The biggest issue with Rafer before the win streak was Rafer's shooting and finishing. Rafer does everything else very well: run the offense, keeps a low T/O ratio, and plays the PG position very well, except for his shooting.
Now that Rafer seems to have acquired a consistent shot, it's quite possible the Rockets have filled the biggest weakness on the starting roster. I would argue that for this season, Rafer has been an above average starting NBA PG. Next year, the starting 5 for the Rockets looks pretty good and very balanced:
C - Yao Ming: The best center in the NBA
PF - Scola: Is already a consistent NBA starting PF and can get better in his 2nd year. I rank Scola as an average NBA staring PF now with an upside as he adjusts to the NBA.
SF - Battier: Nuff said about Battier's defense and his 3 point capability
SG - TMac: Elite at his position when he decides to play. Otherwise, can look scrubbish at times.
PG - Alston: Arguably, an above average NBA PG this season
If we can get an upgrade at either of these positions during the off season, I would do it. But heading into next season, our starting 5 is very well balanced, assuming they maintain the level of play that they have this season.
Have the Rockets finally found their PG in Rafer?
Have the Rockets finally found their PG in Rafer?
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rocket_zoom
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Vator
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Rafer is STILL a streaky shooter and always will be...period. Shooting is not, has never, and will never be his strength. Too bad a lot of people don't realize this and keep deciding from game to game whether they like him or not based on that and that alone. He still does everything else the same and for the most part is as consistent as you could expect any role player to be at what he does well.
Upgrading or replacing him is obviously not as easy as some people seem to think it is. Many players have come through here over the past 3 seasons and none have yet to supplant him from his job. Teams aren't just giving away elite point guards just like teams aren't giving away elite big men.
This is just going to turn into another Rafer love/hate fest and we have had plenty of those already.
Upgrading or replacing him is obviously not as easy as some people seem to think it is. Many players have come through here over the past 3 seasons and none have yet to supplant him from his job. Teams aren't just giving away elite point guards just like teams aren't giving away elite big men.
This is just going to turn into another Rafer love/hate fest and we have had plenty of those already.