I will still take JVG's opinion (since hes not our coach anymore) over anyone here... The guy made millions off coaching basketball and you think you know better?
They are all still with the team. And they did a decent job last season, that is, in regular season. And at this moment they are the guys having best chemistry together. All these facts add up to starting them again, for now. But the starting lineup may change during the season. At that time, some other combination may have better chemistry. And I think this is a must if the rockets really want to achieve anything higher than first round in playoffs.
Its pretty easy to figure out what is going on! Same starting 5 from last year because: A. They want to show off Alston. Prove he has some game and can be a real PG in the NBA. They will package him together with probably Synder or Novac and a draft pick to somebody. B. Hayes has to start until Scola learns how to stay out of foul trouble. Once Scola learns this Hayes's mins will go down BIG time maybe like how Mutombo will be used, only in ceatrin games for match up situations. Because they'll be willing to go small with Scola playing C and Battier at PF. C. Gives time for Francis to learn the system more and for him to become the starter. Like Coach said he thought Francis would be the starting PG at the begin of training camp. Because Francis when he wants, he can pass the ball pretty good and he can create his on shot, something Alston can't do (they creating his own shot). Even if he doesn't start he moves into the rotation and James starts. D. Gives them a chance to re-sign Mike Harris. They didn't want to cut him but, it was the best move they could do to get down to the original 15. Just IMO I think come playoff time will look something like this: IR/DNP PG SG SF PF C Yao 34 34 Scola 25 10 35 Battier 14 19 33 McGrady 24 10 34 Francis 25 5 30 James 20 10 30 Wells 24 24 Head 3 9 12 Mutombo 4 4 Hayes 4 4 Landry 0 Brooks 0 xx Harris 0 xx Novak 0 xx 0 48 48 48 48 48 240 Now like I said before this is just IMO. But it makes you think! Doesn't it?
I strongly disagree. For all of the mention of Francis bringing "swagger" and "toughness" all I have ever seen him bring to the court is a level of cockiness that does nothing but hinder the team's success. Specifically regarding his toughness; he brings NONE of that unless you count him giving Amare Stoudemire a school girl shove several years back. LOL For all of Bonzi's shortcomings HE certainly brings a level of toughness and intimidation simply from the fact that he could actually do some harm to someone if he got angry.
Well my chart didn't turn out right it's this IR/DNP ---------PG--SG--SF--PF--C---TOTAL ---------Yao------------------------34----34 ---------Scola-------------------25--10---35 ---------Battier------------------14--19---33 ---------McGrady-------24--10------------34 ---------Francis--25-----5-----------------30 ---------James---20----10---------------- 30 ---------Wells---------------24------------24 ---------Head-----3-----9-----------------12 ---------Mutombo --------------------4-----4 ---------Hayes--------------------4---------4 --------Landry------------------------------0 --------Brooks------------------------------0 xx------- Harris------------------------------0 xx-------Novak------------------------------0 xx--------------------------------------------0 48---48---48---48---48--240
of course we'll have the same starting lineup as last year -- for now anyways. As the season progresses, RA will make the changes necessary. Although, doesn't it feel good - we ACTUALLY have a bench this year, with Scola, Bonzi, Mutumbo, MJ, and SF3....a deep bench actually, one with players that are interchangable with the starters.
I like Chuck Hayes in the starting lineup...it's obvious that Scola isn't ready yet. The only change that really needs to be made is Rafer Alston. He needs to be buried deep on the bench.
All I am worried about, are the minutes. Our two superstars are injury prone, last year we may had 5-6 more wins, without the injuries .The main idea, of having such a deep lineup, should be more resting time, for Yao and mac . I hope it's only because it is the first game , but I think this is a very important test for RA.
Actually, I've been watching Rockets games pretty religiously since the early 80's. I was at the parades of the Championship teams, and I've been in the very empty on most nights Toyota Center for several games as well. I want everybody to notice the minutes from last night: McGrady-40 Yao- 41 Battier-37 Alston- 29 Hayes- 26 James- 26 Wells- 19 Head- 7 Scola- 9 We darn near used a 7 man rotation last night!
