Man, I haven't had this much fun watching basketball since the last two Rockets championships. The Kings really remind me a lot of the mid 90's Rockets team. That Rockets team made it through the playoffs two years in a row with a stud (Hakeem) surrounded by <b>REAL NBA ROLE PLAYERS</b>. (Of course, Clyde was a star in his own right). You never knew who was going to step up and have a big game besides Hakeem. One night it was Cassell, the next it was Horry, the next it was Elie, the next it was Thorpe, the next it was Vernon Maxwell. That's what makes this Kings team so dangerous. They have Weber, who you know is going to give you 20+ points and 10+ rebounds a game in the middle. Then, you've got Bibby (reminds me of the young Cassell, but with a little more conscience), Christie (throwback to Mario Elie --- Junkyard Dog), Bobby Jackson (definitely Vernon Maxwell reincarnated - STREAKY, quick, and athletic, with absolutely no conscience). You've got the Horry-esque Turkoglu (OK, not quite as athletic) who shows up and starts draining threes just when you need him to. On top of that, in the pre-Barkley era the Rockets were a team-first, individual second kind of club (that is, after Hakeem chilled out in '93). That's another thing about the Kings that reminds me of the Rockets. I miss those days. Anyway, the final thing I love about the Kings this year.... <b>THEY PUNKED THE JAZZ AND THE MAVERICKS!!!!</b> That should be enough for them to earn second-favorite team for any Rockets fan. At least, I'm rooting for them this year.... <b>UNTIL THE ROCKETS ARE BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS</b>. Hopefully that will be before my 25th wedding anniversary (and I'm not even married right now).
There is noone on that team that even compares to Dream during that season. However, they are fun to watch.
Let me just state for the record: I definitely don't think anyone compares to Dream on this Kings team. So, before a bunch of people pile on with that sidetrack, let's put it to rest.
Who do you pick as their studmuffin then? They played amazingly well at the beginning of the season when Webber was out, and the Rockets lost 15 in a row without Francis and with Cat on one leg ( like you needed reminding ) Could it be the system and picking players for the system? Or just the system? Or the coach? Also, Chucky Brown didn't even get off the bench in this last blowout, dangit. Three of the Sac players played 42+ minutes, likewise for Dallas I think. They're pulling a Steve n Cat endurance show, but they score 110 plus and we're lucky to get 75+.
I pick Weber as their stud. He averaged the most points and rebounds on the team. He can't compare to Hakeem's contribution to the Rockets, but, then again, who can? Maybe Jordan for the Bulls and Magic for the Lakers, and that's about it. I think that run they had at the beginning of the season without him would not have lasted long enough to get them the top seed in the West. But, it showed that they have a great group of quality NBA players surrounding Weber. The only thing that's holding the Rockets back is not having a consistent double-double guy in the post. If they can get that, they're in the playoffs. Period. I think they even have a decent chance next year if Mo T can stay healthy and Rice can contribute. But, don't look for them to contend for a championship with that squad.
You mentioned the "studmuffin" on the team...Chucky Brown. He's another reason why the Kings look like the championship era rockets to some... The real stud (on ths team) is C Webb... no doubt on that one. Depth is what covered them for the first 15-20 games without Webber (the Rox didn't have the same depth and look what happened...). He's the one who will consistantly get the double team, and is also their first option on offense.
There is nobody on that team that reminds me of Clyde the Glyde....... Unless of course you take Doug Christies defense, Pejas shot and Bibbys court awareness with Webbers rebounding
So if Webber is the "stud", then he must have an unstoppable finishing move, right? I mean all of the great players have the shot that no one can defend. We all know that the best player in the league is usually the one that wins the ring in the end, so I take it Webber must have a finishing move, right?
How about this one: Does the Spurs remind anyone of the 93-94 Rockets against Phoenix? Choking a big lead in the fourth quarter at home in game four? Being down 3-1, going on the road? Coming back to win in seven? Um. . . maybe not.
If anyone reminds of the 94-95 team, its the Lakers. Shaq - Dream (Dominant Centers that no one can stop) Kobe - Glide (Great tall guards that play great D and can finish) Horry - Horry (Clutch and does all the little things, great D) Fox - Elie (tenacious D and makes open shots) Fisher - Kenny (Smart PG than can hit the 3)
I agree with Rockbox. Its not just the players, but the fact that when it comes to crunch time...the Laker (and Rockets) take it to another level. This current Lakers-Spurs series should be 3-1 for the Spurs, but we saw how in the end, it seems like fate is with the Lakers, and anything they do, is right. For the Rockets, I had that same feeling for those two years. -Tariq
Good point, rockbox, except that the Shaq of today can't even touch dream in terms of totally dominating a game.
When Shaq's healthy, he makes the Rockets look like high schoolers on defense and offense. Everyone is tentative on offense, afraid of getting blocked, dribbling too much, making a bad play because of the intimidation factor. Haven't watched him versus other teams except the playoffs and he's been hurt.
No comparison, Rockets were 6th seed and underdogs all year in 94-95. Kings this year are 2nd seed and favorites to win.
