29 replies to this topic

[thejohnnygold]

So, I have learned recently that the mood of the boards is directly related to wins and losses. I get that. So, I propose a board that is nothing but Rocket-affirming, puppy-hugging sunshine posts. Even if you don't agree with someone's post--that's cool--just let it be and post your own happy-rocket-thoughts so that we can keep our hearts full and heads lifted. We all want the same thing...let's share it. Group hug!

In spite of all my pontificating on the other boards (I like to let my mind wander and explore all the different paths) I really like everything about the Rockets right now. As I ride this gilded unicorn I can see a future where Marcus Morris finally puts it all together next year and develops into a Josh Smith-type player with better shot selection. I shall enjoy watching this metamorphosis come to fruition.

[Ostrow]

As depressing as the recent losing streak has been, it is exactly what we signed up for. Really young teams get hot and cold. Last year if you had laid out this roster and then our record I don't think we would have believed it. The Rockets have a lot of things going for them. I like the direction we are headed in. I don't think this is a championship roster, but I do believe that it has some pieces of a championship roster, and some pieces that can help acquire other parts of a championship roster. Let's just remember that we have an American Olympian on the team which bodes well for us, and no one we got rid of has really had great years this year. Dragic is only doing slightly better than Lin and his usage rate is higher (I didn't do any research but I'm assuming). Lowry has been injured, and is now a back-up. Martin is clearly worse than Harden. Dalembert isn't doing much in Milwaukee. This team is INCREDIBLY young. If we look at things in this way, this year has been a great success so far.

[ale11]

I really like our direction, if the future holds rings or even Finals in our path, it's a different story. But right now, we are closer to those things than we were post T-Mac's prime.

Like Ostrow said, that's what we signed up for, the problem is that getting Harden and having some winning streaks pumped some people up and that's why some are already bitching about our coach, our GM or even Lin now that times are not as good as they were a month ago. The majority of us know that we have to be patient and not get carried away. It's not about criticize just for fun. Arguments with fundament are welcome, but the truth is that sliding and losing so many games in that short period time was totally feasable, even expected, so there's no sense about asking for heads to roll right now.

[Alituro]

Great post Johnnygold! I'm with you about the negativity our current losing trend has fostered. Harden has been a godsend and the trade for him ushered in a whole new exciting era for our beloved team. He's really taken on the role as leader tremendously and I love the humble demeanor he brings to the court. He's a class act. I can't think of anyone but Omer Asik who should be mentioned in the Most Improved Player Award conversations. He's gradually learning how to handle the elevation in minutes. Top in the league in total rebounds, and has a firm grasp of his offensive limitations (unlike the ball itself). Parsons has to be one of the biggest surprises to come out of the 2nd round in recent years, already playing like a vet. Morris and Smith have elevated their games also. Soooo many good things to say about this team. Their current record at the halfway mark is unbelievable no-one would have pegged us to be here at the start of the season, I seriously thought we'd be fighting for top lottery picks instead.

[bboley24]

Between Asik, Harden and Parsons.... Most Improved.

[rockets best fan]

let me get in on the positive vibes too! I have long called for the rockets to go young and stop chasing other people's castoffs. they finally did and I could not be happier. we knew there would be growing pains with such a young team, but to be where we are record wise far exceeds any expectation we had at the beginning of the year. changes are coming, but that we can debate another day. I see a very bright future for this team. we now have several pieces I consider foundational pieces thanks to morey's eye for talent. for the first time since the yao/t-mac years we have real hope for building a contending team.

[Alituro]

bump... keep this one on top, I need more warm and fuzzies!

[thejohnnygold]

Someone suggested Parsons bulk up and play the 4. In my mind, he suddenly starts to look, and play, a lot like a certain guy from Minnestoa we all "Love". I also still think Morris can be a killer at the SF position as he develops. Imagining that development makes me happy.

[sircharles]

parsons strength though is his quickness, we need him guarding the wing. bulking him up would slow him down and thats the last thing we need

[thejohnnygold]

its true, but in that proposed scenario he would be guarding bigger/slower guys so the drop-off should be negated in most cases. Plus, it is possible to add bulk while maintaining most of one's quickness with proper training. We're not talking hulk hogan big . Again, I still believe Morris can be a stout defender at the 3...not sure why, but I do.

[Chichos]

Motie is 22 so with 2 years of strength training he could be a legitimate 240-250lbs. If he maintains he quickness that is elite size for a 4, especially a stretch one.

Also Jones is 21 so maybe he grows another inch or two. What is the deer antler equivalent for bone growth?

[thejohnnygold]

Oh yeah, Motie is another in the long line of players drafted in the hopes they become the next Dirk....or better. And he has the potential. As a tall person myself (6'5") I can tell you my body straight up refused to add bulk until I was about 23-24. It didn't matter what I ate or how much I exercised....so I can only imagine what it's like for a 7 footer trying to add bulk in a body that isn't interested in that.

[thejohnnygold]

Saw this on another site. Thought it was fun and wanted to share...

[thejohnnygold]

another view...

[sircharles]

[Ostrow]

Does it kinda look like Harden doesn't belong in that first one and just kinda hopped in? Haha

[ale11]

It's very funny

[Alituro]

Good stuff!

I didn't want to even get in the discussion on the "Fire Morey and McHale thread", so I have a happy, although related thought to post here.

As this season goes on, I love McHale as a coach more and more every day. The more recent post on the front page in the daily blast even solidifies the feeling of respect and adoration for this guy, as a coach, that has been creeping up on me, day by day. I love his candor in the post-game interviews. I love his enthusiasm on the sidelines. I think he is having fun in his new role, and it shows, both through his attitude and through the willingness our players have to listen to him. This team is having a blast this year, so much fun, and it starts with McHale. This is what makes us the most dangerous, the camaraderie that our team is building will always give them the advantage over teams that are somewhat disfunctional (Lakers). All because of McHale. We have one of the youngest rosters in the league and are putting up league topping offensive numbers in a sick way, all because of McHale's coaching skills combined with Morey's recruiting skills. This same roster under ANY other coaching staff and front office in the league (save for San Antonio) would not be enjoying the success they are today, nor would they be having as much fun. All the money aside, it's about fun, and when our team shows they are having fun, then they become infectiously fun to watch.

[thejohnnygold]

I'm with ya, Alituro. I forget where I posted it recently, but I was looking at McHale's coaching history and saw that he is actually very successful. I presume it was in the morey, mchale thread...but not sure. Either way, it is getting easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As Hannibal from the A-Team would say, "I love it when a plan comes together".

[datruth]

We can agree to disagree. Mchale has won 102 games and lost 112 as a coach. That's below average. Not sure what you are looking at and he is even worst as a gm. He is 63- 57 since coming to houston. This team has a lot of talent and scoring power. At times many of us pray that Mchale just don't lose the game for us. Morey has done his job in bringing the players together, but Mchale must be able bring them together as a team. Trust is a two way street. Once Mchale becomes more consistent with this team the Rockets will be hard to beat.