for those interested http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3777562 Stromile Swift, Rockets Swift is one of the most athletic big men in the league. He has range (18 to 20 feet) on his jumpers and can shoot accurately after taking one dribble and pulling up. He likes to drive left, but can also go right — and can execute a nifty crossover in both directions. In the pivot, S.S. shows a right-handed jump hook, a turn-around jumper, plus a variety of pump fakes, and up-and-under moves. He can also rebound, block shots and run the floor. In fact, when Swift is on his game he's an extremely active and energetic player. Too bad he can't/won't work hard all of the time — in games as well as in practice. In NBA lingo, Swift is a "dog." However, if Jeff Van Gundy was able to prod/provoke/threaten/cajole Kelvin Cato into earning his salary, perhaps he can motivate Swift to do the same. Maybe yes. Probably not. By Christmas, the Rockets will wish that Swift had landed elsewhere.
Whatever. If Swift dogs it, he won't last long here. He'll have a very trade-friendly contract too so I don't think we'll be sorry. Besides, with guys like Van Gundy and McGrady riding him, and the author's own example of Cato... it's unlikely he'd get away with not working hard. Hell, I suspect guys like Sura, Barry and Mutombo won't let him dog it either.
It's funny. Rosen's assessment is actually pretty accurate and positive, there is even sort of a compliment for JVG in there, but then his hatred for JVG takes over, and he comes to a completely different conclusion from what he posted above.
Everything he said positive about him will be brought out consistently EVERY NIGHT from him by Jeff Van Gundy so his last negative comment is worthless.
this is true MLE is very easy to get rid of ,but now that we know it's gonna be a three year deal it is even easier
Juwan will start. If Swift wants to start, he busts his butt in training camp and wins the job from Juwan. I hope Rosen is wrong but you guys have heard the same Stro stories that Rosen has heard, lets hope the change of climate is beneficial for Stro because the coach will have nothing to do with it, he has been coached by two good coaches in Brown and Fratello. So if change is in the wind for SS, it will be because SS wants to change not because JVG wants him to.
Rosen and I disagree on just about everything he writes about the NBA. One thing is true, Swift has "tons" of unrealized potential. If he doesn't seize this opportunity to prove himself, his NBA career is over for all practical purposes. Maybe he is ready to get serious; he is certainly going to feel the heat if he isn't.
i think jvg and rosen are buddies and jvg asked him to write this. you see, this way, jvg can say: "hey swift, did you read this? prove 'em wrong" that motivated Mcgrady last summer and it may do the same for swift.
I read this as... SS is athletic... yes SS can shoot... yes SS is nifty... Yes SS has a jump hook and turn-around jumper... Yes SS has pump fakes... YES SS has up and under moves.. YES SS can rebound, block shots, run the floor. YESSSS!!! By Christmas, the Rockets will wish that Swift had landed elsewhere.
I think Rosen is great; you just have to take him with a pound of salt. He's a very good analyst, but his emotional prejudices are blatant, and his final conclusions are almost universally cynical. However, having not seen Swift play much at all, it's a very encouraging take on his game. As critical as he is of players, if Rosen says he's got a good shot/hook/etc., then he certainly does have them. He gives compliments away like a...oh, so many bad things I'm aching to say. Anyway, given that I have tremendous faith in JVG, and TMac's clear development as a leader, this makes me all the more excited.
There are way too many people who refuse to accept the bad with the good in players who happen to put on Rockets red. Swift has been lazy. Sorry. It's true. And attacking some sports writer doesn't change that. And, seriously, if Swift weren't lazy...he'd have been way out of our price range. Tremendously athletic. Good shotblocker. Decent range for a 4 or 5. If he had a decent work ethic, he'd already be a star. Rosen isn't making this up. It's not only Swift's reputation, it's a reason he hasn't fulfilled his tremendous potential yet. Let's hope that changes. Let's hope he matures. Let's hope JVG lights a fire under his ass. Let's hope the team chemistry lifts him up. But don't deny reality. Swift has not been a hard worker to this point. Sorry.
