brought to the team. Howard obviously isn't an answer to our need at the 4 spot, but he could at least keep us from being absolutely embarrassed at times. I don't think anyone is so confused as to think we can afford to stand pat this offseason, but even if we were to do so, we would seem to be a 50 to 60 win team. Evan
in defense of sura...think of how we played when he didnt play as opposed to when he did play. he brought fire.
If I have counted it correctly, Sura has fainted 1319 times this season (as reported by our fellow bbs members here).
