I don't see Rudy taking the chance on Ming. Eventhough it would bring a lot of publicity to the Rockets, it wouldn't automatically bring wins. In order for Rudy to keep his job for next season, the Rockets are going to have to make the playoffs. I know a lot of people want Ming because of what he "could" bring to the Rockets, but honestly is it worth the risk. Maybe for the Rockets, but for Rudy I don't think so.
Source? How exactly is Rudy's job on the line? See, to me, you need a consistent pattern of underachieving to warrant firing a coach who loves the team, city, and has won multiple championships. We've gone three years without making the playoffs... big deal. Three years ago, the Barkley injury and Francis being a rookie prohibited any chance of the postseason. Two years ago, Rudy took a team that had rebuilt in one year to a 45-37 record, the best ever not to make the playoffs. You know how long the Celtics have been rebuilding? They had rebuilt for 6-7 years, and they finally had about 50 wins in the weak Eastern Conference. After one year, we had 45 wins in one of the strongest conferences ever. Last year isn't a valid comparison, with Francis, Rice, and Mo Taylor (three starters) out for either the season or significant amounts of time.
You know how long the Celtics have been rebuilding? They had rebuilt for 6-7 years, and they finally had about 50 wins in the weak Eastern Conference. Yes, but they changed coaches multiple times. I posted this in another thread -- and I can't confirm it -- but I heard somewhere that no coach has ever survived 4 years without making the playoffs. That's not to say Rudy couldn't be the first, of course.
I doubt very seriously that the Rockets end up in the lottery next year, but if they do, don't be suprised if Rudy is still the coach. No coach has ever rebuilt a team to another championship, except Rudy.
Who is going to fire Rudy? Rudy & CD run the team, and are joined at the hip. Les would get run out of town if he ever tried that crap, and rightfully so. Not going to happen. Ever.
The question I have is how many championship coaches have WANTED to stay through 4 rebuilding years without making the playoffs. I think he shows an uncommon willingness to stick with this franchise through tough times for such a well-regarded coach. Rudy would be in very high demand around the league as a coach if he left the Rockets. Many championship coaches leave their teams before they really enter the rebuilding process, and go on to have success elsewhere. -Pat Riley left the Lakers while they were still a playoff team to have relatively good success with the Knicks and later the Heat. -Chuck Daly left the Pistons when they were basically made up of the same championship players to go lead the Nets to the playoffs. -Phil Jackson ditched Chicago without having to endure a single bad season before moving on to the Lakers. I actually do not know the specific circumstances behind Pat Riley and Chuck Daly's departures from the Lakers and Pistons respectively. All I know is they left while their teams were still in contention. Can anyone enlighten me?
I like Rudy, but I'm a Rockets-fan not a Rudy-fan. I want wat's best for the team in the long run. However I also belive that's what Rudy and CD wants. I don't buy the "pray to god we don't draft Ming 'cause that will get Rudy fired" arguments. But that maby wasn't your point. You just think that Rudy will draft or trade for someone he thinks can take us to the playoffs next season, regardles of long term potential?
Tell me the truth... If you were in the position of CD and Rudy, and maybe you did have a few bad breaks in recent years. Why wouldn't they trade this pick for example Odom #8 (a center who could rebound and block shots) #12 (next best player) for kt rice #1( jay w.) #15 It would work perfect for both teams. The clippers would get a potential all-star point gaurd in jw, since they don't won't to resign McInnis. A back-up powerforward, who they were looking to pick up in the draft any way. Also another pick where they could draft a back-up center for Big "O". As for the Rockets, they would get a small forward (what they need). A center who could help on the def. end, and another top 12 talent. Why pass this up for one player that even after you draft him, you still don't have the final say on what he does.
