Contender or Pretender? Yao is playin the best ball of his life and Tmac looks like he's comfortable. Head has played tremendous, Hayes as done a good job rebounding. Battier has went over and beyond, Mutumbo is still the block King and Howard is still the perfect professional. We still might be a player away, but how do u guys feel about the Rockets at this point?
Contenders The Rockets are contenders. I have had my doubts at the begging of the season on whether or not the Rockets will play good or bad this year, but they have really showed that they are a top team in the league. T-Mac isn't playing the same as he before the injuries but he is still at a high level. Yao has proven he is the best center in the league and he is playing great. Yao actually might deserve all of those votes for the all-star game and he can go down as one of the greatest centers of all time if he continues to play at this rate. The supporting cast is playing great and the Rockets are playing at the same level as the top team. I think the Rockets can make alot of noise this year and can be legitimate title contenders if they continue playing this great.
i'd like to put rockets in the position of a contender at this stage,that's mean we hav almost all pieces to win a championship.The main differences between a contender and a pretender lie here:contender teams will win 50+ games and at lest 2nd stage in playoff no matter what experts comment on and build their own style like todays' rockets; a pretender seemingly has a strong potential to compete bt seldom using that potential well, and easily affected by some factors.like rockets in the past 2 seasons. Given facts u mentioned above, it seems rocs have formed a relatively stronger def and a mature one-two punch or double core offense sys. yao is gradually being his prime, Tmac showed his leader's ability and exp even doesn't score too much,head being a clutch shooter and a reliable backup sg/pg this season,skip to my lou kept our attack flow fluently,battier upgraded our def sys and i al give full credit to chuck,he picked up most of fouls for yao and had great pontential of a rebound monster,Howard proved he could still contribute from the bench not only what hayes could do now bt a bonus around 8pts pergame. however,rocs still somewhat lack of consistency in 82 games like spurs, competency in playoff like heat.This is due to some X factors: 1st is backup. currently with only head and howard can really fit well in both of def&off sys, rocs need more help from bench,Vspan still in his adjustment period,Novac aims to obtain more opportunity in rotation,synder should keep his penetration skills after recovery. i believed their performances decide how far we could go. Others like padgett,mutumbo,lucasIII might step up in one or two games bt we couldn't count on them all the time. 2nd is injury.since last season rocs become a injury-riddle team, we desperately should maintain a healthy starting lineup and ensure all players coming off the injury list perform the same level before or even better(mutumbo's elbow,an electric shock) 3rd is time. as u all know,a real process of a organic chemical reaction is usually considered slow. it should be tried repeatedly when combining new materials to form a whole , the same principle apply here. The chemistry inside the team require time and therefore some losses like VS suns,jazz,spurs are valuable. we learned lessons from those games then we could win next time. hopefully in the playoff.
^ We are successful and are playing exceptionally well without him, so what makes you think we will be successful with him, its not like we are playing bad and need him right away. I careless about Wells, but it'll be ok to have him back
Our record against good teams hasn't been that great so far. We're beating all the teams we're supposed to beat, generally in very convincing fashion. But to be a real contender, we need to prove that we can beat above average teams consistently as well. The jury is still out on that.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">^ We are successful and are playing exceptionally well without him, so what makes you think we will be successful with him, its not like we are playing bad and need him right away. I careless about Wells, but it'll be ok to have him back</div> We are contenders, but not seriously until we get Bonzi back. If you think we don't need Bonzi, ur sadly mistaken.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">We are contenders, but not seriously until we get Bonzi back. If you think we don't need Bonzi, ur sadly mistaken.</div> He would help a little coming off the bench, but he wont have much of an impact imo. The guy didnt step on the court for months. What makes you think he can get in shape in two weeks and help effectively? Right now we are contenders, but like Durvasa said we have to beat the good teams (Suns, Dallas, Spurs, Heat, Pistons etc.) consistently. If we can beat those types of teams consistently, I see us going as far as possible.