Sure, about a week ago at this time the Rockets were just 1/2 game back of the playoffs after an amazing game against the Spurs (one of the better games I've been to in a long ass time). A week later we're out 4, 4 1/2 games or whatever it is...I don't even want to look. But, all I'm saying is don't discount the impact that picking up a couple wins has this week when coupled with Minnesota's brutal 6 game stretch beginning with Seattle, ending with LA, and back to back Portland games inbetween. Sure it would be nice to get a Battier in the draft, but it probably, almost certainly, won't happen. We already have young talent on the brink of superstar status after just a couple years in the league and during rebuilding years at that. This summer's free agent market will be the true indication of this team's future. I think a strong push for the playoffs is critical to raise the eyebrows of a certain Mr. Webber or any of the other big free agent names. Realistically, why sign with a .500 ball club for a ton of money when you can sign with an already established contendor for a little bit less than a ton of money. Les has brought some big time players to this team. I'd like to think that he's got big plans for the summer, especially after letting the trade deadline come and go. The draft may not be the answer. Thus, it really shouldn't be treated as an "incentive" or really any big plus for not making the playoffs. I remember a time when everyone was pretty excited to be just a few games out of the playoff hunt. Give it another week and see what happens. We may lose 3 more; we may win 5 in a row. ------------------
Good Post. I'm going to post this here too: Here's what has to happen. T-Wolves schedule @Seattle w @Sacramento l @Portland l Portland l Phoenix w LA Lakers l @Vancouver w @LA Lakers l @LA CLippers w Utah l @Houston l @Dallas w For a Final Record of 47-35 Houston Schedule Utah w Phoenix w (revenge) @Washington w @New Jersey w Dallas w Seattle w Atlanta w @Utah l Denver w @Portland l @Vancouver w Minnesota w For a Final record of 48-34 It will all come down to the last game. Houston will have to win all of their home games, and beat all the crap teams. Looks possible, with Hakeem coming back. Many of the games will end up as wins through revenge alone. I expect the Rockets to handle Phoenix and Seattle. Dallas will be tough. As will be Denver. Meanwhile, we'll have to hope that the better teams keep playing their hardest, and that they take care of Minnesota. With Peeler out, maybe it could happen. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
I really am amazed at just how difficult the T-Wolves schedule is. Assuming Hakeem comes back and plays well, I can easily see the Rockets going 10-2. Its up to them to just win each game, and hope that Minny loses! ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
That's exactly what I'm saying, ZRB. Your win/loss projections are not unrealistic at all. It's just unfortunate that if we were in that exact situation and lost that last game to the Wolves, we wouldn't own the tie-breaker. ------------------
gee, I hope you are right the standings are certainly tight but if the rockets play well we skip lottery hell and join the play off fight Crap... This isnt the limerick thread either, is it?? ------------------ "It's finger ling ling good!" - Homer Simpson's opinion of Kentucky Fried Panda
