You guys wanted me to bash Steve for once, so I did. I now realize how wrong I've been about Cuttino. I would have much preferred to have seen a Mobley heave than Francis dribbling it off of his damn foot. ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
You're right, Steve is probably still more turnover prone, but one TO that sticks out in my mind is Cuttino's TO at minnesota where he threw it to Garnett. That gave me a frickin' heart attack ------------------
Hey TPL, You know, I just found out that your moniker is spelled incorrectly. Takoma Park is the name of Francis's hometown, not Tacoma Park. Go to Mapquest for verification. Sorry dude.
I know. I've known for a long time, but by the time I registered it was too late, because I only found out later.I didn't think there was any way to change it. Anybody know if I can change it? Not that important to me just wonderin... ------------------ [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited March 05, 2001).]
Guess I dont get my props since I started this thread. J/K I do think that the Rockets do miss cuttino though. ------------------ Rockets Season Ticket Holder
props to you cato13. i'm glad someone stated what - to me - was the obvious. now get in the damn game! i miss having you in there too ------------------ Lt. Roastabotch reporting for duty!
First of all, I did give Mobley some props a few games back when the Rockets were getting stomped through the floor at Orlando. He was the catalyst to get the Rockets closer, before they fell short. But overall, I just would like to see the best player on the team, which is Steve, with the ball in crucial situations. Steve was pushing it the other night, and he really didn't execute well down the stretch. With time, those of you who are saying that Cuttino is the clutch player on this team, will be changing your tune. When it's all said and done for his career as a Rocket, I feel he'll be up there with Hakeem as far as being a Rocket all-time great. ------------------ [This message has been edited by pooh222 (edited March 05, 2001).]
pooh222, does this mean that you think shaq should get the ball in the last 2 minutes of the game for the lakers, too? i'm trying to understand your logic and i'm failing. help me out. i just don't get how you don't understand that cuttino is the best clutch player on the rox. please answer my above question regarding shaq. please. ------------------ Lt. Roastabotch reporting for duty!
First of all,everyone knows Shaq struggles at the free throw line, which hinders him from getting the ball. But you take Shaq off the Lakers, and they have no championship. Enough said. If he made a decent percentage from the line, the lakers would be so good it would be unfair because he's such a physical presence. I can see how you're trying to analogize this to the Rockets with Steve and Cuttino, but Steve first of all is the best free throw shooter on the team, and second of all, if you take Steve off this team, the Rockets are no where as good as they are with him on the team. In saying that, Cuttino is an important piece on this team. But I don't feel he's as important to this team as Steve is. A player with Steve's impact needs to have the ball in key situations. ------------------
I would also like to add that Steve and Cuttino are a great tandem together. They make each other and the team better. But my point is the best player needs the ball in key situation. I feel if with more opportunities, Steve will become a very clutch player. ------------------ [This message has been edited by pooh222 (edited March 05, 2001).]
I've got this one verse. pooh... not only does Cuttino own a 2.5 years of 81-82% free throws, but he remains the best 4th Q free throw shooter. Francis drops off in the 4th. Plus, let's not ignore Boylen's stats stating that when Cuttino is playmaker we succeed at getting a FG or FTs 60% of the time. Francis' sets don't approach that. You are basing your entire argument on potential. Further, you wish to christen Francis the clutch player by some type of divine right. Cuttino has earned it. It is best for Francis's ongoing development to learn that Rudy will keep going to the proven clutch player until Francis claims it on the court, not through 1st through 3rd Q stats and potential. Why should Rudy take away Mobley's earned right from him until Francis earns it on the court? Mobley has just as much clutch time potential and ability to improve as Francis. He continues to be the fastest improving Rocket, and there is no indication that he as maxed out. Why take away his development by giving the clutch time ball to an unproven player? Francis must take it away. That is sound player management to me. Make the players earn their roles. Don't give them roles through divine right.
Guys, we mainly lossed because Hakeem wrongly left Nitwitz for their last comeback, we missed our freethrows, and Francis brought nothing in the last minute. Lineups were spot on by Rudy against Nellie. Walt must be in there. Nellie forced it. Shandon on Finley vs Walt is a valid argument (though not a big reason in my mind considering it takes help D to fully shut down Finley, and Shandon did guard him in at clutch tiem). Let's be a little objective here: if Mobley pulls what Francis did in the last minute, the big reason for the loss on cc.net is Mobley. Francis and Dream blew this game at crunch time more than Rudy and Walt.
I know I've been hard on Rudy T at times in the past but I also know what you are saying about him is right on. In year two of a major rebuilding plan the Rockets are in the middle of a play-off chase and the future looks bright. -As someone that has lived in Dallas the last 10 years I can tell you what it is like for a team to spend 10+ years trying 6 different coaches before the team finally finds one that can put together a team that can challange for a play off spot.- What Rudy T has done with this team is nothing short of amazing. If you look hard enough you can find something to disagree with in every game...I think the same is true of every single coach in the league, regardless of how good they are. ------------------
