ImageImage

[Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread

Moderators: ken6199, TMU

Guy986
RealGM
Posts: 17,759
And1: 647
Joined: Oct 09, 2005
Location: BBG Nation unite!

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#161 » by Guy986 » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:21 am

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.... :roll:

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.
User avatar
moofs
General Manager
Posts: 8,077
And1: 537
Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Location: "if the warriors win the title this season ill tattoo their logo in my di ck" -- 000001
Contact:

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#162 » by moofs » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:27 am

smapor wrote:
moofs wrote:Easy. Healthy Rafer against a few teams with other healthy starters to see the results of both our starters and subs. Depending on results, compare with the past few games, maybe look at switching it back to where it's been. My guess is that he's at least partly doing process of elimination to see what he wants to do, if anything. At worst, it's worked fairly well the past couple years.

p.s. Looks like Harris DOMINATED Brooks.


With Rafer, we won nothing. Sure we had a decent record, but we won nothing.

With AB, he at least brings a real threat at the PG position.

Rafer brings hot/cold shooting and the worst fast break finisher, i have ever seen. This man has missed so many 1on1 layups. Nobody fears him on offense. He basically allows the other PG, to allocate all their energy on offense.

I am confused by your statement on Harris Dominated Brooks.

Because Brooks was a rookie and he played little minutes. Given mins, Brooks clearly has improved.

If we continue to start Brooks, who is to say, he won't be our Rondo. I like what AB brings. Energy, quickness, driving to the hoop, knock down open jumpers, forces opposing PG to play defense, and his ability to finish at the rim.


Sorry, you didn't quite catch me or I wasn't clear. I think it's looking more and more like I'd want AB starting too (since about 5-10 games in to the season, in fact), but I also think you have to work toward that, which it looks like Adelman might be doing - I was trying to outlay the process in some rather terse shorthand. The point is that if you just change things whimsically, it's bad for your coaching ability and team attitude in the long term (granted, Adelman is fairly old). By moving Rafer back, you keep his attitude high (and more player respect) as you leave him a chance to hold on to his position before a demotion (which was now not incurred amid an injury when it was unable to be defended), you see whether or not our starters poor health and less-defined rotation played into Rafer's season-starting decline, AB's stats are phenomenal when he isn't starting, etc, etc, etc. At worst, you lose a few games more, but in the meantime, there are a ton of benefits to not just doing things all pell-mell and immediately. I'd like to see AB starting by the AS break (after ~40-53 games) if he keeps playing the way he is. I pretty much agree with what Guy said as well - up AB's minutes, gradually let him finish games, don't disrespect starters, RA runs/it's best to have well-defined rotations, why break the good chemistry our starters have proven, etc, etc.

My "dominated" remark was an unrelated sarcastic eye rolling nod to the pregame comments :) I personally thought AB matched up well with Harris, and though I didn't see the game/his defense, I don't see any evidence to the contrary either.
Morey 2020.

Q:How are they experts when they're always wrong?
A:Ask a stock market analyst or your financial advisor
smapor
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,750
And1: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2008

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#163 » by smapor » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:34 am

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.... :roll:

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.
User avatar
moofs
General Manager
Posts: 8,077
And1: 537
Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Location: "if the warriors win the title this season ill tattoo their logo in my di ck" -- 000001
Contact:

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#164 » by moofs » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:43 am

That's why we're both agreeing with you as far as desired end result - AB needs to play more, possibly start (you are overestimating the value of starting), and almost certainly finish. The main difference is that you think he should be starting immediately, guy doesn't think he'll start at all but doesn't necessarily seem to be against it (though he would start Alston if it was up to him), and I'm not sure if AB will end up starting, but am neither against it nor 100% for it yet.

Also, neither of us is praising Rafer at all. We're simply trying to figure out the best balance of how to employ he and Brooks, as well as the best way to get to that point.
Morey 2020.

Q:How are they experts when they're always wrong?
A:Ask a stock market analyst or your financial advisor
User avatar
Teckon
Assistant Coach
Posts: 4,206
And1: 30
Joined: Jan 09, 2006

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#165 » by Teckon » Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:21 am

Very good win. Have been busying lately and not able to post here.

With this win, Rockets are averaging 106.2 pts scored and 98.9 pts allowed, 7.3pts differential for the 10 games in December so far.

