I was at the game tonight and sat down really close to the floor. For the past three weeks, I've noticed that he just doesn't seem to have the bounce in his step he had before. Tonight, it was worse. Much worse. Even the people around me were asking what was up with him. It's one thing to not shoot well but there were moments when he wasn't even running hard, times when he just floated not even looking for a shot. That is NOT the Cat we know. I don't know what exactly is going on but I did not ONCE see he and Francis exchange high 5's. In fact, he didn't even seem to interact much with ANYONE. It was wierd. I don't know if there is some emotional issue or if he just doesn't like the team anymore or what, but he is not the guy he was even a month ago. Mobley has always reminded me of Barkley. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Over the past three weeks or so, he looked like the Tinman out there. Something has to be up.
It might be a combination of 1.) Being told that he must defer to Yao. 2.) Being down on himself for having a poor-shooting game.
I noticed that in the game on TV too. He did not seem to have the kind of energy he had before. Somebody in Rox upper management must have had some really serious conversation with him during the all star break.
dude, you know that he must HATE to hear his name brought up in trade rumors for any one other than GOD!!
Some fans at games can just be as crude as they are on clutch BBs. When you see signs that say "Pass the ball to Yao" and they know its true. It gets to them. Afterall, Mobley is human,
literrally, Mobes is a shadow of his old self, must have guested in one of those many Cuttino Bashin' forums would you say? Seriously, at the back of his mind lies the prospect that he wont be "PArtt of Something Big" or in other words, he'll pack his bags to play elsewhere man, just imagin how many threads would put taken out once Mobley leaves, now there wouldnt be anyone to bash, now that's not fun isnt???
I think he is having a hard time with defering to Yao. He may snap out of it, but the team is in a terrible funk right now. DD
I seriously doubt this has anything to do with the fans. Something else is going on. His demeanor on the floor is just not what it once was. Even the way he communicates with his teammates is different. Truth is, his communication with the other players just isn't very good it appears.
I might be paranoid, but some signs like these hint towards a possible trade. I don't know how much merit this has, but during tonight's broadcast, Bill Worrell actually criticized Cuttino on a couple of occasions where he missed wide open shots. I can't remember the last time Bill criticized a Rocket on air, let alone more than once during a broadcast. Maybe he's trying to build up a movement against The Cat so we don't feel as bad to see him ship out. Like I said, I might be paranoid, but not an android.
He has lost his confidence. When he doesn't score he tends to lose interest in the game but he generally does bounce back but this was a very bad performance from him. Having to defer to Yao is still a big adjustment for him and I'm sure when he reads things like Francis looking to play at the 2 if given the chance he gets more disheartened. He is better coming off the bench rather than starting but I'm sure he must be thinking about being involved in a potential trade although I'm quite sure that nobody would have told him about that in the organization because they would like to keep things quiet.
Oh boy, here come the Dre is coming to Houston, SF is moving over to the 2, and Cat is on his way out rumors.
If Mobley is 3 inches taller, he could be a special player. Now he has to be a complementary player which is tough on him. But why can't he reinvent himself as another Michael Finely ?
The Rockets NEVER tell their players they are being traded...NEVER. Rudy runs a tight ship as far as rumors go. I think Cat is just realizing that he is not going to be "THE MAN" on the team, and is having trouble playing without the ball. He will adjust, maybe. DD
interesting insight. so how would you explain that last-second desperation shot? maybe stevie knew about this possible trade and wanted to give mobley one last shot at redeeming himself? either way, mobley's morale would have to have been crushed after the game.
A. Miller is not a good choice for the Rockets. He is an unrestricted free agent and not worth the max. Yet, if Kidd stays at NJ or got to San Antonio, then the next best free agent PG is A. Miller and both Jazz and Nuggets will go all out for him. Rockets may very well lose him to free agency and lost Mobley too. Mobley is OK but like most people, he is probably feeling the pressure to win and he is not even the 2nd option on the time now. If there is a trade for Mobley, we need to have a 2nd guard, Posey cannot play guard, not right now. Good defense but his outside shooting is going to get the Rockets killed and 2nd guard are suppose to be good outside shooters. Moving Steve to 2nd guard comes with problems also. Steve cannot play defense against the 2 guards in the NBA. Then again, Steve will likely outscore them.