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">He would help a little coming off the bench, but he wont have much of an impact imo. The guy didnt step on the court for months. What makes you think he can get in shape in two weeks and help effectively?</div> No impact? Are u serious? The guy defends, scores, and rebounds! His midrange game is nice, and he's best when his backs to the basket. Which means more shots for our spot up shooters. Bonzi is a BEAST! Who's to say he isn't already in shape? The media reports of him bein 40lbs over weight aren't true. Ppl have seen Bonzi numerous times around town, and the guy looks exactly like he did last year. <div align="center">Spurs Starting line up</div> Parker- scorer Ginobli-scorer Bowen-3pt shooter Duncan-Scorer Mohammed-Rebound <div align="center">Bench </div> Finley-scorer Barry-3pt shooter Udrich-shooter Vaugh-scorer Horry-3pt shooter The Rockets need more firepower for the playoffs. Teams are too loaded to not play Bonzi. If JVG thinks he can win a ring with ALL DEFENSE then we're in for another first round exit. Tmac's back is in question, Snyder's out, we NEED Bonzi right now. Fans shouldn't get too arrogant now that we're winning.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">He would help a little coming off the bench, but he wont have much of an impact imo. The guy didnt step on the court for months. What makes you think he can get in shape in two weeks and help effectively?</div> No impact? Are u serious? The guy defends, scores, and rebounds! His midrange game is nice, and he's best when his backs to the basket. Which means more shots for our spot up shooters. Bonzi is a BEAST! Who's to say he isn't already in shape? The media reports of him bein 40lbs over weight aren't true. Ppl have seen Bonzi numerous times around town, and the guy looks exactly like he did last year. <div align="center">Spurs Starting line up</div> Parker- scorer Ginobli-scorer Bowen-3pt shooter Duncan-Scorer Mohammed-Rebound <div align="center">Bench </div> Finley-scorer Barry-3pt shooter Udrich-shooter Vaugh-scorer Horry-3pt shooter The Rockets need more firepower for the playoffs. Teams are too loaded to not play Bonzi. If JVG thinks he can win a ring with ALL DEFENSE then we're in for another first round exit. Tmac's back is in question, Snyder's out, we NEED Bonzi right now. Fans shouldn't get too arrogant now that we're winning.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">He would help a little coming off the bench, but he wont have much of an impact imo. The guy didnt step on the court for months. What makes you think he can get in shape in two weeks and help effectively?</div> No impact? Are u serious? The guy defends, scores, and rebounds! His midrange game is nice, and he's best when his backs to the basket. Which means more shots for our spot up shooters. Bonzi is a BEAST! Who's to say he isn't already in shape? The media reports of him bein 40lbs over weight aren't true. Ppl have seen Bonzi numerous times around town, and the guy looks exactly like he did last year. <div align="center">Spurs Starting line up</div> Parker- scorer Ginobli-scorer Bowen-3pt shooter Duncan-Scorer Mohammed-Rebound <div align="center">Bench </div> Finley-scorer Barry-3pt shooter Udrich-shooter Vaugh-scorer Horry-3pt shooter The Rockets need more firepower for the playoffs. Teams are too loaded to not play Bonzi. If JVG thinks he can win a ring with ALL DEFENSE then we're in for another first round exit. Tmac's back is in question, Snyder's out, we NEED Bonzi right now. Fans shouldn't get too arrogant now that we're winning.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">No impact? Are u serious? The guy defends, scores, and rebounds! His midrange game is nice, and he's best when his backs to the basket. Which means more shots for our spot up shooters. Bonzi is a BEAST! Who's to say he isn't already in shape? The media reports of him bein 40lbs over weight aren't true. Ppl have seen Bonzi numerous times around town, and the guy looks exactly like he did last year. </div> How do you know hes not overweight? Where are your sources. If the media reports hes 40 lbs overweight, I would believe that over some Bonzi fan over the internet. I heard numerous of reports of him being in clubs and parties when he is supposed to be working out. Doesnt necessarily make it true. Anyhow, I would take JVG judgement on whether he is conditioned enough to be in the NBA. Afterall, JVG was right the first time that Bonzi wasnt in shape. (he played horribly in his 2 NBA games, and ran out of steam very fast).