This is great improvement in offense and points differential over the 18 games average in November/October with 94.3 pts scored and 90.9 pts allowed, 3.4 pts differntial.

In fact, Rockets have been averaging over 100 pts scored over last 21 games. Rockets offense are getting better.

More interesting stats:
Rockets are 9-3 vs 0.500+ teams. Only better by Laker (11-3) and Celtics (14-1) for performance vs 0.500+ teams

But rockets are 10-6 vs teams with losing records!
Guy986
RealGM
Posts: 17,759
And1: 647
Joined: Oct 09, 2005
Location: BBG Nation unite!

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#166 » by Guy986 » Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:23 am

moofs wrote:That's why we're both agreeing with you as far as desired end result - AB needs to play more, possibly start (you are overestimating the value of starting), and almost certainly finish. The main difference is that you think he should be starting immediately, guy doesn't think he'll start at all but doesn't necessarily seem to be against it (though he would start Alston if it was up to him), and I'm not sure if AB will end up starting, but am neither against it nor 100% for it yet.

Also, neither of us is praising Rafer at all. We're simply trying to figure out the best balance of how to employ he and Brooks, as well as the best way to get to that point.


THank you.

Just because i think Alston will continue to start doesn't mean i don't like Aaron Brooks.
If Brooks becomes our fixed starter from now on. Wonderful. That means he has earned the trust of Coach A and his teammates. I'll root for him and wish him the best. He certainly has the talent to be our starter. I just don't think its gonna happen. Its not a matter of talent, its about chemistry and fit.

Smapor's reason for benching Alston is that he is a terrible 3 point shooter. That's a very fair assessment. However, you'll still see Alston shooting long jumpers even if he does come off the bench. The difference is instead of shooting open 3s due to the attention Yao is getting, he is going to shoot contested jumpers. Can you imagine Skip's FG% when he is not utterly and completely open like he has been throughout his career as a Rocket? Starting or not, Alston will continue to shoot. Unless you want to replace Luther Head with Alston in the rotation, his shooting shouldn't be the reason to keep him on the bench. If he's not starting, he's going to shoot WORSE.

Brooks, on the other hand, can create his own shot. He's more of a scorer than a playmaker. I know he played terrific tonight but his shot selection was...... well let's just say those 35 footers won't go in very often. As a sparkplug off the bench, he (and Ron Ron) can shoot to their hearts content.

And i haven't even mention Alston's defense, his pass first mentality, his chemistry with the other 4 starters. I will be VERY shocked if Alston doesn't start for the duration of the season.
User avatar
MaxRider
RealGM
Posts: 44,473
And1: 5,805
Joined: Jun 08, 2005
Location: Choke City
 

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#167 » by MaxRider » Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:38 am

maybe Alston will start to play better since now he got a treat for his starting job
User avatar
Baller 24
RealGM
Posts: 16,637
And1: 19
Joined: Feb 11, 2006

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#168 » by Baller 24 » Tue Dec 23, 2008 3:29 pm

The thing with Brooks is, he doesn't entirely run the offense. McGrady playing with Brooks has been playmaking more, while also doing a better job of attacking the rim. Brooks knows how to finish around the basket which is a HUGE +1 for me, and although his shot selection was crazy today, I really do think its better than Rafer's; he feels a lot more confident taking some of those shots. He puts pressure on the ball, his speed is huge against a lot of the elite point guards, and he does a great job keeping the ball movement alive (he sometimes gets into tight positions, but finds his way out).

I'm not sure, obviously we need to see more from him if we want to keep him as the starter. The main question is, when we play really good and tough teams; is he going to crack when the pressure starts to build ? T-Mac and Artest start to chuck a lot more, Yao sometimes you can see jacking up stupid shots, I wouldn't want Brooks throwing up half court 3 pointers just to see if they "might" go in. Its not the same with Rafer, but he has a better understanding of who should take the shots. I'm not sure, but Brooks has done really good, lets see what happens under Rafer tonight.
dockingsched wrote: the biggest loss of the off-season for the lakers was earl clark
smapor
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,750
And1: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2008

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#169 » by smapor » Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:09 pm

Guy986 wrote:
moofs wrote:That's why we're both agreeing with you as far as desired end result - AB needs to play more, possibly start (you are overestimating the value of starting), and almost certainly finish. The main difference is that you think he should be starting immediately, guy doesn't think he'll start at all but doesn't necessarily seem to be against it (though he would start Alston if it was up to him), and I'm not sure if AB will end up starting, but am neither against it nor 100% for it yet.

