Maybe some will, but I won't. Dream's time has come and gone. God bless him, but it's time for him to retire. And it's time for you to open up your dictionary and pick a brainfart other than "you suck" to start your posts with. You are showing your elementary-school mentality. ------------------ Bring It!!
OT -- "Freak, Dream has always put his religion first. He goes to Mecca in the summer and fasts and prays 4 times a day for Ramadon in February. This is nothing new so, why make something of it now. He did the same thing when he won back to back championships." That's a good point. I know it's nothing new for him to put his religion first. I certainly hope I'm just jumping to conclusions here....it certainly wouldn't be the first time.
rmt, excuse my phrase " you suck", but I already apoligized for it.(right after I posted it) I never said Hakeem hasn't shown his age or had poor games this year, in fact I even stated that I expected it after his injury, which I did. If you claim you won't switch bandwagons, fine, I never said everyone would, and I certainly will not argue the point. Furthermore, sometimes after reading posts here my mentality does seem to drift down to your "elementary stage". If you want to discuss that any further, I'll meet you out by the bike rack at 3:30.
Malone was born in 63-he is averaging 26 & 10 Ewing was born in 62-he is averaging 15 & 10 Hakeem was born in 63-he is averaging 11 & 7 Given these same aged guys couldn't touch Dream in his prime. Whether it is hunger for a ring, not being on heart meds, better conditining habits, or whatever, these same-age guys are playing so much better. Hakeem was the best, now he isn't even the best of the dinosours, he should call it quits. Also, IMHO, Dream used to be able to handle the effects of his fast because he was in such fabulous condition and was so incredibly talented. It is not surprising to me if fasting takes a more of a tool now--there is no question it should inhibit soft tissue recovery and result in fatigue.
I am not blind and agree that Hakeems' game has declined, but if you compare stats using minutes per game, he does not look so bad. Hakeem has 24, Malone 37 and Ewing 33. Make all of their minutes the same and the points and rebounds get closer, and Hakeems blocks and steals get much higher than both of those guys. just thought I'd point that out......
I'm not disturbed at all. The team is bad this season. Surgery + injuries + no chemistry + new role+ + turnovers - Chuckwagon = failing in multiple areas. Hakeem is untouchable in my book. UNBEATABLE ------------------ We would like to get rookie Francis on the break for some easy scoops in the first quarter... [This message has been edited by Not Chaney (edited March 13, 2000).]
He has no legs, which mean no jumping, which means no shot. That added with the fact that he has no size to make up for his age (like Ewing), which means he plays too big for a forward and too little for a center. There's no way he can add ten inches to his vertical leap, and for some reason he still can't pass out of a double team. Dream is a pain in the ass.
Comparing stats on a per minute basis is completely meaningless unless the players can actually play the minutes.
Even though he is not playing GREat anymore, I still think it's awesome watching him play, and there is only 100 games plus next years 15 playoff games left to enjoy the DREAM. Who else would have lasted that long on one team while bringing the first championship to a city? ?
Houston Rocks: Don't you find it DEPRESSING watching him play? I know I do. It's sad and pathetic watching him be bested by mediocre centers. However, I have to question the virtue of the Toronto trade. If we had made that deal, there's a very good chance we wouldn't have Francis... and we wouldn't be playing for a higher lottery pick. I'd rather have Francis and a high lotto pick than a #5 and #12 (Willis and Christie are irrelevant... by the time the team is good, they'll be gone). So, which line-up would you rather have... (hypothetical if we get lucky in the lotto): 5 Cato 4 Thomas/Rogers 3 Terrance Morris (almost random, insert your favorite at will) 2 Anderson/Mobley 1 Francis or 5 Cato 4 Willis/Bender/Harrington 3 Maggette 2 Dickerson (Anderson probably wouldn't have signed) 1 Drew/Price It's a close call... but who knows if Bender will ever be a great player? It's too hard to tell right now. You can talk about how we should have taken the deal... but who knows if it would even have helped AT ALL? It could have been detrimental. [This message has been edited by haven (edited March 14, 2000).] [This message has been edited by haven (edited March 14, 2000).]
I still like that first lineup better. Willis is about to retire, and Bender ???? you mean from Futurama??
I think it would be great if Hakeem stayed in town and helped Carlos learn the finer points of the game. But I'm a realist... Hakeem is a world traveler in the off season, I wouldn't expect him to stay here. What he does in the off season is his own bid'ness. While on the subject of Rogers, I hope the Rockets eventually lock him up. I love his spirit. Old School
OK--who else thinks there's... Something disturbing about someone calling themselves TheFreak saying there is something distrubing about anyone. I'd watch your back Hakeem.
I would like to say that the reason Hakeem is playing average is because of his breathing problems and what did you expect him to do when he came back from hernia surgery to dominate from the opening minute he stepped on the floor. I play basketball all the time in the parks and gyms and I have been going thru breathing problems and I am playing my worst ball ever. I am living proof that hakeems problems are for real. Right now the Rockets season is over as far as playoffs is concerned and the playoffs is what it is all about so I can understand the lack of motivation at this point. There is a new offense new players and Hakeem is not gonna get the shots he did in the past so he is not gonna put up the usual Dream numbers. I guarentee you one thing Hakeem will come back next season in terrific shape and he will go out playing great just watch. No excuse me I am gonna watch my man Dream and the Rockets play the fagity and dirty Knicks. One more thing Knicks fans get off that Ewing is doing so great sh#t because Ewing aint sh#t and will never be sh#t.
popeye, You said that was just your humble opinion on Dream not being back next season. Is there something more about a deal already being cut for him to retire? Mango
I Think if Hakeem play's next year you all will see him play much better.It will be his farewell tour and that = motivation. I think people are giving up on the Dream too easily.We all know he will never again be as good as he was 5 yrs ago but a healthy Hakeem can help this team win around 50 game's next year. Anyone ever think maybe Hakeem is the only player playing for the lotto ?... he's no dummie.
Are you accusing him of tanking?!? I've previously called for his waiver next year, but even I wouldn't accuse him of throwing games. Disrespect... He just flat cannot play as he used to.
I guess I'm an impatient person ... the chance was there (in my opinion) to advance the rebuilding cause 2 years. Seeing Dream not care too much on the court just makes it more frustrating for me... but in my own eyes nothing will tarnish Dream's past accomplishments -- not even wearing a Raptors jersey. I think it actually would have helped him (just my opinion part II). I doubt many think of Moses Malone as a Hawk, Bullet or even San Antonio Spur. But who knows... perhaps he retires a Rocket, as he should (I agree with that, but perhaps shamefully was willing to sacrifice it) and that opens up better possibilities at that time than could have been had by adding more youth in his place right now.
