there were no complaints, because there were no expectations. we were watching them play just to see high reel of dunks. we were never expected to do anything as we knew after the two back to back championships that there will be cool off periods. now its different, we got a number 1 draft pick, best center in NBA. One of the top offensive players in Tmac, accompany by many many good pieces and upcoming star players in Brooks, Scola, and Landry. Not to mention Artest. it is natural to expect the best and have high expectations. However, we still have time to iron these injuries out. Hopefully after the all-star we are a different team. That's usually where Rockets starting to roll.
Three of our top six players have been injured for extended periods this season and we are currently 20-12. Three players that we expect to cover the 2 and 3 positions are currently injured and we are 20-12. 3 of our top 4 salaried players are currently injured and we are 20-12. Only 5 out of 30 teams have more wins than the Rockets and most of them have been completely healthy all season. Would I like to see some Rockets games played by healthy players, sure, as long as those players are good enough to get us to 20-12. What I really want is to see these Rockets get into the playoffs healthy. Since this thread is about Shane, my take is this. Shane gives 110% every game, hurt or not, and I think this team definitely needs a guy like that.
I have no idea how long it takes to recover from "routine" surgery. I have no idea about the extent of the original injury or any complications they had in fixing it. I do know that battier has absolutely not declined every year he's been in the league and that up until this year he's been remarkably healthy. It' convenient to say he's declining when clearly he's just not healthy but that would be ignoring the facts. this may or may not be the first thread this season criticizing battier but it's far far from the first time he's been criticized. the reason why guys like yao, t-mac, and artest are put to the fire more, is because they are the leaders, they are the superstars, and they are the big guns on this team. battier is not at their level, but he is extremely valuable. nobody is above criticism and i'm not disagreeing that battier has looked like **** this season, but i know what he's capable of.
Now DD, you've known me long enough to know I have reasons about certain players. When I said Tim Thomas or someone like him, we know those reasons. A big 4 that can stretch the floor and poe matchup problems. For all the hate, the guy elevates his ply in the playoffs. Before Artest, I said they needed a atheletic swing that can attack the hoop. Before the injuries this season, Davis has been productive.Plus I didn't limit it to Davis, I also mentioned Mo Evans, Matt Barnes and guys like that. since it was clear tracy couldn't be the old tracy and shane will never even be deent offensively, I wanted the rox to get that swing guy off the bench that can be offensive and get 10-15 ppg and also be capable of hitting you for 20 while being able to defend his position. Sometimes sack riders like to hear what they want like NoMoney C.
That description applies better to several other Rocket's players, especially Rafer and Hayes. I have never been a big Battier fan, but after all, he is a "glue" guy.
I don't think people outside of Houston overrate Rafer and Hayes. I think most coaches actually lick their chops when they know Rafer is the opposing PG. He makes a coach's game planning so much easier. I agree with the offensively-inept, bench-quality part.
Some people can't stop looking backwards, leebigez. Look how long people hung onto Francis. Some people are still hoping he gets bought out and comes back to the Rockets. They can't let go of concepts like Duke star, college player of the year, glue guy and see the reality of his limited skill set and what this team needs. They don't understand that glue is useless if there is nothing to stick together with that glue. They can't let go of the cool nickname, T-Mac, two time former scoring champ to see him for what he is 5 years later. The majority of fans get obsessively attached to players and the past and can't see through that for what is best for the team. The infatuation with Battier and Yao and McGrady will not end until the Rockets cut ties with them.
Just like Bruce Bowen can space the floor and finish at the rim. Lee you should know better that you need Battier type players to win. Come on.
Agree with the no expectations part. Not saying its too wrong or right, just its how its semi-ironic the TYPE of sought after mentioned, the athletic rangy type players. The Francis Mobley era when it DID come time to get serious, they needed discipline. Moved toward more disciplined professional coaches and players. Now people want athleticism again. Just how it is, comes with the territory... Cute Girl who you at least know is good around the house, or Hot Chick who might have potential to be okay in that, but even if they arent they naturally hold your attention more
I never said that,but how did the spurs get Bowen? They didn't give up the #8 and a player to get the guy. That's part of my problem. Shane types are on the free agent wire and come off the bench. If the thinking was he would be Bruce Bowen, jerry west didn't even put the rubber on. Is it anything Shane can do that you didn't know he could do when he was traded here? Has he improved any part of his game since coming here?
He's gotten gluier. Not only is trying to glue McGrady back together, his feet seem to have gotten more and more glued to the court each season.
I can see why you would have an issue with how we got Shane. But dont say they gave up the 8 pick and a player to get him. We all know Stro was added for our benefit, not theirs. Yes, salaries had to at least match, but you can not deny the Rox wanted to dump him and the Grizz had no desire for him. Stro had negative value. Just like Steve Francis. Its not like we traded Steve Francis and what appears to be an early second round pick because we were so in love with a 2011 second round pick protected through pick 55.
Smooth but transparent move...attack someone's credibility based upon their looking for low risk - high reward backup players. It's the same logic Morey used when bringing in Francis last season. What part of comparing Davis's $2.3m contract to spending a #8 Lottery pick are you struggling with Mr Brilliant?