Also, neither of us is praising Rafer at all. We're simply trying to figure out the best balance of how to employ he and Brooks, as well as the best way to get to that point.


THank you.

Just because i think Alston will continue to start doesn't mean i don't like Aaron Brooks.
If Brooks becomes our fixed starter from now on. Wonderful. That means he has earned the trust of Coach A and his teammates. I'll root for him and wish him the best. He certainly has the talent to be our starter. I just don't think its gonna happen. Its not a matter of talent, its about chemistry and fit.

Smapor's reason for benching Alston is that he is a terrible 3 point shooter. That's a very fair assessment. However, you'll still see Alston shooting long jumpers even if he does come off the bench. The difference is instead of shooting open 3s due to the attention Yao is getting, he is going to shoot contested jumpers. Can you imagine Skip's FG% when he is not utterly and completely open like he has been throughout his career as a Rocket? Starting or not, Alston will continue to shoot. Unless you want to replace Luther Head with Alston in the rotation, his shooting shouldn't be the reason to keep him on the bench. If he's not starting, he's going to shoot WORSE.

Brooks, on the other hand, can create his own shot. He's more of a scorer than a playmaker. I know he played terrific tonight but his shot selection was...... well let's just say those 35 footers won't go in very often. As a sparkplug off the bench, he (and Ron Ron) can shoot to their hearts content.

And i haven't even mention Alston's defense, his pass first mentality, his chemistry with the other 4 starters. I will be VERY shocked if Alston doesn't start for the duration of the season.



No no you got it all wrong. Garbage as a starter and off the bench. This man can only do 2 things well. Pass the Ball to T-mac and play better team defense (which i believe is the results of JVG training).

He brings nothing else to the plate.

I don't even know how Chemistry is better because clearly the offense is looking alot more polished when Rafer isn't shooting 1-9, can't finish at the Rim, not even a threat on the offense.

I would think Yao or T-mac would say "About damn time, someone shoots the open 3, drives to the hoop for some easy scores"

We will see tonight with Rafer given playing time, even if he has a hot game, we know 1 game later, he is going to shoot 1-9, but you know what he can dump the ball to T-mac.

At this point, the only thing i do agree on is... Rafer is better as a backup PG than Luther Head.
User avatar
moofs
General Manager
Posts: 8,077
And1: 537
Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Location: "if the warriors win the title this season ill tattoo their logo in my di ck" -- 000001
Contact:

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#170 » by moofs » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:00 pm

One of the things to consider is that if Rafer moves to the second unit, if what you say is true (you're exaggerating again, Rafer's only had one sub-30% game since nov 4. By contrast, McGrady has had 4 and is only shooting 39% from inside the arc to Rafer's 36.3%, who is also finishing at the rim better than Artest, who is shooting 34.9% inside the arc) they're going to get worse and possibly start losing us leads. You have to consider the whole picture, not just the most talented group of starters. We don't NEED him to shoot with the starters, but he has to take open shots when they show up. With the second unit he will either end up shooting more without as many options to pass to, or being a bigger liability as teams will be more able to collapse on the rest of the second unit. Do you really want that? (and I'm twisting what I really think about all that a bit to try and fit it in better with your logic of "he has to be relegated to the bench because he's trash")

All these things are questions that still need to be answered WHICH can be done more effectively by blending the situation as I keep suggesting - we're shooting for having the best team/rotation set for the playoffs, NOT to win immediately over all the stupid scrubby teams without gaining better knowledge of how our team works best.

By the way, wasn't it just last season during the streak when just about everyone was praising and openly kissing Rafer's buttocks, while several people (mostly the group that's been defending him for the past 4 seasons) were pointing out that he wasn't playing any differently than he always has? (winning changes perception.) Now he starts off cold at the first of the season (second season in a row), goes back to playing the same as always, which he was doing during the streak and playoffs, yet he's still trash again... Whatever.

