Does anyone else here think rockets might just get lucky and get to the WCF? Hey...always believe I mean this is going to be Yaos 3rd season and movin on to a 20/10 season with T-mac being his usual self and most likely scoring about 20 himself. Also add those role players in JJ, Sura, Howard...etc. Plus back in Orlando T-mac be getting those 50-60 points on double and triple teams. He can most likely score anytime he wants. Yao probably got better and stronger due to the Olympics and man i can't wait to see how he performs this season. So we got our offense down...add the defense = deep playoff spot! Chemistry wise i thnik we'll do ok. T-mac will put aside his ego and Yao most likely wont be fightin with T-mac for the ball and stuff. So...post your thoughts.
You're giving too much credit to an unproven team. Too many teams are still better than them, Spurs, Wolves, Kings, and Nuggets. The best they can do is a second round exit, IMO. Dont get me wrong here, they're a good team and all, but i dont see WCF for another 1 or 2 years at least. How will T-Mac fit in Van Gundy's system? Do the Rockets have a true leader, or are they gonna have to lean on T-Mac to be the leader, which is a very bad idea, as you've seen last year. I do predict them to improve, though. 5th seed in a first round exit, 7 games with Denver.
Rockets have plenty of leaders, Jackson and Howard are both veteran leaders. Kings are definitely not a better team than the new rockets, with all their troubles. Peja doens't want to play for them, Webber messed up the chemistry, they lost Vlade,, Christie is getting old. Also, i don't think the Nuggets are a better team than the Rockets. They got Martin, but Rockets got TMac in the offseason. Also, Martin is overrated, much of his game came from playing with Kidd. I think the rockets were very underrated last year, and are being overlooked again so far. They have an extremeley solid team, all 5 starting players can play defense as well as rebound. And they have a nice looking bench as well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Obiecent:</div><div class="quote_post">You're giving too much credit to an unproven team. Too many teams are still better than them, Spurs, Wolves, Kings, and Nuggets.</div>First off, you're calling the Rockets unproven and yet you're saying that the Nuggets are better than us? How are the Rockets unproven? Howard and Jackson are qualified role players and can take over anytime; McGrady and Yao are going to be 20 point scorers almost night in night out, and although we have no exceptional point guard, our trio of Ward, Sura and Lue is more than steady. Talking about the Nuggets, they added Kenyon Martin to a Carmelo Anthony-led roster, but what makes you so sure that they will be better than us? As a matter of fact, Kenyon Martin without Kidd was a 12ppg scorer, and what makes you think that with Andre Miller, he can still be the All-Star he was last season? Talking about us being unproven, I don't see how the Nuggets are more proven than us. As for making the Western Conference Finals, there's a great possibility of it happening, but I doubt that we'd make it so far. My gut feeling tells me that we will finish as the fourth seed in the West, and advance to the Second Round only to be beaten by the Spurs or Timberwolves. There might be a chance of an upset because you just never know when Yao or T-Mac decides to up it a notch and put up ridiculous games, but thereotically speaking, a second round exit will be the most likely scenario for the Rockets.
I dislike the new policy of the top 3 seeds going to the division winner. That makes it much harder for the rockets to get a high seed. They might be better than the Kings, but the Kings will still get the top seed just because their division sucks. That new rule is very unfair. And that means that the rockets would have to play the Spurs most likely in the 2nd round.
Yeah i hate that new policy also...best place we can get is 4th then. But thats good enough to make WCF!
The best hope is that Minnesota gets the top seed again like last year. And that Houston is #4, and Minnesota is #1. So Houston will play Minnesota and San Antonio will play Sacramento. If that happens, i think Houston will face the Spurs in the Western Finals.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ZhuangCorp:</div><div class="quote_post">The best hope is that Minnesota gets the top seed again like last year. And that Houston is #4, and Minnesota is #1. So Houston will play Minnesota and San Antonio will play Sacramento. If that happens, i think Houston will face the Spurs in the Western Finals.</div> i dont kno why u would rather face minny than sacto? but back on topic... i think its a possibility, but it will be tough. i dont buy all this "they are unproven, so NO" thing. minnesota was supposed to be unproven and supposed to have had no chemistry together with the addition of spree and sam, and yet they went to the WCF and battled like hell w/out their all-star PG (not saying they woulda won the series w/ sam playing, but i think things woulda been a bit more interesting). if tmac can put his ego aside like sam and spree did, then sky is the limit for this team IMO.
i think they have a chance to win it all just like a lot of other teams, i dont think it gets closer to the old laker team of shaq/kobe then tmac and ming.but i think lakers had better role players.i dont see their whole team playing well their first year together tho like the pistons and wolves last year,so many teams can make it just about who plays better that particular year.
its a possibility that the rockets will get to the WCF, but most likely NOT. @ seasons ans we're the NBA champs again. TRUST ME!
