Whatcha think of Van Gundy's makeover on the Rockets so far this season? Personally I love it. Dude has obviously brought in the right players and so far they have responded. It makes me giddy like the 93-95 Rockets..... Players who have a defined ROLE on the team - not some hodge podge organized chaos that we've had for the past several years.
There should be an "it's ok, but could be better" response. I voted that I like it, but I really only like the defensive side. Once the team buys into a cohesive offensive philosophy, it will be awesome. Can't argue with the results during the early "transitional" part of the season, though.
awww, they remind me of my knicks before they started to suck, and the eastern conference wasn't like the nbdl. but that can score..... sometimes.
I agree. I think JVG is just what the Dr ordered for our undisciplined team. Once he gets everyone to buy into the offense, which might take a while, our team will be very scary. He's done a tremendous job getting our guys to consistenly play hard defensively that Rudy couldn't get them to do. Our D is carrying us so far this year.
The Rockets are very different in some ways, but not in all. Offense- I thought this would be the biggest change. But as we saw against Toronto, maybe the players have a lot to do with it. Even with 2 overtimes, they managed only 11 assists. They still look like the old iso Rockets sometimes. Cuttino is still get 40mpg, I am pretty suprised at that. Defense- This has been a dramatic improvement, obviously. Poise/leadership/character- This is where JVG will make his biggest mark. He always mentions things about what star plays should do, what leaders should do to win, etc. He will definitely help Yao and Steve grow into more complete players.
We're winning ugly games, we didn't last year. Defense was the big part of that. So there's no complaints from me.
We're becoming the 90's Knicks! This is both good and bad. More good than bad, but damn... we're in for some ugly wins.
I LOVE what I have seen so far of the defense. Even Boki is standing up, taking charges, blocking shots, and moving his feet. Everyone is swarming to the ball if someone even thinks about going into the paint and we are getting blocks all over the place. Offensively, I see that JVGs system will take some practice for the guys and we may not completely gel until after the all star break. JVGs system works extremely well when it matters, in the playoffs and that is when we will see how well the Rox have learned their lesson when we are half courting the Mavericks to death (hopefully in the second round ). The biggest needs for improvement, IMO are: 1. Fast break offense. We have speed demons on our team and we should be able to fly down court. I saw more of it tonight so I hope that JVG is teaching the guys to look for those opportunity baskets before the defense sets up. 2. Passing to the post. I still see our guys passing up Yao when he is posted low. I was hoping that the guys would see the benefit they all get when Yao has the ball on the block and get it to him at every opportunity. IMO, when you have a dominant (or even above average) post player, that player should touch the ball in 3 out of every 4 offensive possessions. It seems to me like they will go to Yao a third of the time in favor of taking bad, forced shots from the perimeter. I am not saying that Yao should shoot 20 times a game, but he should touch the ball regularly because of the matchup problem he presents. 3. Better decision making. In order to be an above average team, and more importantly to win in the playoffs, we must turn the ball over less. I am willing to cut some slack since the Rox are still learning a new system and trying to define their roles in that system but we must make better decisions with the ball. I am optimistic that JVG is preaching the same things that I am saying and that we will improve in this area as we go.
I think I like Van Gundy ball. I would have a more informed opinion if the Rockets would run it more. In tonight's gave vs Sixers, I could hear Van Gundy shouting "Don't foul, don't foul, don't foul!" Whack - foul. Poor baby.
I personally don't give a damn how we play..who scores what...who gets the rebounds...etc...etc... as long as we win. just my 2 cents
not including what was hopefully an abberation last night v toronto, i'm quite impressed with the way the team is going. unfortunately they're yet to show a game on espn international (at least in oz), so i'm making my judgement on sportscentre & recaps.
Im in nearly full agreement with andymoon.... One thing I found heartening against PHI was that late inthe game, Yao was getting alot of touches he doesnt normally see late in the game. Unfortunatly, he was having a lot of trouble hitting the shots he took..but that will pass. Defense is great..when you have every man from 1-12(or11) taking defense seriously...you have made a helluva impression. Offense will take time(as others have said), you dont just do a 180 on your offensive philosophy and expect it to click immediately. It just doesnt happen. Once it does start clicking....look out. We could do some serious damage this year... If they continue with the great defensive effort and get the offense cranked up, second round is a certainty...hell, we could conceivably even compete for the WC Finals if the team plays up to its coaching and capabilities. I realize it is a long shot for the WCF...but look at our talent and imagine if they got everything clicking on all cylinders. We could be scary. We can but cross our fingers and pray.... Go Rockets!
Exactly! It's pretty sick how the Rockets are 7-3 right now despite not having any power forwards (except Cato), with Pike and AG out and our offense struggling. But their winning. Just think when everything really begins to click!
Way too early to tell. I like the smothering D. But without Mo and Pike and A-Griff (and, to a lesser extent, E-Griff), who can tell what the team is really like? Especially since a trade this season is likely? But I like watching the Rockets blanket the opponent. Just wish they could shoot straight.
He's made an impact and we're winning, but it's damn ugly basketball to watch...this is going to be another NY-type team...
