I said at the beginning of the season that the players did not get along with JVG. I also told you all that JVG and SF have been constantly fighting for a while now but you refused to believe a word I have to say. It's one of the reasons why I don't post anymore. You all act like you didn't see this coming. I am not surprised at all by any of this. I warned you all that JVG was going to destroy this team with his bad attitude. I warned you all that these group of players were not going to respond to his style of coaching. I warned you all that JVG was going to lead this team into utter self-destruction. I said all of this before the season started. The only way things are going to change is a total complete re-haul of player personnel by basically getting rid of everyone except Yao and JVG's pet JJ.
Yes, you knew it all from the beginning. We should all bow to your greatness. So, any news? What do you think about Francis intentionally skipping a team flight and then making up a lie (through his agent) about it afterwards? Any "insider information"?
sorry rr, that doesn't seem like such a bad option to me. I am a complete and total Steve Francis hater. The only two people that I feel have any true worth on the team are JJ and Yao. So while it may seem like the end of the world to you, I've seen it coming for four years now.
RR, What would you propose then? Since JVG is the wrong fit in your opinion who is out there that can reach this group of guys. I think that JVG is the man to coach this team, if he has to overhaul the player's then it would be a long over due task. This team is going no where with this current cast. I think Les and CD knew that as well, that is why you need someone like JVG to tell these guys to get the as in gear or they'll be gone. The one positive out of all these negatives is that maybe Steve will be gone in the near future, thus making the games a little less painful to watch. Take his pal Cuttino too please. These two have been dancing to their own beat in H-town for far too long. Francis's actions this week symbolize everything that is wrong with the Rockets - from attendance to not making the playoffs. I have lost all faith in SF, I've never been so dissapointed in a "Franchise" player... Stevie Franchise... what a joke..... Good riddance Steve.....
Hey RRNYC, since you are so good with predictions, got a good feeling for lottery numbers? Or since predicting that a coach that stresses defense, team play and a structured offense would have trouble implementing his system on a team that was known for playing "one-on-one" style offense and lazy d, maybe your skills are better served for a game of coin toss. The season is not over. There has been some progress and there has been struggles, more struggles as of late. I don't see now as a time to try and toot your own horn, especially since your messages are so scarce.
it's not the coach it's the personal. The rockets underachieved for 4 years with Rudy T. at the helm. The ultimate players coach. Blame Les and CD for assembling one of the greatest teams of all time that hasn't been to the playoffs in 4 1/2 years.
I've appreciated the information you've brought to the board actually, but have had to take it with a grain of salt at the same time. Information that is second- or third-hand has to be taken that way. You're saying it is now obvious that Van Gundy and Francis don't get along? I still don't believe that. And, it isn't necessarily that I disbelieve your information; just that you can fight and still have a solid professional relationship. I doubt this relationship is lost.
If Van Gundy "destroyed this team with his bad attitude" how come they aren't any worse off than they were last year? This team doesn't need a coach to destroy them. They wouldn't perform any better for any other coach.
So let me get this straight: You "don't post anymore" (except for THIS post, I take it) because some people here didn't believe you? Damn, you're thin-skinned! You're psyche is as fragile as EG's! I told you children to make your beds! Don't make me get a switch!
Look, I have agreed all along that JVG and SF wouldn't get along. Their comments along the course of the season have not inspired warm fuzzies. But your bias against JVG is just out of hand. You came here with anti-Van Gundy-itis. As if he had stolen your wife because he has a lot more money than you do. It was clear that Les wanted fellow New Yawkah JVG as the coach and I knew there would be a clash because JVG has his style of basketball and would lean the team toward Yao (Steve certainly knew this too). But I still side with discipline and professionalism and I do not agree with a "franchise" player who is still a punk in his fifth year in the league, who thinks of himself as a superstar (I guess All Star voters like to see the dunks), who has, yes, tried to adjust to the team but has failed miserably---and who, during the midst of a major downward spiral that has seen us hit the 8th seed rather than the 4th seed, decided it would be "a once-in-a-lifetime-deal" to go to the Super Bowl rather than travel with his team, watch it on TV, and hit practice with the idea in mind to WIN A GAME AND TURN THIS AROUND. Steve Francis should have been thinking about the once-in-a-lifetime chance to go the playoffs, because he hasn't been there yet, and I seriously wonder if he will ever get there as a Rocket. Blame Jeff Van Gundy? Shiznit.
With such a sucky attitude, I guess we should count our blessings that you don't post that often NOSTRADAMUS NYC. Why do I get the feeling that as I am reading this part of his post that it is the robot from "Lost in Space" saying all of this? If it gets us into the playoffs, then I am all for it. I guess you enjoy seeing us being in the lottery, but I am SURE you predicted that as well at the beginning of this season, so why are you unhappy since "your prediction" came true?
Get rid of JVG. I thought Dunleavy was a better choice but I hoped JVG could do a good job. I think he probably is a good coach, it is his people skills that suck in my opinion.
Yes it's the coaches fault. Rudy T and JVG have completely different styles and philosophies yet pretty much have gotten the exact same results with the same personel. When two coaches on opposite sides of the spectrum get the same results it's time to look at the players.
JVG is not destroying this team. He is not the AntiChrist that some here have made him out to be. He's merely demanding that his players come to work with the same level of professionalism and dedication that he himself brings to the job. That is not an unreasonable demand at all in my book. In fact, it's refreshing. Far too many folks here are all to willing to settle for the type of crumbs that the Rockets have been serving up for 4 years now. That's why SF and crew are so upset - JVG is buying any of their bull**** as did the previous regime. Instead, horror of horrors, he is forcing them to become personally responsible for their actions both on and off the court. If they play well, he praises them, if they play bad, he comes down on them. Above all else, he's constantly pushing them. He's doing what any good coach is paid to do - get the best out of his players by exorting them to become better as individuals and as a team. If anyone has a bad attitude here, it's not JVG but those immature underachievers we call the Rockets. If JVG is too much for them now, just imagine what will happen to them IF they ever face off in the playoffs against a SA, Sac, Dallas or LA..
I think JVG is a great fit for this organization.. we all knew he would bring 2 things 1) defense 2) discipline... no one ever stated he would be buddy buddy with everyone. Players dont have to like the coach but people should be respecting him for what he is trying to do. I dont think our players are the monsters/ babies people try to make them out to be. I do think they have needed some pushing ok ok maybe even shoving in the right direction. It starts with attitude on and off the court. Im amazed at how many things JVG has stated are coming to light and makes me believe he really knows what hes talking about. Last game or 2 games ago he stated "when your under pressure you see whats inside.. whats you made of. Squeeze an orange you get OJ you squeeze us we crumble." something like that. People have also been ragging on Yao for being soft.. maybe physically it appears that way but mentally with all the abuse he has taken from JVG and his teammates shows me he is one the strongest. we really do need to find the Wizard.. (got this from someone else) Yao Courage SF a Brain JVG a Heart J
Yeah, it's really funny that every other player in New York didn't have a problem with Jeff Van Gundy and respected him. Now all the sudden he comes here and our pansy azz players don't like it because he won't let them skip team flights for the super bowl, shoot at girlfriends, or come to camp out of shape. I think I see the problems on our team and it's not Van Gundy.