Is it just me, or does everyone here think Tmac will play unselfishly? The chance of that is nearly impossible but then again you can always hope. Only when he does play that way and pass the ball more will the Rockets do well in their season. However, this year they are definitely not going to make the WCF because of Minnesota and San Antonio and their chemistry has not been worked out enough yet for them to know their own pros and cons. Sura had the solid season last year, and you have to admit that he probably got those numbers because he was on a mediocre team. Without any great players, anyone on a team like Atlanta that has a bit of talent can rack up double doubles or triple doubles every night. So, with that said, the Rockets will probably get out in the second round of the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Is it just me, or does everyone here think Tmac will play unselfishly? The chance of that is nearly impossible but then again you can always hope. Only when he does play that way and pass the ball more will the Rockets do well in their season. However, this year they are definitely not going to make the WCF because of Minnesota and San Antonio and their chemistry has not been worked out enough yet for them to know their own pros and cons. Sura had the solid season last year, and you have to admit that he probably got those numbers because he was on a mediocre team. Without any great players, anyone on a team like Atlanta that has a bit of talent can rack up double doubles or triple doubles every night. So, with that said, the Rockets will probably get out in the second round of the playoffs.</div> Some stats. 86-87 Bull's record: 40-42 86-87 Jordan's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 13.4, 27.8 (48.4% EFF fg%), 4.6 86-87 Bull's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 41.2, 87.3 (47.8% EFF fg%), 26.1 Jordan took 31.8% of his team's shots Jordan had 17.6% of his team's assists 02-03 Magic's record: 42-40 02-03 T-mac's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 11.1, 24.2 (50.5% EFF fg%), 5.5 02-03 Magic's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 35.9, 82.5 (47.8% EFF fg%), 20.4 T-mac took 29.3% of his team's shots T-mac had 27% of his team's assists The stats show that even though McGrady's effective field goal% (made 3-pointers count as 1.5 fg's) is much higher relative to his team's, he actually took a lower percentage of shots compared to Jordan in his breakout season. McGrady also had a higher percentage of his team's assists. In all respects, it appears McGrady had the more efficient, "unselfish" season. Not surprisingly, many people accused Jordan of being very selfish this season as well. Was it justified? And here's their stats in the following year: 87-88 Bull's record: 50-32 87-88 Jordan's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 13, 24.4 (53.7% EFF fg%), 5.9 87-88 Bull's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 41.9, 85.5 (49.4% EFF fg%), 22.5 Jordan took 28.5% of his team's shots Jordan had 26.2 of his team's assists 03-04 Magic's record: 21-61 03-04 T-mac's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 9.7, 23.4 (47.3% EFF fg%), 5.5 03-04 Magic's Field Goal Attempts, Makes, Assists: 35.4, 82.5 (47.1% EFF fg%), 21.3 T-mac took 28.4% of his team's shots T-mac had 25.8% of his team's assists Here, it is evident that Jordan had a much better year compared to his previous season. He shot more efficiently from the field, and he did a better job getting his teammates involved. His team won 10 more games. McGrady really suffered last year. He still shot slightly better from the field than his team as a whole, but not to the same extent Jordan did). He also took roughly the same percentage of his team's shots that Jordan did, though he didn't shoot nearly as efficiently. This time, Jordan had a slightly higher percentage of his teams assists than McGrady. But the glaring difference, is that McGrady's team lost 22 less games. Through all this, it seems clear that when your team suffers, the high-scoring superstar on the team will inevitably be called selfish. The Magic were horrible last year, and McGrady definitely slipped in his production. But was he being more "selfish" than in the previous year? And to what degree was the hapless play of his teammates an effect on his slippage in shooting? In my opinion, McGrady the past few years is no more selfish than Jordan was during his breakout years. Jordan's team improved greatly, whereas T-mac's team had a dramatic downturn, but its unclear to what extent "selfishness" had a part in that. Both players dominated the ball for their team (Jordan more so, both years), and McGrady and his team just had a really bad year last season.
the rockets are good but theres only one problem...tmac is a terrible player he cant even make a layup. hes a ball hog and the team hes on always end up last. he cant play bball and i saw him get blocked by earl boykins <font color="red">Please do not make a point without providing facts- Trip</font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting princevince119:</div><div class="quote_post">the rockets are good but theres only one problem...tmac is a terrible player he cant even make a layup. hes a ball hog and the team hes on always end up last. he cant play bball and i saw him get blocked by earl boykins </div> What? How is T-Mac a terrible player? He is a top 5 player and did u just not read what durvasa just posted? T-Mac took most of the shots back in Orlando because he had no help at all. If he didn't score then that team won't win and that is a fact. Also he can't even make a layup? Hey even IF he did miss one(whenever that was) everyone isn't perfect. Even Kobe missed layups before. And that's BS about him getting blocked by Earl. Just like sayin Earl blocked Shaq. Post us a picture when that happened please.
