Alston is good. He shoots because his coach tells him to take the open shots. He is a warrior, and he has some of the best ball handling skills in the NBA. His shooting leaves something to be desired, but this team has plenty of shooters. Alston fits this team for what they need. We don't need another star. We need a role playing PG that can do what Rafer does. Except, of course, I would hope our PG could at least finish 45% of his shots around the basket. Aren't you supposed to shoot a better percentage the closer to the basket you get?
It is clear that the best pg option the Rockets have is Alston. Nobody else on the roster can run the team better than him. While that might not be saying much, considering that his competition is Head, Spanoullis, and JL3 it does give us a clear understanding as to who should be point guard of this team. In my opinion, JL3 is overmatched. He doesnt get anyone else involved.
we dont need a star!!!!!!! thats what people dont get. i think clutch said it the best when he said something like "i didnt know asking a player to shoot better than 36% was asking for a superstar" we dont want/need nash, areans, or kidd, although it would be nice RAFER IS A SHOOTER. WHEN YOU'RE THROWING UP 10 SHOTS A GAME, YOU'RE A SHOOTER. Is he a good shooter??? hell no!
That's ridiculous. Yes, it was a hard foul, but it wasn't intended to be a hard foul. He went up hard to block the shot and came back down on McGrady. That's all there is to it. It's a physical game. None of us want to see McGrady laying on the court wincing, but you can't be upset with Desmond Mason for playing basketball. You'd have absolutely loved it if it was Battier going at Kobe that way.
Two players I've always defended were Rafer and Juwan, I feel vindicated now. Vindicated for every time I defended them I would have 20 people calling for me to be banned. Two players MUCH MUCH better than fans claim, now all of this is directed at Spanoulis. This always baffles me when other players on the team like Lucas, Padgett, Bowen etc are way worse than these guys and somehow don't get half the criticism, or even a fifth. I can't forget how ruthlessly I was attacked here for saying Juwan should start this year. Yeah for being told endlessly my basketball knowledge is pathetic and I know nothing about the game, vindication indeed.
He showed commraderie [sic?] by defending T-mac. Rafer was already in my good books and now he offificially does no wrong. He should get a bonus too.
i have bashed rafer's shooting and prob will continue to ....however he showed me a lot last night for sticking up for mcgrady. it still doesn't warrant "the value of rafer alston" thread all it shows is we need another pg....not named head, jl3 or vspan
in the land of lilliputs- even Gulliver was a giant. That is what our PG and PF staus is. Most of the arguments have been that Rafer and juwan are adequate- compared to who? That is a question that needs to be asked- if the idea is we want the team to do well. Rafer never was a starting calibre PG and never will be. This whole thing about open shots being taken is ridiculous- there is a reason these shots are open. Apart for that one game against SA- where I thought Rafer did a fantastic job on Tony parker- he is hardly stellar.
Not that I agree with Luffy's statement, but I think he has somewhat of a point. Its not JVG's fault we lost the game today.. but it may be his fault for not developing another pointguard. When Rafer got ejected, we got caught with our pants down because we didnt have anyone to step up. I think if JVG is forward thinking, he begins to develop Billy more and more. If you look at the playoff situation, its likely we will have to play against either SA, Utah, or LA. Rafer will have a heck of a time trying to contain Tony Parker, Deron Williams and Smush/Farmar. Billy is more defense saavy and probably has quicker feet under him (than Rafer).
Not as good as it could be ... Signed: Minnesota, Golden State, New Orleans (twice), San Antonio(19 point blown lead), LA Lakers etc..etc..etc... Not saying it is all on Rafer.....but with a better player at the PG position, this team could be vying for the best record in the league. DD
Wouldn't the second New Orleans game prove his worth as apposed to his failings? Anyways, short from landing Billups in a trade or signing SF3...Alston "value" is undeniable.
You obviously have a very selective memory. It's laughable. Bowen got bashed more than any player in recent Rockets history. I'm no supporter of his but it was sickening, even after he stopped playing. JL3 has been ripped left and right recently. The reason V-Mac got more flak beforehand is because his delusional supporters kept blowing his horn so loudly. JL3 doesn't have a rabid base of people here relentlessly pleading his case to no end. Padgett doesn't even count because nobody here cares about him, except to complain when he gets on the court instead of Novak.
so you're saying that rafer alston is our rex grossman? let's be realistic. he's going a great job, but we need a solid backup who can play 18 MPG so rafer doesn't have to play 40MPG. rafer does everything well except for finish at the rim. against teams that are bad at stopping penetration we need a player who can take advantage of that. luther, lucas, and billy all fit the bill but can't run an offence. we are having a great year with rafer, but we could be doing better if we had a decent backup if not a better starter.
Slightly off topic, but since I'm in agony watching Rex Grossman impersonate a starting QB in the NFL in only the biggest game of the season... I've got a trade: Rafter Alston for Rex Grossman. Seriously. Right now, Rex is making a strong run for the Chevrolet Player of the Game -- for the Colts. 2nd and 1 at the 40-something and instead of throwing the ball away he falls on his a$$ and loses 11 yards, leaving 3rd and 12. Just to prove that was no fluke, Grossman fumbles the very next snap and loses another 10 yards. Actually, I wouldn't wish Grossman on the Rockets. If you think Alston isn't getting the job done, well, go back and watch Grossman this past season. Compared to Rex, Alston's play is that of a Hall-of-Famer. The fans have been absolutely unmerciful in expressing their contempt / disgust / hatred of Grossman, and justifiably so. I guess that's to be expected when a player leads the universe in turnovers, dumb throws, and stupid plays. Okay, back to hoops. Go Rockets!
Would NJ pull the trigger and would we be happy to give Novak and maybe a second round pick for Marcus Williams. This kid has some real potential and NJ need a PF, even though Stevie isnt one yet he could develop into a nice one. Any thoughts or am i dreaming?
i love all these alston apologists. credit to those ive seen in anti alston posts.....to those i havent, where have you been? why do you come out now?
