Ok, Hakeem and Cato are back, it is time for Rudy to make a switch in his starting lineup. Pig has done great, but Hakeem needs to get in shape, and the only way to get in game shape is to play him. Starting lineup should be Hakeem Bullard Williams Anderson Francis Bench Thomas (playing more then Bullard) Cato (In a 3 way rotation with Thomas and Dream) Mobley Pig Drew Eventually, Pig drops out of the lineup all together, but is signed for the rest of the season. Thoughts? DaDakota
don't forget, sports figures are among the most superstitious folks in the world...it would not surprise me in the least to see the current starting 5 until the winning streak is over... for those of you who can remember the del harris coached team that reached the finals back in the early 80's...bill willoughby would start the 1st and 3rd quarters but play very few minutes....
I believe against certain teams it is useful to start Bullard. Teams with weak defenders at PF. Our offense has been able to get Bullard off big in the 1st quarter 3 times to date: Washington Seattle Miami The first two times we used double picks, against Miami we used Bullard high picks for Francis (which were easy enough because they simply double francis and left Bullard wide open at his favorite spot). Note that he still gets less than 20 min, but running plays for him out of the gate works against certain PFs. This won't work against Minnesota. While I'm not against starting Thomas, I hesitate to upset any bench chemistry we have. Cato and Cat off the bench works well together, and I'd continue working Thomas against subs as well. Ideally, my starters are: Hakeem Rogers Walt Anderson Francis Cato/Cat replace Dream/Walt for a fast team. I also like the idea of Cato and Dream in together against certain teams. I don't think we'll ever see them starting together though. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited January 24, 2000).]
Why? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. ------------------ The key for the Rockets is a winning attitude and mentality which can only be had by winning basketball games.
I agree in principle with HeyPartner. This team has so many dimensions, some of which are very confusing and undoubtedly troublesome for some opponents. The key to this roster is that we can change the entire offense look, as well as our defense scheme, on our team ... by simply platooning any two of the five positions. I have never been a big proponent of the "who starts,coach?" business. The guy who starts should always be the guy who will cause as much trouble and give our team the best advantage over that night's opponent. Everything else is superfulous. That being said, the usual starting five will be from the entire group mentioned above. That is the entire roster, including switchabouts with Bullard at the 3 and 4, Cato at the 4 and 5, Miller getting stopper time at the 4 and 5, Curley exactly as he was used against the Zo-man, Anderson as the free safety for the 2/3/4 athletic opponent, Hakeem, as before only at twenty four to twenty eight minutes a game, etc......
popeye...are you saying switch out starters depending on the opponents? wow...I can't think of a team off the top of my head that has replaced more than 1 position based on opponent. I agree...it would be great if you could flexible swap out starters based on opponents...but if you pin me down and threaten me with a brent musburger interview...i'd probably back off and say I always start the same 5. Players just seem so flakey about it. That's why Rudy is such an admirable coach, because his starter doghouse actually seems to work. He got three amazing 1st quarters out of Bullard. Walt's not upset. And Cato isn't. Doesn't look like Thomas is complaining. Only Two Sandwiches...and he's outta here.
If the starting line-up is Pig Bull Giz Andy Steve or even Dream in for pig, who the hell is going to guard Garnett,as they also start a centre. Does Bull take the centre and Pig Garnett or what, not sure we (or anyone in the league) have anyone who can even guard Garnett a little.
It won't be long before Pig sees limited time and Curly never gets on the court. TMass might not ever see any time, ever!
Sounds good, though I would prefer to se Kenny Thomas Start bcause of his rebounding ability. But I guess he would match great against other teams bench, that is if he comes of the bench.
Hakeem has a looonnngg way to go. Maybe he'll be in playing shape with this type of offense in a month. What's more is that offensively he's still a liability when he's tired--he needs to take more of a garbageman role and crasah the boards and cut to the basket. To me it seems he's starting to have fun with it but still is a little off in his timing. Cato will see more minutes gradually, and he'll be the real reason Pig drops out of the center position. He knows the offense better than Dream. What we don't want is to have either of these guys hit a major setback. So Pig stays in for a little while until Cato gets to 100%.
