With every game that passes in seems more evident the Rockets window of opportunity has closed. Even with the addition of Artest, this team obviously has some huge issues. T-Mac will probably never be the same superstar playmaker who can put up 40 on any given night or have that explosiveness he did a few years ago, and the chemistry isn't there anymore even though there weren't many changes in the core roster besides Artest. Im not some fairweather fan but I honestly see this team going nowhere fast. Opinions?
The window hasnt completely closed until April. No matter WHAT kind of crap the Rockets endure this season, it isnt over until it's over. *First post!*
If the Rockets have another one and out year, then it's seriously time to start considering moving some pieces and maybe just rebuilding from scratch.
DD, as a few year lurker who finally joined, let me say that I enjoy your opinions even if I won't always agree. I believe the team will continue to toy with our minds right up until the end.. but I guess it is dead as far as reason is concerned.
And we all thought with the addition of Tmac would bring us at least one maybe two championships to Houston. It didn't happen, so we got Artest. Then most of us thought we'd get a championship eventually. Now, it doesn't look like we'll see another championship for another 20 years.
Im not just talking about the season. I agree with you there is still hope, but this teams core is getting older and even starting to decline (T-Mac). It's kind of sad when the bench players outplay our starters. The chemistry, coaching, and declining athleticism is killing this teams hopes for any playoff success
Window of opportunities? What window of of opportunities are you talking about? The Rockets never had any since Dream retired.
Yup, this team would have been good as assembled from 2003 to 2007. It's hard to watch these guys just get out played every night. They try, and don't think they don't, but this team and the main players are just not what they used to be. It'd be perfect if we had: 06-07 Yao 04-05 McGrady 03-04 Artest 98-99 Barry an nba seasoned 06-07 Scola 94-95 Deke 06-07 Battier Never Alston 06-07 Chuck Hayes Stats guru approach is looking overrated but probably makes a hell of a sales pitch to the gulible.
I honestly don't see this Rockets team in its current configuration making it to the playoffs, for that matter finishing above .500. If the roster doesn't change significantly, I think this team is on the verge of a collosal collapse. Too many key rotation players (Battier, TMAC, Artest, Rafer) are consistently bad night in/night out and the coaching has definently been poor. Added together and its a recipe for a perfect storm of a rapidly declining team.