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Since Rafer had been playing bad for...pretty much all season, maybe we can trade and get something for him. Then again, Rafer usually plays very well during the 2nd half of the season. What do you guys think?

We would need a decent back PG which I doubt we get.

maybe to the bench. thats the only place rafer is going.

I'm still not high on Brooks, he can be inconsistent, if we trade Rafer we better be getting a solid player in return that can handle to run an offense, play decent defense, and shoot the ball better ( which isn't happening). Rafer just needs to take less shots, and maybe understand his role on this team.

bubba wrote:maybe to the bench. thats the only place rafer is going.

LOL

IMO if T-Mac was healthy Rafer should still start. I like him defensively vs starting PGs and a steadier hand when we have enough scorers on the floor.

But since T-Mac is out Brooks is really the only person on the team who can penetrate off the dribble. He should be getting 30 mins a game regardless though.

who would we get out of rafer?
in my opinion, unless we really can get a steal (which i highly doubt)..there is no point in trading him.

Our offense runs better with Brooks playing the majority of the minutes but still Rafer wont get much in trade value

As many have pointed out (most consistently TMU), a less-attempts-per-game Rafer would be acceptable for the defense and steady play. As always ... we need to set our sights on a viable alternative (ie one that can actually be had). Otherwise, he stays.

Someone suggested Shaun L recently. Good idea imo. We should at least have a look.

No one wants Alston. We keep him and play him as a starter, Brooks can finish some games.

andre miller would be perfect for this team but i can dream...

grond wrote:As many have pointed out (most consistently TMU), a less-attempts-per-game Rafer would be acceptable for the defense and steady play. As always ... we need to set our sights on a viable alternative (ie one that can actually be had). Otherwise, he stays.

Someone suggested Shaun L recently. Good idea imo. We should at least have a look.

Ding.

Anybody who thinks Rafer is going to shoot less is crazy.

If he gets minutes, he will shoot. He avgs 10 shots a game. Thats like 5 less than Yao ming.

And if he continues to start, Ric is not going to tell Rafer to stop shooting and he will continue to get more minutes, especially if he comes back and plays 1 or 2 good games.

Last comment on this. If you tell Rafer to shoot less and focus on passing the ball. Great you have effectively told teams to double either T-mac or Yao, because today everybody in the league knows you let Rafer open. Simple game plan for every team against Rafer.

- Whoever guards Rafer will double T-mac or Yao if they try to go them
- Allow Rafer the open shots
- Allow Rafer to challenge the basket, because his Tear drop is aweful
- On fast breaks, challenge Rafer 1on1, becuase he can't make the layup.
- If Rafer drives, seal the passing lanes off, becuase RAfer is a horrible drive and dish PG. Allow him to shoot the close shot.

You also understand if Rafer is not an offensive threat, the opp PG, spends ZERO energy defending Rafer, which means he has alot more energy during the game to do the following (score, push the ball, double T-mac and Yao)

With AB, defenders cannot leave him open and they cannot allow AB space to drive to the hoop.

This whole nonsense of "Telling Rafer to Shoot less" is horrible and it backfires on the Rockets if this is implemented. The solution is, you find a PG who can drive, scoring in varity of ways, and handle the ball effectively. Rafer only has 1 quality in this area (sure ain't scoring in a varity of ways)

Another thread about getting rid of Rafer after a good game by Brooks??? So original. I can be critical of Skip too. I especially get annoyed when he tries to go all Tony Parker with his stupid runners and teardrops. That said, as a pg he's much more reliable than Brooks. He's the best passer the Rockets have, and he has little trouble making the entry to Yao. Until we can get Kirk Hinrich, Rafer Alston is a necessary evil.

I neglected a lot of things with my ding. Feeling a bit silly atm.

Rafer is a horrible passer unless you think handing the ball to a double teamed TMAC or Yao as a pass.

Baller 24 wrote:I'm still not high on Brooks, he can be inconsistent, if we trade Rafer we better be getting a solid player in return that can handle to run an offense, play decent defense, and shoot the ball better ( which isn't happening). Rafer just needs to take less shots, and maybe understand his role on this team.

You are answering your own question here... "Brooks can be inconsistent" but hell, Alston actually a there is not change in the horizon.

Its easy to see that AB give us a new dimention, he represents such a threat for the opposing team when he is on the floor that they need to pay to much attention to him and that leads to and easier game for our whole team.

Not coincidence, but he reminds me of "We are talkting about practice"

Only if we can Sign Patrick Mills from St.Mary's, (And Australia) if he nominates for the draft after this college season.

This isn't a biased opinion. (ROTFLMAO) seriously though, leave Skip alone, his game is inconsistent this year, because our offense is inconsistent this year with injuries. One game he's getting lot's of shots, the next, he's not.

Only if we can Sign Patrick Mills from St.Mary's, (And Australia) if he nominates for the draft after this college season.

This isn't a biased opinion. (ROTFLMAO) seriously though, leave Skip alone, his game is inconsistent this year, because our offense is inconsistent this year with injuries. One game he's getting lot's of shots, the next, he's not.

It WAS time for Rafer to go every single damm year. The management just don't get it!