Look, for the fifth time, you're doing all this arguing basically over "NOW!!!!!" vs. "let's wait and see what's best" and "Rafer sucks arsebiscuits". Patience is a virtue and the latter is fairly provably wrong if you just look through the stats, which is something I try to avoid doing anymore, having done it hundreds of times to no effect already.

p.p.s. 36-39% (Alston's currently 37%, career 36%) is NOT a terrible 3p shooter. He's guilty of being a massive streak shooter. So was Glen Rice. (though obviously, he was far better) You don't want that percentage to be used in volume, but as a complement it's fine. Alston only takes about 9% of our 3p shots as the third best rotation 3p shooter on our team (behind Battier and Brooks. Artest and McGrady are having unusual seasons from range, as they both normally shoot over 7 points lower. Barry shoots higher but is looking weird/old this season, and Head/Wafer are not considered)
Morey 2020.

Q:How are they experts when they're always wrong?
A:Ask a stock market analyst or your financial advisor
BaYBaller
Veteran
Posts: 2,696
And1: 116
Joined: May 12, 2006

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#171 » by BaYBaller » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:40 pm

Well I predicted we'd contain Harris and we did, though I was surprised to the extent that we did, (but that was more him being in foul trouble than anything else). But man I'm glad you guys aren't Adelman because you don't replace a starter when he's injured. You just don't. Think about if you were sick at work for a week and come back and your boss tells you somebody took your position and go work in the basement. You're dealing with people and their careers here. You always give that person a chance to fight for his job.

Now let me reiterate what a lot of people are forgetting - for the past couple of seasons we have had one of the best starting 5's in the league. That includes Alston. The chemistry is there, it is time-tested. It has always been our 2nd unit that has been an issue, which has been resolved this season.

Brooks is that new shiny car you took on a test drive. It has that new car smell. It's got the speed, the excitement, but that doesn't mean it's more reliable. Fact of the matter is is that Alston is less TO-prone, a better man defender, a better team defender, and runs the offense better. And BTW Adelman has been running the offense through his PGs, not T-Mac (which has been working great), I don't what games you have been watching.

The concern with Brooks has always been how he will fare defensively. Let that sink in. Now ask yourself, with Brooks starting the past 5 games, if those concerns have been alleviated. Let me answer it for you: they have not.

Ed note: I do believe Brooks is a better overall player. However the advantages of him coming off the bench are too great. It allows Brooks' offense to shine vs second-string PGs, hedges Brooks' defensive liabilities vs second-string PGs, and gives our second unit a much needed offensive boost because Adelman likes to run a second-unit with both T-Mac and Yao resting.
smapor
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,750
And1: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2008

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#172 » by smapor » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:46 pm

I am arguing for the last 4 years, where PG position has been weak and we all been content with Rafer, because he was the best we had. Quite frankly the 22 win streak means nothing, because we didn't get out of the 1st round.

Rafer doesn't just take open shots, he picks poor shot selections. He averages 12 shots a game. For somebody who is offensively ineffecient, thats alot of shots. He barely draws any FT attempts, dude is a career 1.8 FT.

If celtics never started Rondo last year, who knew how far they would have gotten. Rondo did one thing really well and that was energy and driving to the hoop. Which Rafer doesn't do.

How many times do we have to lose in the 1st round playoffs, until you realize Rafer was the best fit, because we had no choice. This year, Rockets actually have a choice.

Patience....lol 4 years is enough for me. The only reason why Rafer started last year was because SF is injury prone. It was SF job to lose. That speaks volumn about Rafer.
BaYBaller
Veteran
Posts: 2,696
And1: 116
Joined: May 12, 2006

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#173 » by BaYBaller » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:56 pm

Alston does not take poor shots. He's not a good shooter, but that doesn't mean he takes poor shots. His shots are relatively open, or at the end of the shot clock. My issue with Alston has always been his minutes. He averaged something like 40+/gm because we had no suitable back up. That is no longer the case.

Also Rondo does not have defensive liabilities. Actually Rondo's defense was actually his strength coming into the NBA, it has been his offense that has surprised people. A very poor comparison.
User avatar
moofs
General Manager
Posts: 8,077
And1: 537
Joined: Apr 17, 2006
Location: "if the warriors win the title this season ill tattoo their logo in my di ck" -- 000001
Contact:

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#174 » by moofs » Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:57 pm

+1 to Bay.

