So, since they fired Kevin McHale the Rockets are 1-3, and that 1 was because of Corey Brewer's miracle 3 against the Blazers. Looks like McHale was not the problem. So what is? They're essentially unchanged from the team that made it to the Western finals aren't they? And if Ty Lawson is a problem, well, he's not even even playing all that much. Is this the curse of trading Kostas Papanikolaou? But if they do decide to blow it up (which would be the ultimate Daryl Morey move) is there even one of their players that we would want? I just loathe them so much.
I always thought McHale was an adequate coach. GM Morey has spent years praising himself, but obtains overrated stars. All fans know of Harden's lack of defensive effort, but have forgotten Dwight Howard. What happened to Howard, who was supposed to be the next superstar center? Is there no coach who can firm up his pudding head?
I'm kind of like fuck that whole team but maybe there is a random knuckle head that just needs a better situation.
Harden is out of shape causing him to miss shots and revert to prior years poor defense. Ty Lawson is worthless without dominating the ball which Harden already does. Dwight is physically declining. He was quick in Orlando. Now he's just a big strong role player. All their regular season success last year was with him on the bench and more skilled offensive players who complement Harden. Josh Smith was somehow very effective for them last year. The Rockets don't have inspiring veteran leadership to keep the team motivated and working hard during adversity. Now when they get down they hang their heads instead of having fun and trying their best. The league has fewer poor teams this year and parity. One big change; the league has gone to so much court spacing and small ball; defenses are better equipped to defend such a strategy. In prior seasons the Rockets 3 point shooting was an anomaly. Nowadays it isn't cutting edge any more.
I'd take DMo. But we can just offer him a contract this summer so no sense in giving anything up for him.
Howard has declined so much athletically. Will the Rockets even give him a max contract? I tried to find a team that would trade for him but there's almost no teams that make sense. Dallas is about the only ones I can think of with any interest. Maybe Brooklyn, Washington, Boston or New Orleans? Boston is probably waiting for younger players, those other three teams already have high priced starting centers. Most teams actually have better long term options at starting center. Part of the change with all the small ball is now we have tons of extra depth in the front court. Teams need 3 and D wings they don't need centers or big PF.
He was great in the series we beat him. Total beast on both ends. Obviously he'll never be the Orlando Dwight again, and even that Houston Dwight against us is probably gone. But he could be a solid center in the right scheme with 3 or 4 quality starters around him. That's not what you want out of a max player and certainly not what they expect in Houston where it's supposed to be him and Harden making that team a contender.
Just like Rondo was done on the Mavs? I hate stupid comments like this. Like the guy will never be any good again.
I disagreed with the statement too. Done is a bit much. But I will say Dwights game was always based on athleticism. That goes away very rapidly as you approach 30. Look at Gerald Wallace; he went from a borderline allstar to 15th man in 18 months. Dwights days as one of the focal points of a 50win team appear over. Yes the Rockets were good last year but Dwight was injured almost the entire season. It's an abrupt change and one that he'll struggle to accept as reality just as Kobe is now. Kobe; and guards like Rondo, are skilled enough to have some very productive years in their 30's. Dwight never had any basketball skills so that seems unlikely.
It wasn't that he was done with the Mavs. I said he was a horrible fit with the Mavs and I was completely right.