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">No impact? Are u serious? The guy defends, scores, and rebounds! His midrange game is nice, and he's best when his backs to the basket.</div> Yeah I know he can score, rebound, and score. But when was the last time he was on-court playing his game effectively? As far as I remember, it was in the playoffs last year against Spurs which was roughly 4 months ago. Do you really think he can do all that stepping on the court after a long time? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bonzi is a BEAST!</div> Bonzi is not a beast, he was a beast 4 months ago. I am not saying he can't get in his flow like he did last year and become that beast again, but he didnt play for such a long time, so which is the reason I am saying that he wont be that effective if he plays now, at least not playing like the beast he was playing like 4 months ago. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who's to say he isn't already in shape? The media reports of him bein 40lbs over weight aren't true. Ppl have seen Bonzi numerous times around town, and the guy looks exactly like he did last year. </div> Also, how do you know articles about Bonzi being over weight aren't true? You said who's to say he isn't in shape, let me tell you who's to say he isn't in shape, that is articles that you see on Internet. So should we believe you/your friends who "saw" Bonzi or should be believe an expert and smart journalist? How do you know those reports are false? So people are lying and you are the true one? In pictures he maybe like he was last year, and the reports are probably false, but look at this example: If a player hasn't stepped on the court in 4 months and didn't practice at all with his team, and the guy basically sat his azz at home having fun, don't you think he will probably gain weight. So what you're saying is that a guy doing all that without playing basketball is gonna be in perfect shape? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Rockets need more firepower for the playoffs. Teams are too loaded to not play Bonzi. If JVG thinks he can win a ring with ALL DEFENSE then we're in for another first round exit. Tmac's back is in question, Snyder's out, we NEED Bonzi right now. Fans shouldn't get too arrogant now that we're winning.</div> Tell me, when did I ever say that Bonzi will suck when coming back and I am definetly against him coming back? I am saying he will play good if he comes back, but he wont be as effective as he was 4 months ago. Look, right now, we haven't had an easy schedule, yet we're winning most of our games, and some against good teams. Lets go by what you're saying, how will Bonzi make a BIG DIFFERENCE if he comes back. He will be sitting on the bench. Yeah he might bring some explosiveness off the bench, but do you really think that will help us become title contenders? Right now, i will say we are strong playoff contenders, but with Bonzi's help off the bench, do you think he will take us to the next step. Remember, he hasn't played for a while. Do you think he will he get back in his rhythm and be a beast again. It might take him some time, but I would say if he plays almost every game, it could take him about 1 month to full come back. And even if he comes back, do you think he will be as strong as he was last year? And again, he will be coming off the bench, and probably wont get as many minutes as he did last year. He started for Kings last year and got about 32.4 minutes a game. What makes you think he will be back strong and he will help us take the next step after not playing for 4 months and probably not getting as many minutes as last year. Also, remember he will share bench minutes with Head, Howard, and V-Span. So I really don't think he will be that effective to where he will take us to the next step.
