1. Vspan 2. Tmac 3. Battier 4. Novak 5. Yao Of course, we really need to upgrade the pf position through trade, signing or the draft though.
Here is my very very wishful thinking: pg: Baron Davis sg: Kobe Bryant sf: Tracy Mcgrady pf: Carlos Boozer c: Yao Ming Realistically: pg: Mike Bibby sg: Tmac sf: Shane Battier pf: Radmonovic c: Yao Ming
If no trades are made this offseason, this would be the best lineup in Adelman's offensive scheme: C - Yao PF - Howard SF - Battier SG - McGrady PG - Alston A bit is lacking on the defensive and rebounding side, but this is more than made up by the increased offense and having seasoned veterans at every position.
We must upgrade the point guard, backup point, backup shooting guard, power forward, and back up power forward. Which means the following * Rafer is backup point at best * Luther is not a starter or backup (he get's murdered on defense) * Juwan, his game is done. If his jumper isn't going then it's a wrap * Chuck - decent backup with great hustle but not a starter. He's 15 to 20 minute player at best. They have better players in the D-League (Darius Rice, Djion Thompson)
Which is nice way of saying something I have repeated all season: this team only has two legitimate NBA starters. Battier, Alston, and Hayes do not start for any of the playoff teams East or West and few of the lotto teams. This team did an amazing job to win 50 games with the talent they have. If they don't get more talent they will be very lucky to do it again, especially with the same bench.
Are you really serious? Alston continuing to shoot in the 30% range? Howard will be, what, early 50's by next season? Battier is great bench player, but not enough offense for an NBA starter. If you get your team, expect 30-40 wins.
Realistically, this is the team he will inherit. Sans Chuckie at the 4, and Yao missing 30 games, Van Gundy won 52 with this team.
Tmac/Head/Snyder/Bonzi? Yao/???? Battier/JH Hayes/Novak Rafer/Vspan Yao could jump some midrange, so Deke will not fit any more. Our O will much better and more choice now.
If Adelman is indeed the new coach, I would be shocked if the Rockets don’t make a hard push for Matt Barnes with the MLE. He’s almost a carbon copy of Doug Christie. At the four, I know it’s a longshot, but I would inquire the Suns about the availability of Boris Diaw. He would be the perfect 4 in Adelman’s system, with his playmaking, ballhandling, and passing ability. Can’t help but think Phoenix may be having a little buyer’s remorse after giving him that fat contract in the summer, so maybe Battier+Sura would be enough. At the point, I don’t see a ton of options out there. A trade for Mike James may be what the Rockets have to settle for. IMO, a starting lineup of Yao/Diaw/Mcgrady/Barnes/James would work very similarly to Divac/Webber/Stojakovic/Christie/Bibby.
Just like to say that if Adelman's 1st move is to "bring in his players" that will be horrible. It will be just like when Van Gundy "brought in his players." Its a new team, you have to start fresh. A Realistic Team: PG: Maurice Williams (It's possible; full MLE)/Alston/V-Span (He needs more minutes. His play reminds me of Cassell's 1st season. Not great shooter, a bit erratic passing-wise, but give him some leash & he could produce) SG: T-Mac/V-span/Morris Almond/(use Lucas & Head to move up in draft to get Rush, Law, Splitter etc. or get another pick in early 2nd round for Gray/Stuckey/Pruitt/Byars/etc.) SF: Battier/Synder/Novak PF: Howard/Hayes (depends how much. 1.5 mill is too much for a PF without size and no offense) L. Roberts (sign for min.; young player, played well for Memphis, bigger version of Hayes; project) or 2nd pick C: Yao (needs to be able to hit jumpers from 15-18 feet out) / Mikki Moore (sign him, He didn't perform that well against Cleveland's front court, so should be cheaper than earlier in the postseason. Not great player, but a decent, somewhat athletic backup PF/C) --Jake is not mobile enough, and Deke will probably retire without Gundy. Yeah I wish we could do more, try to trade Alston, Head, Lucas for someone, but I don't think any of them have a whole lot of value except to move up in a draft, maybe get another later draft pick. No one would want to take on Alston or Lucas's contract for what they give out. Basically, this team would rely less solely on 3-pt's, adding some driving. I think with Adelman's style, there could also be more movement (cutters, back picks), so this line up may work better. Maybe they could learn how to throw an entry pass and lob pass into the post. We have too little cap room and little trade value to do too much more.
Have you seen Bruce Bowen's stats. He averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds. Should he not be starting as well. Battier was the best defender on one of the best defensive teams. Who do you have in mind as far as guarding the other teams best perimeter player every night?
Yao/Jake Artest/Hayes/Novak Carter/Nocioni Tmac/Almond/Vspan Francis/Alston split time/JL3 Nocioni 6th man that will play a little Battier-like for us (scrappy, strong D, nice 3) and can guard 3 or 4... -V
that is a very good observation, I like Barnes a lot and asked for him to be bought or traded next season
