http://www.nba.com/fantasy/draft_kit/teampreview_hou.html <i> Two things are known for sure: That Yao Ming will log close to 35 minutes per game at the center position, and Tracy McGrady, if he can keep his back spasms in check, will log the same at shooting guard. After that, Shane Battier, whose defense, three-point shooting and general court awareness have made him a coach’s favorite since college, is likely to see 30-35 minutes at small forward. Beyond Battier, there should be competition for most of the other jobs. If the Rockets are able to re-sign Dikembe Mutombo, he’ll once again log 10-12 minutes per game as the backup center; otherwise, Jackie Butler could fill that role. Chuck Hayes, a banger who plays solid defense despite being undersized, but offers little else, will likely start at power forward initially and see 20 minutes per game. Newly acquired Luis Scola from Argentina will push Hayes for minutes (and a starting job) and give the Rockets a more offensive-oriented option at the 4. Bonzi Wells, who thrived under Adelman in Sacramento, will back up both McGrady and Battier at the swing spots, though he’ll have to hold off Francis and three-point shooting ace Luther Head. The point guard position is even less settled with last year’s starter Rafer Alston, Mike James and Brooks all looking for playing time. There’s no way to project the point-guard/backup shooting guard minutes until things shake out in camp and Alston’s legal situation resolves. Our best guess, assuming Alston’s still in Houston, is that he and James split the point guard minutes evenly at first, with Wells seeing most of the backup minutes at the two and three. Francis and Head would be the odd men out, but that could change if Alston were moved. </i> Link includes state of the franchise, playing time distribution, and player outlooks. Any thoughts? Please lock if this is old.
No. Francis didn't sign for cheap and forego bigger contracts elsewhere to come here to be hoping for 5-10 minutes at backup shooting guard....I don't even like him at shooting guard. Adelmand and Morey were heavy in recruiting him and they imagined a big role for him here. If anyone is odd man out, it would be Rafer Alston. He may have been the starting point guard, but if they thought he was the answer as a starter or backup, why would they go out and get Francis, James and Brooks. Francis and James will be point guard. Brooks is being groomed for the future and will see time if he develops quickly. Bonzi will be the main shooting guard coming off the bench for Tmac and Head will get the scraps of what is left. Alston and Snyder are the odd men out. Hayes will be the starter until the Scola becomes adjusted to the offense and the NBA.
Last season the situation was tough. JVG used only Alston even if he sucked. He played 40-45 minutes a game cause we didn't have another option (JL and VSpan were too weak). Now we don't have that problem. Alston sucks, can't even make wide open positions-we have James Brooks Francis...
Thank God ClutchFans is back up! I say it takes Scola about a week to adjust to the NBA and send Hayes to the bench. I think Francis or James will start at PG. I'd really like them to develop Butler and Brooks but time for these guys will be hard to come by. Bonzi should be one of the primary weapons off the bench if he shows up ready to play.
This is the deepest Rockets roster I have ever seen. No scrubs anywhere to be seen. I guess gone are the days of the likes of Matt Maloney, Moochie, ancient Vin Baker etc..
I guess I am the only one that doesn't Battier getting more than 30 minutes a game. I am thinking 25 minutes at most.
25-10 minutes that's not stupid but it depends. If he's on fire let him stay but when he isn't doin' everything special just change him - deep team
I would like to see Battier get 25 minutes too. If Bonzi bounces back this year....then, we would need to give him time and also have Head in there for his 3 point shooting. And limit Tmac to around 30 minutes for the first half of the season. I would rather keep these guys fresh for the post season.
Yeah I think Bonzi will be a diffrent player this year. He is a great guy and he has a big role in Houston next season. But now he's healthly, he want to play here cause of Adelman. I think JVG was one of the reason why Bonzi had bad last season and the other reasons were injuries.
Of course there's a way that could happen. Francis could be sidelined by injury. In fact so could James and Brooks and Alston could lead the team again in minutes played. Not saying any of that's likely, but there's certainly a way it could happen. With a team as injury-plagued as ours, never say never.
You got to give Alston minutes before you can trade him. another thought, Alston was given 40 minutes a game by JVG, he is still un-tradable.
I hated when Rafer played that 40 minutes per game. But on the other hand we didn't have another PG who could ba a backup for him. JL, VSpan? We just have to see. Adelman has to give him his minutes at the beginin' of the season and he has to do the same thing with James and Francis maybe Brooks. And than we'll see who is in the best shape and who should play more minutes. I still hope Rafer will show us his quickness next season if he stays of course.
That would be nice. Do you think that Bonzi can be effective playing small forward. To get Head in the game with the second unit, the only way to do that is to have Bonzi play small forward and Head shooting guard....unless Head plays some with the first unit.
Pass whatever you're smoking. Bonzi is about as far from a great guy as you can get. If injuries = quadruple-stuffed oreos, then yes.
That's the only option. Bonzi on SF and that gives Head on SG, cause now with all new guards I don't wanna see Luther as a PG anymore