Fat 40 pounds or not, I want to see Bonzi on the court. I know if he can get on that court, he will be determined to lose that weight and be a part of the team.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">. Remember, he hasn't played for a while. Do you think he will he get back in his rhythm and be a beast again. It might take him some time, but I would say if he plays almost every game, it could take him about 1 month to full come back. And even if he comes back, do you think he will be as strong as he was last year? And again, he will be coming off the bench, and probably wont get as many minutes as he did last year. He started for Kings last year and got about 32.4 minutes a game. What makes you think he will be back strong and he will help us take the next step after not playing for 4 months and probably not getting as many minutes as last year. Also, remember he will share bench minutes with Head, Howard, and V-Span. So I really don't think he will be that effective to where he will take us to the next step.</div> That's exactly why JVG should give him some time on the court and allow him to get his rythm and touch gradualy. If we peg him on the bench or DNP list, how can he comes back as four or five month ago? If he does not get any minute, he will be more out of shape and become useless.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah I know he can score, rebound, and score. But when was the last time he was on-court playing his game effectively? As far as I remember, it was in the playoffs last year against Spurs which was roughly 4 months ago. Do you really think he can do all that stepping on the court after a long time?</div> Dude, what are u talkin about? If he comes back he'll have ample time to get his game back. So the "he's been out 4 months" doesn't register because the sooner we bring him back the more time he'll get to recover. He has a whole half of a season, so his legs will be definatley fresh for the playoffs. <div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Bonzi is not a beast, he was a beast 4 months ago. I am not saying he can't get in his flow like he did last year and become that beast again, but he didnt play for such a long time, so which is the reason I am saying that he wont be that effective if he plays now, at least not playing like the beast he was playing like 4 months ago.</div> How do you know that? He could come back and be even better than he used to be. But like I previously stated, Bonzi doesn't have to play big mins right now. We can spot him his minutes early and let him get his legs back. Very simple. Bonzi is a BEAST! <div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Also, how do you know articles about Bonzi being over weight aren't true? You said who's to say he isn't in shape, let me tell you who's to say he isn't in shape, that is articles that you see on Internet. So should we believe you/your friends who "saw" Bonzi or should be believe an expert and smart journalist? How do you know those reports are false? So people are lying and you are the true one? In pictures he maybe like he was last year, and the reports are probably false, but look at this example: If a player hasn't stepped on the court in 4 months and didn't practice at all with his team, and the guy basically sat his azz at home having fun, don't you think he will probably gain weight. So what you're saying is that a guy doing all that without playing basketball is gonna be in perfect shape?</div> Again what are u talkin about? The question is Bonzi in playin shape? From the looks of it, yes. He's not 40pounds overweight because in the picks there is absolutley no difference from last year. If you don't believe me, LOOK AT THE PICS. <div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Tell me, when did I ever say that Bonzi will suck when coming back and I am definetly against him coming back? I am saying he will play good if he comes back, but he wont be as effective as he was 4 months ago. Look, right now, we haven't had an easy schedule, yet we're winning most of our games, and some against good teams. Lets go by what you're saying, how will Bonzi make a BIG DIFFERENCE if he comes back. He will be sitting on the bench. Yeah he might bring some explosiveness off the bench, but do you really think that will help us become title contenders? Right now, i will say we are strong playoff contenders, but with Bonzi's help off the bench, do you think he will take us to the next step. Remember, he hasn't played for a while. Do you think he will he get back in his rhythm and be a beast again. It might take him some time, but I would say if he plays almost every game, it could take him about 1 month to full come back. And even if he comes back, do you think he will be as strong as he was last year? And again, he will be coming off the bench, and probably wont get as many minutes as he did last year. He started for Kings last year and got about 32.4 minutes a game. What makes you think he will be back strong and he will help us take the next step after not playing for 4 months and probably not getting as many minutes as last year. Also, remember he will share bench minutes with Head, Howard, and V-Span. So I really don't think he will be that effective to where he will take us to the next step.</div> Hell yes!! Bonzi comin off the bench and givin up explosivness is EXACTLY what's gonna put us over the edge. Maybe not early on, but once he works his way back he'll prolly be even MORE explosive due to the fact he had all this rest. This is a no brainer. Healthy Bonzi=Rockets/Mavs/Spurs I don't know what ur thinking. Bonzi is easily the 3rd best player on this team. He's supposed to get 30plus minutes a game. Not only that, he can carry the offense thru stretches to take pressure off Tmac and Yao. His post game allows us early offense too. Everything about Bonzi is right for this team. Even his attitude. Our team is too nice, we need some attitude!! You would think with Snyder out you guys would wake up and smell the coffee. How could you question if we need Bonzi? Have you checked out San Antonio or Dallas? Their LOADED! JVG needs to be fired if Bonzi gets traded without playin a game.