If Phoneix I dont think he will top Barbosa for the Back up job- if he goes for money more power to him, if he is going to Phoenix to showcase being a PG- I have a feeling that would not work well. Anyway I would worry more about who the other SG/SF additions would be rather than a "possible" back up PG. No doubt I would love for him to be here- but then again he will do what is best for him
all of this PF talk probably belongs in a PF thread, not in a John Lucas thread, but regardless, Battier is strong and long enough to defend most of the 4s. if you remember, there've been times when Battier was put on Yao, with great results [for them, not us]: (link) "Boos began to rain down from the crowd as the Rockets shot poorly and the boos got stronger when 6-foot-8 Shane Battier blocked a shot by the 7-6 Yao." I have my fears about Battier being fast enough to defend Amare and Marion, but I can't think of anyone else that he won't be able to contain. and obviously offensively all he needs to do is camp out and nail the 3 (which he is his m.o.), and occasionally help out on the boards, which he is more than capable of doing.
Just because we cut him last year doesn't mean he hasn't gotten better. Gotten much better. In those summer league highlights, the improvement was drastic. And while the competition was much lower; the skills, speed, vision, and decision-making that he showed was impressive at any level. Not to mention that with the hand-checking rules in place in the NBA, penetration and quickness with the ball is one strength that is easy to translate to the league. I personally think that he's got all the tools to be an impact scorer in the league (along with being a nifty distributer). And considering that his cost will likely be the minimum and a roster spot for two years, it's a ridiculously low risk/high reward signing. And we really need to make some good moves right now. And beyond all of that, there's a principle at work here. JL3 has a relationship with the club. His father has a relationship with the club, and we should have all the advatage in the world at signing him. Regardless of what kind of situation Phoenix is, Lucas has professed his love for the rockets and appreciation for the faith the organization has shown him. If the rockets front office can't close a kid like that, it'll be pretty pathetic. We should have the inside track at this kid and the rockets need to land him. Period. For the fan's well-being if nothing else. I don't think we can take letting another free agent that has a motivated interest in signing with our team to slip right through our fingers. Don't F*** this up CD/Morey.
I highly, highly doubt Battier got that block on Yao on a straight up situation. He had to have come from the weakside on that one. No doubt in my mind.
Nash played behind cassell . .and states he learned alot Cassell may not be an MVP but I think 'd rather learn behind Nash than Play behind Rafer Rocket River
It may be nice if it was a pick-up game. In the NBA, it's different. JVG has more of dictating roles than actual skill showing. Reason I think Luther is better than he is, I would like to see him do something but shoot, JVG has implemented shooting into his mind. Why not try to develop a floater? Maybe a pull up from 8 ft? The role playing wings must defend for their life, and hit the 3-ball. No other role, really. That's not fair, I'd like to see a different skill level if they have it. In Phoenix, they let you play where you like. Diaw at 6'8 is no big man, but he's comfortable there so they played him there..and look what happened. Lucas even in Houston helped the tempo game, in Phoenix it'll be even nicer. If I was Lucas, I'm going to Phoenix probably, that's if I understand the rotations. Probably a 2-man rotation at PG, getting 10-14mpg behind Nash is something that'll he crave ..but will he get it? If so, he' better go there.
There is no immediate playing time to go around for Lucas if he goes to the Suns. Barbosa will likely play both the backup 1 and the 2. Bell plays 37 min/gm, Barbosa is at 28 min/gm and Nash is at 35 so that means there is nowhere for Lucas to really get significant time. He would be good insurance but I'm sure he would rather have PT.
D'Antoni has back to back WCF appearances and brought a new innovation to basketball in terms of the fast-break philosophy to another level. Meanwhile, Van Gundy is another Riley bred who has gone to the Finals once. Fact is neither has the ring, but D'Antoni's judging and system is better for today's NBA. My fear is..if say D'Antoni becomes a Rocket coach, he'll make Yao a jump shooter I may be wrong, but I think he'll like to see that out of Yao instead of a post-up player.
another phrase i'm seeing alot, this "today's nba". undeniable in impact but still hasnt won a championship. You'd almost have to go with the Suns between them and the Rockets. Guys over at the Suns come from nowhere to be solid players and former bench players resurrect themselves or become borderline All-Star. Every position-guard, forwards and even center if you look at Amare's improvment. BUT, they have Barbosa, so.... As of now Rockets have no backup point guard penciled in so thats gotta be enticing. Bob Sura might can play but there's no guarantee he'll be healthy. Lucas can come in when the other teams send in their subs so it wont be him handed the reins to lead the ballclub or anything. They let freakin Moochie backup All-Star Steve Francis. They SURELY can let JL3 backup a terd like Rafer.
Dwayne Wade being absolutely unguardable on the perimeter, going to the free throw line 20+ times a game, and carrying his team to the NBA title is "today's nba".
Lucas is going to be a good pro, and I hope he signs with Houston, he is EXACTLY the type of self motivating competitor we need. That being said, he should sign wherever he gets the best fit and deal...and that is probably NOT in Houston. DD
Well Luther did start developing a floater. Towards the end of the season, he had that teardrop floater going on (probably picked it up from Rafer). And he has a very solid pull-up from 12-15. And while I'm as critical of JVG's offensive deliberateness as anybody, I do recognize that he's got room in his sets for people that can penetrate and get into the lane. We saw that with Sura and we saw that with James. People just look at Phoenix and their success and think it's clear cut. But we're dealing with people here. And JLIII has built a relationship with the Rockets organization and their coaching staff. Van Gundy and Thibbotheau (sp?) are the only NBA coaches that he's played under. He grew up on the Rockets, and we're the team that gave him all his initial opportunities in the NBA. I think he's going to respond to that. Really in my mind, this should be a slam dunk. There is some seriously bad mojo going around if the Rockets can reel this kid in. Maybe Les killed kittens in a former life and the karma is starting to catch up with him.
