What value? Wells had value. Wells didn't get any offers this past offseason so that tells you his value is less than 2 mil per year or more likely nonexistent. If it doesn't work out it will be because either he can't play or he's a quitter again.
I think steve will have a better year out of the three. His emotions act as a double edged sword, when he is playing inspired he can hang with some of the best in the league (considering his body is still in tact). When he went to Orlando and New York you could see his heart wasn't in it.
All 3 had off years related in one way or another to attitude. Maybe a new coach like Adelman will change that. A clean slate. They won't have to walk on egg shells, just go out and play. Francis is back in the place he called home so is James. Bonzi feels like Adelman truly accepts him and thought Adelman coming back was a miracle. If Bonzi plays like he did against the Spurs, I'd be ecstatic---he was going through them with ease over and over again. It seems like all 3 are eager to please this season and have taken a different outlook. From the reports, Bonzi has slimmed down....James said he's in the best shape of his life and that he's never worked harder than they did this summer. Francis is going through grueling workouts every day to make his come back. It seems like they are already taking a different approach to this season. Also, since Adelman likes to attack from every position and has more shots per game for guys, the guys will enjoy playing for him more. I have always considered the 3 guys very talented, all emotions aside.
im not sure if your being too optimistic. but weslinder and that other guy are being way too down on bonzi. i think he will prove them wrong this year.
If they play somewhere in the "middle" of the most ardent supporters and those who think they'll be a bust, we are still way, WAY better off at the guard position, compared to last season. Reason enough to be optimistic, and that doesn't include Brooks, who will hopefully earn some playing time.
I've been a Mike James fan since he was a Celtic but this one's not even close. Wells easily over both SF and MJ. James and Francis are IMO upgrades to Rafer but they all have very similar skill sets. Especially a 30 yo not-so-high-flying Francis. Wells (and Scola) bring a low post game that makes the offense much more free-wheeling. The impact of Wells won't show directly in his numbers. Wells' presence will allow McGrady to go to his more natural SF position. Additionally, a low post Wells also allows James and Francis (much better finishers than Alston) to cut to the basket. A healthy Wells gives the Rockets the option of resting Battier at key intervals on an uptempo team and to substitute offense-defense at SF-SG during end-game situations. Never understood the hate for Wells around here. Van Gundy's not the only one with a jaded opinion of Wells.
If Rick can find a way to keep all of these guys happy for a season while using them to exploit weaknesses of the opposition ths is going to be a great season. Van Gundy wanted to force his style on the opponent regardless of the opponents strengths. Rick's style is to exploit the opponents weakness, our roster is more suited to Rick's style personality wise.... If we had Dream, Thorpe, Mad Max and Super Mario JVG might fit better.
Well, at this point there's room for plenty of optimism. Francis, James and Wells are proven players and their excellent production has not been exactly ancient history. We're not talking about players that have never produced on the floor. Sometimes a renewed commitment, a new coach and a clean slate and a new offensive system would do wonders for a player. We already know what they can do on the floor.....the only question is whether they are coming in with a good attitude. So far they've approached their summer workouts that way. Bonzi's emergence would really add a huge edge to the team because it would force defenders to have to guard both Tmac and Bonzi if they play together....I think defenders can kind of rest a little more when guarding Battier because he's not very offensively assertive. At their best, Francis and James can light up the score board and it would punish the opposing point guards and not giving us the deficit we have at that position. We seem to give up a lot more points than we put up at the point guard and power forward position (in the last few years).
Exactly. We need to exploit the opponents weaknesses more, rather than just trying to force feed them same approach regardless of the opponents strengths.
I have 100% confidence in Francis. I believe he will form a Big 3 with Yao amd McGrady. I really have no doubts at all he will return to forum. As for Mike James last year wasn't an off year. He had one huge career year in Toronto before that. But last year was a normal year for him. So I don't see him coming off a "down year." He should be pretty much what he was last year, which is more typical of what he has been through his career, which is by the way certainly better than Alston. As for Bonzi he will get his chances with Adelman and should certainly contribute on offense. As for the losing 35 pounds ince last year, well he came to training camp at 268 so I guess he's down to 233 now then. In Sacramento when they got him from Memphis he was at 270 (mainly why Memphis dumped him) and he got down to 240. He was about 240 in the playoff against the Spurs. So if he's down to say about 235, some where around there he could concievably be a BIG boost to the team, as I remember him saying 235-240 is his "ideal playing weight."
Not to get off the subject the guy that has to bounce back is Yao. He showed nothing in the playoffs and didn't play up to his pre-injury form when he came back. Yao has had flashes but still has not put together a complete single season where he has dominated.
And this one time at bandcamp..... Bonzi had a good playoff series against the Spurs.... Turn the page people...
Bonzi has the biggest potential to have a big rebound since he is healthier now, works well with Adelman, and plays big for his position. Francis has the longest road to rebound, and James just has to play his best.
270 pounds. Dam. That's fat. What's he eating in the offseason? or is he metabolically predisposed to that weight like Sir Charles. It's good that he's down to 235. He has such powerful decisive post moves and is really strong around the basket. He's a very skilled and talented player.....he just needs to get his head on straight and behave.
Hate isn't the right word for it. Skepticism is a better description and it's quite justified. People who continue to hang on Bonzi's fluke playoff performance need to take their head out of the water and look at the body of his whole career. He's just a 13/5 guy who turns 31 years old in a few days. His last 4-5 seasons have been very average (like most of his career) and at best he will be able to continue the mediocrity. As a back up for Shane and Tracy, Bonzi may end up being a great fit if he gives us quality reserve minutes. As you say, the effect may not show up much on the stat sheet. There is a stronger likelihood that either SF or MJ (maybe both) will step up and have a major impact at PG.