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Dude, what are u talkin about? If he comes back he'll have ample time to get his game back. So the "he's been out 4 months" doesn't register because the sooner we bring him back the more time he'll get to recover. He has a whole half of a season, so his legs will be definatley fresh for the playoffs. </div> Exactly. He will need till playoffs to full recover and get back in his rhythm right? And you agree to me that he will need time to get back in his flow right. But this is what you said: <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> we NEED Bonzi right now. </div> You said we need him now. How can he defend, score, and rebound NOW? You are the one saying he will need time so how can he do all that now? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">How do you know that? He could come back and be even better than he used to be. But like I previously stated, Bonzi doesn't have to play big mins right now. We can spot him his minutes early and let him get his legs back. Very simple. Bonzi is a BEAST!</div> You say that, then say this <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't know what ur thinking. Bonzi is easily the 3rd best player on this team. He's supposed to get 30plus minutes a game</div> Wow, once you say we dont have to play him big minutes and the next second you say he is supposed to get 30 minutes. 30 minutes is a lot of minutes. Both Yao and Tmac get 35 minutes. I agree he is capable of being our 3rd best player, but remember he is gonna be benched, and he will share bench minutes, so unless Luther Head dont get his 25 minutes, Bonzi will get 30 minutes. Last year when he "started" for the Kings he got around 32 minutes. What I am saying is that, let him get in shape, and in around one month, I see him being the same Bonzi as last season, BUT I dont see him coming back and recovering right away. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Again what are u talkin about? The question is Bonzi in playin shape? From the looks of it, yes. He's not 40pounds overweight because in the picks there is absolutley no difference from last year. If you don't believe me, LOOK AT THE PICS.</div> Last night I watched CW39 News, and to me he looked a bit overweight. I dont care about articles or any fans, I saw him practicing on the news yesterday, and yes, trust me, he did look a bit overweight. He isn't 40 pounds overweight, but I would say he is atleast to the maximum 25 pounds overweight. If you dont believe me, WATCH THE NEWS (SPORTS) <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Hell yes!! Bonzi comin off the bench and givin up explosivness is EXACTLY what's gonna put us over the edge. Maybe not early on, but once he works his way back he'll prolly be even MORE explosive due to the fact he had all this rest. This is a no brainer. </div> Exactly, thats what I am trying to say. He will do all that coming off the bench, but he needs time, he is not gonna provide all of this to us right now. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Not only that, he can carry the offense thru stretches to take pressure off Tmac and Yao. His post game allows us early offense too. Everything about Bonzi is right for this team. Even his attitude. Our team is too nice, we need some attitude!! You would think with Snyder out you guys would wake up and smell the coffee. How could you question if we need Bonzi? Have you checked out San Antonio or Dallas? Their LOADED! JVG needs to be fired if Bonzi gets traded without playin a game.</div> Look at my post on page 1 earlier from thread: Plan B for Bonzi? <div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Man, we were all excited and all to see him in Houston, but his fat self his just home eating and missing practice. I don't know why he isn't even playing. He had 3 months to rest his injuries. We still don't have the boost from the bench we need, and I definetly thought Bonzi could provide that for us. By All star time, I want to be ready in shape playing like he did in the post season, if he can do that, no question that Rockets will be as good as Mavs/Spurs</div> Dude, I agree with some things that you are saying, but what I mean throughout all my posts is that Bonzi will provide us help but he needs time to get back in shape and drop some pounds. If he can get in shape quickly, I see us being as good as Dallas and San Antonio, so I mean he needs time to come back, but you were thinking he will provide it all right away. Let him play NOW, get in shape, and THEN provide the help we need to be a title contender. So even I agree that he can provide us with high energy off the bench, and I said it like 3 weeks ago in a different thread.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Again what are u talkin about? The question is Bonzi in playin shape? From the looks of it, yes. He's not 40pounds overweight because in the picks there is absolutley no difference from last year. If you don't believe me, LOOK AT THE PICS. </div> Wait a second. You mean to tell me your credible source is looking at a few pictures? Hm no need for scales then. I guess we can all weigh people by looking at them. Btw, I dont think I heard the media say he was 40 pounds overweight. If thats what JVG and the media says, I am more inclined to believe them. He IS overweight though. That was evident in the two games he did play.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Wow, once you say we dont have to play him big minutes and the next second you say he is supposed to get 30 minutes. 30 minutes is a lot of minutes. Both Yao and Tmac get 25 minutes. </div> Yao and Tmac get 35 mpg.
