I agree that does not look like a playoff team on paper. And where is the room for growth? Maybe Scola can become an 18 and 9 guy. Landry could emerge as a 15 and 8 guy. Brooks could turn into a 16 point and 5 assist guy. Ariza from what you guys were writing on another thread all seem to think he is a 14 and 5 type of guy. And of course we all know Battier is an 8 point and 2 reb. and 1 assist guy. Scola - 18 points 9 reb Landry - 15 points 8 reb Ariza - 14 points 5 reb Battier - 8 point 3 reb Brooks - 16 points 5 assists But that's with the team playing at 100% of ability. But the defense should be there to say the least. However, there is no bench even if these guys play to their best ability. Lowry, Hayes, Cook, Dorsey, Taylor, Budinger, White might not have the offense to get this team into 90 points a game realm. Let's get ready for a lot of low scoring games with the Rockets coming on the losing side.
I have to vote with the stupid people, kind of. It's not at all clear to me that we won't have both Yao and T-Mac playing at a high level by the end of the season. Of course, both are question marks, but I think what we get out of them could be two zeroes, or could be two all-star-level players by the time the playoffs roll around. They could both be anywhere in between. T-Mac will have had a long time to get his act together, mentally and physically. As for Yao, I don't think anybody on this board really knows when he'll be back to his old (65 games a year) self. If we're actually trying to make the playoffs, I'm really just worried about the C position.
Actually, I like Morey, but I worry that we are going in an entirely new direction and not necessarily a better one. DD
DD, As a long time poster I respect your opinions but it sure seems to me that you are being overly critical of DM for him not bringing back Von. I agree with you that Von was a great spark plug and that this team is going to need someone like him. However, I have to believe that there is good reason that they are choosing not to bring him back. Be it attitude, discipline, whatever the reason may be. For his asking price they just think that he isn't worth it. I for one would not be against a one year deal with Von but I have a problem commiting long term guranteed money to someone would could turn out to be a malcontent on the team.
Would it not make sense to have Hayes start with Scola so that Landry could come off the bench with some offense for the second unit? I know the starting lineup would already be real small but then the second unit would have absolutely no offense with Hayes coming off the bench. But I guess in reality what difference does it really even make. Without Yao or Tmac, we are pretty screwed either way. So it really shouldn't matter if Landry is coming off the bench or not. As far as what this thread is about, I was assuming that Ariza would be starting at SG as long as no one else is signed by the start of the season or if Tmac isnt going to be playing.
we do need a SG and a C. but in order for us to compete, we need all-stars at those positions. it's not going to happen this year, so it's better to focus on future seasons. cultivate young talent regardless of position. balance the roster when it's time to worry about wins.
Actually, I don't mind if they don't bring him back as long as they have a better option. Right now, I see a lot of defensive Wings and no offense, and it was not defense that let the team down. We need more offense at the SG/SF position.....that is what I want to see addressed...if it is Rudy F...great.....if it is Von...great....if they think James White can do it....great.... But man....you take a guy who scores 10ppg in the NBA in a very efficient manner, and you have to replace him...IMO. And Ariza makes no sense to me if we are not counting on Yao, not at the price he is being paid. DD
We have T-mac and unless a very favorable offer comes are way we're keeping him. Von Wafer is alright but he's a turnover machine and he doesn't play smart at all.(won't miss him) These injuries to Yao and Mac were a blessing in disguise. We have been needing to retool this team. We've been in win now mode for the last 4 years, but we haven't won crap. It's time for a new approach and I can't wait too see what morey and Adelman have in mind. Whatever it is you better believe it'll work just look at Adelmans track record. His teams are winners.
No need to stress yourself out lol we are talking about clutchfans. some guys just don't understand that. They are going to freak out. To them i guess its November instead of July.
Losing Wafer isn't a big deal IMO, he wouldn't be getting PT on any contender. But not having a scoring wing on the roster is sad and scary. The Spurs have two 20pt scorers at wing, their third option (Mason) is a better weapon then our first option! Something must be done and the answer is not McGrady.
DD: I am with you. Of all the things we needed another SF did not appear to be one of them. I guess we find out on signing day. Either there must be a trade in the works that can't be sprung right now or this was just a vengeance signing. If that is true the joke is on the Rox.
If Mac can come back at Seventy percent he's better than 90 percent of the wings in the league. I for one will never forget he carried us and made us respectable for the last 4 years before injury. Second off I don't believe crap about Ron Artest making this team tough. We were getting out of the first Round regardless. If anything Ron took us out of a lot of games not only with his shooting but his emotions. His 39 percent three point cap for the season is overrated and for the most part his offense is on the decline. Third everybody needs to just chill out and let things play out. We Rockets fans are lucky we have good management because it all starts from the top. They will always strive to put a competitive team on the floor every year.
The funny thing is that, when Tmac said he was injured last season, nobody believed him. Now, he is saying he will be ready when this season starts, and nobody believes him either.
No. I don't think he lies. I do believe he will be ready for the comming season. But, I don't know whether he can be 100%. Of course, even if he wouldn't be 100%, he still can play at a high level. He is that talented.
Do you believe him, or even 85% or MORE of professional sports team athltes when they speak? It's all actions; McG will be back pushing for a new contract - and that s the attitude his acquiring GM will believe. As for the 2, 5, & instant 0 positions on the roster, this is still early days. Nov 1 is @13 weeks into the future. I'd like to gaze into the crystal ball of future Rox roster machinations.
