I dont think so. But last 2 games we have looked much better on offense without Dreams post up slowing tempo and Francis turning ball over. Any thoughts?
we are better than hakeem when he is always posting up. if we use hakeem right, we will actually be a better team with hakeem. 1.)Concentrate on hakeem playing the high post more and shootin jumpers. 2.)With hakeem there, we will have 2 shot blockers(i.e. cato and hakeem). 3.)Run even while hakeem is in the game.
as far as francis is concerned, we are NOT a better team without francis. francis complements our offense, and although he does turn the ball over more than drew, he can penetrate more, resulting in more assists and easy baskets.
I knew someone would post this sooner or later. My thoughts. Hakeem needs to take a lesser role, and by sitting a while (All Ramadan by the way) he can watch and learn that his teamates can play also. This should help him blend in when he gets back. Francis could learn a lot from how B. Drew is running this team, he is doing EXACTLY what a true PG should do, he is taking what the opponent gives you and passing the ball to the open player. If you notice, whenever everyone plays unselfish Basketball, they are energized at both ends of the floor. No one wants to watch on the offensive end, and be expected to only play defense. The last couple of games the Rockets have been passing WONDERFULLY. I hope Hakeem and Stevie are watching. DaDakota PS. To answer your question, Are they better? The answer is this: They are playing better without them, but if they come back and join in the team philosophy, the Rockets can be SOOOO much better with Hakeem and Francis.
Of course we aren't better without them. They are great talents. Steve does a little too much dribbling and one-on-one for me but it's probably because no one else was producing. He was carrying the team. He was our most consistent player on offense - and our star. Now that the others are getting it going IN A BIG WAY I think we will see Stevie passing more. I have been very impressed with his attitude and the improvement each game shows he works hard. He is glad the others are picking it up - he wants to win. I have said many times, we need Dream. It astounds me to think anyone feels otherwise. I will be interested to see if he and Charles are in the game together from now on. That change will benefit Dream and Charles, I think. I've blasted him in the past, but I really liked DaDakota's last paragraph. Really, I think this topic is a no brainer.
bballfanatic - I feel a lot of love in this room. What do you say, I start a chorus of Kumbayaa? Heheheh. DaDakota - Sometimes I deserve to be blasted.
I will ALWAYS be greatful to Dream for bring this city two NBA Championships, but it does appear that this team needs to run to be successful. Much of our recent improvement has come from the teams utilization of Shandon Anderson's talents. His style of game is not something that the Rockets are accustomed to playing, and change takes TIME to successfully incorporate. We are also benefiting from improved outside shooting! Had we shot the ball as well earlier this season we would have won alot of those close games with Dream inside. We will begin winning alot more games if we continue shooting 48%!!! Lets just hope that the minutes that Drew, Anderson and Kenny Thomas are now getting (that they previously were not getting) benefit their confidence! DREAM IS A PROVEN WINNER, and I have every confidence that he will do whatever it takes to win games when he returns to the team!
M-- We are better using this style of play. We knew this would be the case before the season started just by looking at the roster. We'll be better when Francis gets back, no doubt. The real question is will Dream acquiesce to this new style of play? Also, get off Francis' turnovers. They aren't that bad. And they don't cost us anygames. So far this season, no one, not even Chuck, has hustled more than Francis or made as many positive plays as Francis. There is no basis for trying to make Steve seem like part of a problem. Our problem is style of play. we've tried two styles of play this season. One style fits the players and the other one doesn't. Hopefully, Hakeem has noticed this too. [This message has been edited by JeffB (edited December 05, 1999).] [This message has been edited by JeffB (edited December 05, 1999).]
I can't even believe some people are saying we are better without Steve Francis. The only other time I heard that said was on 610's, "The Bench," when Lance said it sarcastically to make a point. You guys have to be kidding me.. [This message has been edited by thacabbage (edited December 05, 1999).]
Drew still looks more like a 2 guard than a point guard. Don't forget Cuttino was on the floor with him and Cuttino did more ball handling than Drew. So in essence, Cat was playing the 1 and Drew the 2. Cat is making this thing happen more than Drew. Drew is playing well, but let's not lose our heads and posit the guy is a better point than Steve. That's crazy. Steve was carrying this team when Shandon, Cat, Drew, Dream and Walt couldn't draw iron. Period. Now that most of those guys have found the range, Steve doesn't have to create as much and we will see this team get better.
Alright guys, the picture is this simple = If Francis can snap out of his turnovers, we are a way beter team, if he can't, it's back to square one. As for dream, his presence on the court will always be an added plus. I agree he slows down the offense, but if he can balance out his post up, with perimeter shots........Then we are a force to reckon with...........however first things first = We really need to work on our Team Defense.
NO way. If rockets want to be successful this year, they need to utilize their intelligence efficiently. Dream need to focus more on defense end. I still do not see any center in NBA right now shows dream's defense skill, experience and calm. When you meet good team, you need dream and Cato to form twin block over inside. Dream and Cato need work together for a while to get defense chemistry! Francis will be one of great player if he keeps working hard. Definitely if he can get some of Drew's calm pass and control his temp (rush pass sometime), he will be perfect point. But remember he only got 14 NBA games. I don't know which point guard could ever play better tan Francis at his stage. What ever, we are excited. This is great team!
James-- You are right about the team defesne. But it gets better every game. Its what has sparked our running game. I think Francis' turnovers are a problem, but they won't send us to square one. Square one was standing around watching Hakeem post up. It was during those motionless moments--trying to get the ball in to Dream/Chuck or trying to post up himself--that Francis had most of his turnovers.
What should be our starting 5? And Rudy's bench rotation? I say have Drew at point, Francis at 2, Barkley at small forward, Cato at power forward and Dream at center. Anderson should come off bench to relieve Drew, Mobley to relieve Francis. Rodgers to relieve either Cato,Hakeem or Barkley. I think this rotation would be more effective both offensively and defensively.
I just want them to keep playing TEAM ball. If you can beat your man off the dribble, do it, but be prepared to pass to an open man as the defense rotates to help. I hope Francis plays tonight. Remember the last Vancouver game...could we possibly win 3 in a row..... DaDakota
In the two games before Francis was hurt, he didn't have many turnovers while dishing otu MANY assists. So... I think that problem is, if not resolved, at least subsiding to manageable proportions. As for dream, I'm sad to say that if he tries to remain the focus of the offense, he is a liability. If he tries to act as a defensive stopper, and a spot-up shooter w/occasional p ostups, then he's beneficial. But honestly, I don't think he will. [This message has been edited by haven (edited December 06, 1999).]
