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What can we realistically expect from Mo?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Oatdog, Sep 30, 2000.

  1. Oatdog

    Oatdog Member

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    With all the hype around Mo, I instinctively felt like we were getting a primetime, elite 20-8 guy entering the prime of his career.

    However as has been pointed out numerous times, his career high for rebounds is 6.5, a pathetic number for a power forward. How many guys started their career with two years of starting at PF and not topping 7 RPG, only to turn it around with a new team and consistently grab a decent 8 or more RPG? Anybody have any examples?

    Also, what about his FG%? One of the best things about having a high scoring big man is milking all those high percentage shots, but if Mo is known as a jump shooter and face up guy, is it even going to be a plus for this team to give the post the ball instead of one of our guards? I've heard different things: Doc Rivers called him little Tim Duncan, while some guys say he plays more of a small forward's game. Can he bring that FG% up into respectable big man's territory around 50%? Just out of interest, can Mo get 3 point range on his shot, since Rudy likes that from his 4's in this offense?

    Though he's always ragged on for rebounding, no one questions his scoring ability. Can we really assume that he will be able to increase his scoring average with the Rockets or even remain a serious offensive weapon for our team? The league is littered with players that put up great numbers on bad teams and then became backups on decent teams:

    Antoine Carr scored 20 for one year for the Kings - after that he only scored more than 11 PPG one season

    Corliss Williamson scored 17 for the Kings as well - he has pretty much disappeared offensively since.

    Joe Smith almost poured in 19 a game for the Warriors in his second year - a couple years later, he's a backup for Minnesota

    Tracy Murray scored 16 a game for the Raptors in '96 - now, he's pretty much a nobody in this league again

    Those are just a FEW examples

    Mo only put up 17 a game on the team voted worst team in NBA history. 17 a game is not exactly All Star level anyway, but on the Clips? The only other decent scorer on the Clips was a rookie. Is it so hard to imagine Kenny T scoring that much for that Clippers team if given the touches in his second or third year? I could definitely see it happening. I haven't seen Mo play much. Does he really bring the skills to the table that should warrant our excitement? Do you think he really will be the third member of a new Big Three the Rockets can go to war with for years to come?

    [This message has been edited by Oatdog (edited September 30, 2000).]
     

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