The one guy the Rockets CANNOT afford to lose to injury is

Which is why we've done it right? Because Bobby Jackson was a smashing success against Utah in the playoffs...

Believe it or not, you don't have to acknowledge that Rafer is a great point guard to agree with the op's point. This isn't really about Rafer, it's about a lack of depth at the point guard position. I'll take Rafer every day of the week over Brooks and until Francis can show he's at least 50% of the player he used to be, he's behind Brooks.

For all of those who think we'll be fine without Rafer - tells us who (as the team is constructed right now) is going to start? While we can put T-mac or Barry in spot minutes at point, I'm not comfortable with any of our other point guard options. Unless we find a consistant backup for Rafer, an injury to him would be devestating.

There's not doubt Yao, Tracy, Artest, Scola, and Battier are much better players - but that's not the point. As sad as it is to say, the drop off in quality between Rafer and his backups is more severe than the dropoff between Yao and his backup (unless we don't resign Deke - and please don't construe this into me bashing Yao, because I'm not)

 

where is this from?

 

If we lost him it would be a setback the same way if any other NBA team lost a starter. Adjustments are made, life goes on.

If it's short term we would be fine. You can start Barry. You can start Brooks against teams with average PG's. You can start Francis if he has anything left. Mind you, Adelman expected Francis to wind up the starter before last season started.

Long term, we would feel the loss. In that instance you sign a Cassell, Damon Stoudamire or some other ring-hungry veteran that has experience and that can protect the ball. As for who starts? That would obviously depend on fit, effectiveness and match ups.

 

No one is arguing that Rafer is not the best option as the starter right now.....but if he went down, the team would be fine.

The Rockets are one team that does NOT need a traditional PG, it is more important to have a guy who can stretch the defense at the PG spot.

If Rafer went out, I would probably rely on Tmac and Barry to help fill the bring the ball up the court role, I would start Brooks, and use Luther off the bench as the backup with Barry or Tmac running the point when Brooks went to the bench.

The Rockets would be fine......

Rafer is the most replaceable player on the team......he is a lower tier NBA PG.......

He is hardly irreplaceable.

Please stop confusing comfort with quality, just because players are comfortable with Rafer does not mean they can't get just as comfortable with someone else given time.


DD

 

I'm a bit worried about Alston's ankle. He was playing on it hurt and re-injured it in game 6. Any injury that requires surgery always worries me, but when talking about ankle injuries I immediately think of Grant Hill. Remember him? Played on a hurt ankle against Miami in 2000 and had to leave halfway through game 2. What were the next 4-5 years like? He's never been the same.

 

With Yao out and our anemic offense, yes Rafer was important.

But with Scola in his second year, Yao back, T-mac and Artest, Rafer becomes less important. He don't lose the ball much, and that's his key asset right now.

We certainly don't need him as a scorer as much any more.

 

I'd say at the moment Yao is important. We cannot rely on (if he gets re-signed) a 43 year old center to backup Yao Ming. If we lose Yao, we lose size. Which doesn't help us against teams like the Suns or the Magic.

 

So we can afford to lose Yao and/or Tracy?

 

That's because McGrady was visibly dogging it to help his buddy Rafer look good. It remains to be seen whether or not the presence of Artest would discourage him from engaging in that sort of behavior this coming season.