Smapor, read back some, if you will please. Address points. You're skipping over quite a few (pretty much all of them, actually). I'm addressing your points, you respond by skipping over mine, missing what I'm saying, or altering the topic. Arguing like that is a rather frustrating endeavor.
Morey 2020.

Q:How are they experts when they're always wrong?
A:Ask a stock market analyst or your financial advisor
Guy986
RealGM
Posts: 17,759
And1: 647
Joined: Oct 09, 2005
Location: BBG Nation unite!

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#175 » by Guy986 » Tue Dec 23, 2008 8:31 pm

smapor wrote:I am arguing for the last 4 years, where PG position has been weak and we all been content with Rafer, because he was the best we had. Quite frankly the 22 win streak means nothing, because we didn't get out of the 1st round.

Rafer doesn't just take open shots, he picks poor shot selections. He averages 12 shots a game. For somebody who is offensively ineffecient, thats alot of shots. He barely draws any FT attempts, dude is a career 1.8 FT.

If celtics never started Rondo last year, who knew how far they would have gotten. Rondo did one thing really well and that was energy and driving to the hoop. Which Rafer doesn't do.

How many times do we have to lose in the 1st round playoffs, until you realize Rafer was the best fit, because we had no choice. This year, Rockets actually have a choice.

Patience....lol 4 years is enough for me. The only reason why Rafer started last year was because SF is injury prone. It was SF job to lose. That speaks volumn about Rafer.


He averages alot of shots because teams leave him open. He takes open shots. Granted, he's not a great shooter but his shot selection is absolutely fine.

If you wanna see what poor shot selection looks like. Watch Artest.
smapor
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,750
And1: 0
Joined: Aug 19, 2008

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#176 » by smapor » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:22 pm

His shot selection is horrible. If you insist that all he takes is open jumpers, than his shooting is even worse than 38% that he averages for a career.

I am skipping points becuase its all the same arguements on why you want to keep Rafer as a starter.

-Past History (22 win streak, one of the better starting units, etc), however past history also indicated that Rockets had one of the weakest positions in the league (PG) and how we all settled on Rafer because we had no choice. SF was suppose to start last year, he lost the job (out of shape, injury, blah blah)

-Rafer has better team chemistry in the past... Okay so like new guys can't come in and make the chemistry better? Brooks clearly has an impact on the offense side for the Rockets.

-Our second unit is weaker with Rafer. No **** because RAfer blows. If we had Luther head who can handle the ball and actually score, we wouldn't be worrying about our 2nd unit. Honestly our 2nd unit has looked decent the last few games and thats because Ron Artest is there.

-Rafer plays better defense.....sure i agree, but AB has showed us that he can also play team defense. And he will improve with time, that is why its important he starts, so he plays against the starters.

-Rafer doesn't have poor shot selection....Okay he just sucks at shooting. Poor shot selection, open shots, fast breaks, driving to the hoop, whatever you want to call it. Rafer is horrible on offense. Like I said, must be nice to have opposing PG only worry about offense, since Rafer doesn't do much on the offense side

-Rafer is a starter, you don't replace starters.... Okay T-mac was injured last year, he came back and played form thethe bench for a few games. Rafer can't do this...



Lastly to clear up some other remarks.

Rondo defense is good because the Celtics play much better team defense (sounds like how AB is holding his end with the Rockets). 1 on 1 defense is not as critical as Team Defense. Besides that Rondo brough energy and the ability to drive to the hoop (invaluable to find a PG who can drive to the hoop and create shots)

Our starting unit is the most important unit, becuase they are expected to produce results. If our 2nd unit was as good as our 1st, we would be the best team in the league.

However if you notice many folks thought Celtics bench got weaker because they lost Posey. Look at them now. 2nd unit only looks good as the 1st unit allows them to be.

Enough on this topic. Lets watch the Rockets tonight.
User avatar
2fast4u
Junior
Posts: 464
And1: 2
Joined: Jun 15, 2008
Location: existence...prejudice...pancakes...

Re: [Game 28] Houston Rockets @ New Jersey Nets Game Thread 

Post#177 » by 2fast4u » Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:45 am

rondo is overrated.

cp3 > rondo
its ok to break some rules once in a while...

Return to Houston Rockets