The Rockets had one of the best off-seasons in the NBA (second only the the Celtics). They addressed their specific areas of weakness: Francis and James for PG help, Luis Scola for PF, and bench scoring in a fit and happy Bonzi Wells. Granted, I didn't like their draft at all; taking two undersized players that were not very coveted, instead of more proven players in Glen Davis (doing well off the bench for the Celtics) or Josh McRoberts (not getting much run in Portland, but has the attributes and skills the Rockets desperately need). After all, they took a 5'11" shooting guard n Aaron Brooks, who's in the D-League right now (he's not a point guard, at least not the type the Rockets are in need of), and a 6'7" power forward with Carl Landry (getting minutes and looks over matched). Of course, this is par for the course. The Rockets are HORRIBLE at drafting!
Last year they traded Rudy Gay AND Stromile Swift for Shane Battier. That was a simply awful trade!! I was furious when it happened and my anger only increases as Gay continues to develop. Rudy is averaging 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds while shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three. Shane Battier... 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds with 40% from the field and 37% from three. Hmmmm, isn't one of the Rockets major weaknesses this season the lack of a legitimate third scorer?? Could Rudy Gay fill that role?? Don't give me the "Shane is a great defender and does more for the team than what shows up in the box scores" CRAP! Rudy is averaging more steals and more blocks per game than Shane, AND Rudy is only in his SECOND YEAR!!! Basically, the only thing Shane does better than Rudy is.. taking charges. WOW, that makes the trade totally worth it. I'm so glad they did it! (Can you feel the sarcasm??)
Anyways, I'm getting away from my point. So with this great free agent off-season and hiring a proven coach in Rick Adelman, why are the Rockets only 11-11 through the first 22 games? That is horrible! I know they have played the toughest schedule in the League so far, but PLEASE! They are losing to teams that are not nearly as talented: Memphis, Lakers, Miami, Golden State, Sacramento, Toronto and Philadelphia. Granted, we cannot match up against The Warriors and The Lakers are playing pretty good ball right now, but we still should not have lost to them with our new squad.
The fact is, this is the same team I watched all of last year. It's T-Mac and Yao, and nothing else. I don't quite understand it, either. They have plenty of offensive fire power with the new additions, but you can't see that when they play. The reason... they are not giving the bulk of the minutes to their best players. Rafer is horrible and should not be starting. I'm tired of watching Chuck Hayes miss layup after layup! With those two and Shane in the starting lineup, the offense must rely on T-Mac and Yao! Yes they won over 50 games last year with that lineup, but that was with Van Gundy's defensive schemes. We were the best defensive team in the regular season last year! We have Adelman now, who's a gifted offensive coach. So logically, we need offensive players to compliment his scheme? Right?
Why not start Scola and Francis or even Mike James, if you're not a Francis fan? That would space the floor for Yao and give T-Mac people to pass too, who can actually make a shot. Bonzi should be the first person off the bench, where he can score at free will in the post when Yao is out. Use Hayes and Rafer for 20 mins or less a night. That would greatly help this team! The Rockets need to start relying on their other playmakers and give T-Mac a rest. Also, Yao looks a little uncomfortable in this new system, which is another reason to put other offensive players out there with him, so he can get familiar with what he's doing.
Granted, I'm not in the practices. I'm not an NBA general manager. I'm not an NBA coach. Not an assistant coach. Hell, I'm not even a damn ball boy!! But if I can see these problems and simple solutions from my couch at home, then why can't Adelman!! Mark my words, the Rockets will not launch and reach their potential, as long as Rafer Alston AND Chuck Hayes are in the starting lineup! They need to change or the count down will never even begin.
On a side note, T-Mac left the game with a hurt ankle. Lets hope it's not too serious.
1 comment:
At this point do you think it would be a good idea for them to go for a high first round pick? Its obvious they aren't going to do anything this year right?
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