Guy986 wrote:Horrible decision, because with Brooks, Rockets have been having some of the better 1st QTR games, they typically lack energy from the very start.
So instead of leading the game after 1st quarter, we will be down 10, because defenses will sag on T-mac and Yao, guard Shane at the corner 3' and leave Rafer open. I guess Scola is going to have to carry the load. I don't know why so many of you enjoy this scenerio.
Because we always trail by 10 after the first quarter with Rafer starting....
Knowing Adelman, there's no way Brooks will get the nod over Alston in the starting lineup. He probably is the better player than Alston right now but it doesn't matter. Battier is starting over Artest but we all know Artest is more talented. The starting 5 of Alston/Tmac/Battier/Scola/Yao have tremendous chemistry as a group. Adelman is an old school coach(note: Stubborn), once he makes his decision he rarely changes. Besides, the threesome of Landry/Artest/Brooks as reserves will give this team an incredible spark.
Brooks, like artest, is instant offense off the bench. Alston can't give you that. For that reason alone, Adelman will start Rafer Alston.
If its up to me..... I'll start Alston and close out with Brooks.
I can remember alot more horrible games with RAfer shooting vs him having a QTR like AB did.
ITs been proven Rafer had 4 years, the man did nothing for us but dump the ball to T-mac. Sure he hit some big shots, but i rather have a consistant offensive threat, than hey i go 1-9 and than hit 1 big shot.
Sure I agree with Team Chemistry, correct me if I am wrong. Whats wrong with our currenting Starting 5????????? I see better offensive Chemistry.
You all praise Rafer, who basically dribbles the ball up and dumps the ball into T-mac's hand. Thus all you have left is a spot up shooter at the 3pt line.
Rafer can't drive and finish
Rafer doesn't move around without the ball as well as AB
Rafer can't stop and pop
Rafer can't hit the open 3 ball
Rafer can't run an open fast break
However Rafer can do this....
Rafer can pass it to T-mac
Rafer than can get the pass back from T-mac and passes it to Yao
Rafer will go 1-9 and than hit a big shot
Rafer never turns the ball over because quite honestly its always in T-mac's hand
Rafer can defend better, but i think we give him too much credit, because every PG can get burned, it depends on how well the Rockets play team defense.
Almost in every sense AB is the better player and he is young and he will only get better if Rockets continue to give him experience. Its time to make a change. Rafer needs to step down after 4 years of starting for the Rockets.
If this was last year AB, i would agree. However this year AB is totally different. Some players just never get it. (see Luther Head). AB clearly knows his role.
As for disrespecting the Starter, no such thing if the player realizes its a team game and he is doing what is best for the team. That includes coming off the bench (aka Ron Artest). Rockets are built to win now, we can't feel sorry for a player if he can't produce.