I understand the quote, but I can't understand the reasoning behind it. What exactly is this team missing from being contenders? (I know a superstar, and I'd LOVE to have Melo on this team, but Rockets may never get that superstar so waiting for that is dumb). This is a fairly OLD team (if Yao goes we aren't rebuilding, but for sure we aren't contenders). I don't really understand the "YET" part about this. This team is built to win NOW (NOW includes pretty much this season and next). The "YET" is allowed to be used on teams like the Thunder, young solid core, that will be AMAZING in a few years, in a few years this team may be rebuilding. Idk, I just feel like if this Rockets team is gonna win a title as assembled, we better hope it is this year or next, because the Heat are only going to get better for at least next 5 years as well as the Thunder. This year's competition is pretty favorable (BARRING Yao staying healthy and beasting up playoffs): 1) Aging Lakers team 2) New Heat team (may not gel YET) <-- YET works here 3) OLD Boston Team 4) Magic Team (I really believe Rockets can beat them simply because of Yao's domination of Dhoward). 5) Thunder (may not be ready YET) <-- And here. Really what other competition is there really? If anyone wants to explain the YET to me pertaining to this Rockets team I'd gladly hear you out.
aww, how cute No. This team is not built to win now. If it was built to win now we wouldn't be stocking up on "assets" like a Katy citizen preparing for a Hurricane evacuation. This team even with Yao for half the series couldn't beat a Laker team 3 years ago. If you take into consideration that Yao will only be playing for half games and the Lakers are BETTER now with new additions while OKC is on the rise I'd say no, we are not contenders.
time to gel, really the only thing this squad needs i think. on paper this group is is awesome, so long as every1 stays healthy n hopefully our youngsters show steady improvement. the playoffs should be fun!
We are not contenders as of now. Unless we play defense consistently in our starting line-up, that will not change.
We aren't contenders at all this season. I can name 3 teams better than us in the West. The Lakers obviously, the Thunder, and the Mavricks are all better than us right now. Unless we make a trade for a superstar, we won't contend. We have a bunch of really good role players and half-man half a game superstar in Yao. In this league to be successful, you need at least 2 superstars to contend. We currently have half of one.
For us to be contenders. There are some players that have to have a breakout season this year like Brooks, Martin, Bundinger and Lee while Yao has get into form by the playoffs. Only then will we be contenders.
VERY optimistic post but I'll role with it. I say WE ARE contenders and here is why... 1st or 2nd deepest team in the league. Can create numerous match up problems with our starters and bench. Have 1 of only 3 legit Big Men in the middle.(Disagree with Shaq) Unpredictable, as the team could go half court or just as easily full court. LAL OKC Portland Houston Those are my top 4 with OKC, Portland and Houston in NO particular order. Not saying we are winning the title but we are contenders in the new Western Conference.
OKC is so overated at this point. They wouldnt of even made the playoffs last year if we didnt have an off season.
I thought he meant get out of the West and COMPETE for the title? I think if we make it out of the West, I worry if we would have enough gas in the tank left to take out 1 of the big 3 teams from the East. Edit - Semis to Final is my range of success for this season.
Depth is meaningless in the playoffs. Can't roll wih 10 man roster in the playoffs, someone that's good is gonna get left out. I say the Mavricks are better than us right now as well. They have a solid frontcourt and added some toughness with Chandler and also have more time to gel with Butler and Haywood. They also have an emerging star in Roddy B. And oh yeah, they kept Dirk, who's a pretty good player. We need that 2nd superstar, whether it be Melo, CP3 or whoever. At this point, I would even get Melo w/o the guarantee of an extension and then see what happens then.
I love the depth that Morey has accumulated. We very well may be the deepest team in the league, 1-15 even if our top end talent is lacking. I'm still skeptical but even if we aren't able to land a "star" player, I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that this group could surprise and make a deep run if everything comes together. As is, depending on how Yao and Miller perform, we may need to add a longer, experienced, defensive presence to the frontcourt even if we don't get a "star" player at any position.
Are you kidding me? The Rockets are a middle of the pack team. Pretenders at best. This team with Yao in his prime is still not good enough to win a championship. You really think this team can beat an "aging" Lakers team? Seriously? Also, I don't think people comprehend the fact that if we were to somehow magically beat the Lakers and pretend like we are better than the rest of the West, and show up in the finals... we play Lebron and Wade. Just think about them two for a second and forget they even have Bosh. People underrating the Heat are delusional. Lebron and DWade... on the same team... Arguably 2 of the 4 best players in the NBA (Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Wade). Add Bosh and perhaps you have 3 of the top 10 players in the NBA... On the same freakin team! The NBA is all about 2nd place until the Heat stay together (or get injured), and the Rockets are nowhere close to being that 2nd place team unless they add another superstar.
Well, the Suns did it and in a pretty unique way even though they came up short. Generally, you're absolutely right. Teams don't run a deep rotation in the playoffs, particularly Adelman. But this team is a unique entity and I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that we end up doing something like the Suns did last season if we are able to make the playoffs, assuming the roster is roughly the same. It may be the only way to counter teams with better top end talent - gain an advantage with our depth.
i'd define it as that too...a team capable of getting to the NBA Finals. i don't think that's us this year.
True but it will help you get a better seed and homecourt which is critical in the West. Even if Adelman shrinks the bench in the playoffs, Yao won't go 30+ minutes so add another spot were a Hill or Miller can be used. I could see a playoff rotation of.. Brooks/Lowry Martin/Lee Shane/Bud Scola/Hayes Yao/Miller Minutes maybe limited depending on how everyone is playing but still can see 10 guys hit the court.
