For those people who still don't get it, Terence Morris is a Rocket because of his talent and the basketball skills he showcased at Maryland for four years...... not because he is boys with Steve Francis. Rudy had his eye on Morris since his breakout season in his sophomore year as a Terp. I'm pretty sure Steve may have mentioned something, but it wasn't because Steve demanded it, nor was it a tactic to try to give Francis another reason to stay, it was Morris's talent, plain and simple, to say otherwise should be considered a knock on Morris, Rudy, and CD.
Excellent post. That should be on the front page. For people who dont watch college basketball, IF terrence morris would of came out 2 years ago he would of been at least top 10 pick. This is a rudy type player that he likes.
Nice post. For me being in the first year that was looking forward to the draft, I did a little research on Terrence Morris of his days in Maryland because it was believed that the Rocks were going to pick him with one of the later first round pick they have. After reading countless articles and stats, he is a Rudy type player that should be on this team. I was thinkin that it was a buddy-buddy thing with Francis but I was completley wrong. His preseason play was a very good indication of what this rookie can do. I am VERY excited to see him play here and his progress with the Rocks.
I totally agree. I'm sure CD and Rudy T were interested in TRock before Francis became a Rocket. I don't think Rudy T would have traded for TRock if it was just becuase Francis was his friend. And I'm sure Francis didn't force the Rockets into trading for TRock. I honestly believe, but this is just my opinion, that TRock is the perfect type of SF Rudy wanted and would have traded for him even if S. Franchise was not a Rocket. I don't know why some fans thinks TRock was traded for just cause he is Francis Friend. This guy has alot of skill in him, he might not be an allstar, and honestly he doesn't need to try to be one and its not his mentality anyway, but he is going to help our team. Again these are just IMO.
In all honesty, I never thought that Rudy would take him because of Francis, but I <i>did</i> think that Morris would basically be a wasted pick, and not a very good NBA talent . . . and it's looking like I was wrong -- I certainly hope so! TMO is honestly looking like he could be quite a good player for us . . . in SA he played PF, and he was solid -- I'd like to see him at SF more. He reminds me of Walt with pretty damn good defense, better all-around game, but not quite as good of a shot -- but that may change.
Morris in the coming years will create many mismatches. I still think three guard will be used some in the future, but Morris will reduce its use as he has more guard skills than Shannon has. A Griffin , Mo, and Morris frontline will be one of the best if Griffin grows into a five and Morris's shot becomes more consistent. The scariest thought is that Morris can play some four. Three guard with Morris and Griffin could create some big time mismatches, if Griff grows into a five. I remember Rudy saying a couple of years ago how he wanted 3/4 player. Since then the rockets have added K9, Griffin, Rice, and Morris. Of these four players, I think Morris comes closet to the 3/4 player Rudy wanted, just an opinion. I don't know if Morris will be in the rotation this year or not, but he will get PT and he will produce. Rice might not be starting for the entire three years left on his contract.
Morris kind of reminds me of Rashard Lewis. Actually he reminds me alot of Rashard Lewis. decent outside game complemented by slashing abilities. nice defense and a big time hustler.
Tmo is a typical example of NBA teams always trying to pick up a superstar and not taking a sound NBA player. All teams seem like they would rather take the freshman or high school player with a lot of potential but is unproven, even in the college ranks. Tmo does not have the talent to be a star, but he is definately a slolid NBA player. He reminds me of Robert Horry in his ability to get other people involved and because of his definsive ability.
I totally agree. I don't think that Wink would ask Rudy to bring him to Houston if Steve didn't think he could play. Steve's a good team leader and I don't think he'd ever pu thte Rockets in a bad cituation.
Tmo certainly has the same potential as Thomas. If you take it back to the days in the great incubator/indicator, high school, Tmo got the better Thomas in a high-profile game despite Tmo being a year younger. I think Tmo does have the potential to be a star (meaning 1-3 time all-star--Tyrone Hill was a one-time all star, CHRISTIAN LAETTNER was a one-time all star, and surely Tmo might surpass those). If he lacks something, it's the desire to score a lot of points. I think he should look to increase his offense somewhat, but every great team needs a talented, low-key player to fill in the gaps and make the right passes.
While TMo isn't on the fast road to being a star..he does have the potential to be one. Will he become one?... probably not or a 1-time appearance like TMO suggested. Reminds me of Odom except with good handles for a SF instead of the good handles of a PG.
I read (HC quote) where Rudy and CD projected Tmo as a lottery pick a few years ago if he came out early, that's why they wanted him so bad for next to nothing.
There is truth to the rumor that the Rockets took TMo based on Steve's recommendation. That's how most of us obtain jobs these days thru referrals from someone already employed in the company. There is also partial truth that Rudy was considering TMo from the start, however, I think Steve played an important role in that decision. By the way, it has been rumored that Steve will leave the Rockets after his contract is up in 2 years if the Rockets do not land a quality center. I think Steve will stay due to his relationship with Mobley and Griff as he grows. I see big things in the Rockets future when the new stadium opens
TMO is Robert Horry reincarnated with alot of untapped offense. He thinks defense and pass first before anything else and does all the little things most don't notice. The guy can play in both a fast uptempo game and a slow halfcourt war. He is a pure basketball player. Another Rudy gem from the draft.
Agree w/thread post, but don't like any of the comparisons... He's not as stiff as Horry He's a much better shot blocker than Elliot He's not really a Odom type either Let's just let him be TMo...maybe he'll be special on his own.