I like the Rockets' chances, especially with the addition of Mutombo. This will help out a LOT when Yao gets tired.. the Rox will have an easier time holding a lead while Yao rests. The team is infinitely deeper than last season. I can't wait for the season to start! I think Carroll Dawson deserves an A+ for his work this offseason.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting l2emix:</div><div class="quote_post"> What? How is T-Mac a terrible player? He is a top 5 player and did u just not read what durvasa just posted? T-Mac took most of the shots back in Orlando because he had no help at all. If he didn't score then that team won't win and that is a fact. Also he can't even make a layup? Hey even IF he did miss one(whenever that was) everyone isn't perfect. Even Kobe missed layups before. And that's BS about him getting blocked by Earl. Just like sayin Earl blocked Shaq. Post us a picture when that happened please.</div> He's just jealous that McGrady turned out to be vastly superior to Vince Carter.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting l2emix:</div><div class="quote_post"> What? How is T-Mac a terrible player? He is a top 5 player and did u just not read what durvasa just posted? T-Mac took most of the shots back in Orlando because he had no help at all. If he didn't score then that team won't win and that is a fact. Also he can't even make a layup? Hey even IF he did miss one(whenever that was) everyone isn't perfect. Even Kobe missed layups before. And that's BS about him getting blocked by Earl. Just like sayin Earl blocked Shaq. Post us a picture when that happened please.</div> He's just jealous that McGrady turned out to be vastly superior to Vince Carter. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post">I like the Rockets' chances, especially with the addition of Mutombo. This will help out a LOT when Yao gets tired.. the Rox will have an easier time holding a lead while Yao rests. The team is infinitely deeper than last season. I can't wait for the season to start! I think Carroll Dawson deserves an A+ for his work this offseason.</div> I just wish we still had Rudy T coaching the team instead of Van Gundy. You almost never saw Rudy feuding with his players, and Van Gundy always has a frown on his face. The only time I can remember seeing Van Gundy smiling was at the McGrady press conference, and even then it looked like he was straining.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I just wish we still had Rudy T coaching the team instead of Van Gundy. You almost never saw Rudy feuding with his players, and Van Gundy always has a frown on his face. The only time I can remember seeing Van Gundy smiling was at the McGrady press conference, and even then it looked like he was straining.</div>Although Van Gundy doesn't seem like the most player-friendly coach, it's obvious that he does care for the team, which was why he was frowning during our losses. He brings to us the discipline and intensity which a good team needs to succeed. With Rudy T's relaxed atmosphere that he brings to us, it might do good to the players, but it won't show them the importance of winning. Also, Rudy's fast-paced offense is not what Yao will excel in. The frequent running will eventually wear him out and not make him as good as he now. IMO, Van Gundy is the perfect coach for Yao.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">First off, you're calling the Rockets unproven and yet you're saying that the Nuggets are better than us? How are the Rockets unproven? Howard and Jackson are qualified role players and can take over anytime; McGrady and Yao are going to be 20 point scorers almost night in night out, and although we have no exceptional point guard, our trio of Ward, Sura and Lue is more than steady. </div> When did i say the players were unproven? We don't know how they will fit together, therefore the Rockets unproven. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Talking about the Nuggets, they added Kenyon Martin to a Carmelo Anthony-led roster, but what makes you so sure that they will be better than us? As a matter of fact, Kenyon Martin without Kidd was a 12ppg scorer, and what makes you think that with Andre Miller, he can still be the All-Star he was last season? Talking about us being unproven, I don't see how the Nuggets are more proven than us.</div> First off, you may not watch too many Nets games. In a half court set, Kenyon Martin is their best scorer. Yeah, he averaged 12 ppg without Kidd, he was also a rookie. And even in the situation he's in now, he's on a fast break team. But in a way i guess you're right, although i still think Denver's the better team. Still, the other 3 teams i posted are PROVEN and better.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ObieCent:</div><div class="quote_post">First off, you may not watch too many Nets games. In a half court set, Kenyon Martin is their best scorer. Yeah, he averaged 12 ppg without Kidd, he was also a rookie. And even in the situation he's in now, he's on a fast break team. But in a way i guess you're right, although i still think Denver's the better team. Still, the other 3 teams i posted are PROVEN and better.</div> The Nuggets are a fast-break, run & gun team in a conference dominated by teams that play a half-court game. While this may cause mismatches for some teams, I think Phoenix and Dallas will be better than the Nuggets at this kind of game, and I don't see anyone putting them above the Rockets in preseason predictions. To think Carmelo can keep up with T-Mac anywhere on the court is just silly. Jim Jackson can shoot as well as Voshon Lenard but he's bigger and can post Lenard up, as well as being a better defender. Miller can't shoot from beyond 19 feet. Yao has a size advantage over Camby, and with Camby being a nonfactor on offense, they can double KMart and deny him the ball.
