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Moving on, I wanted to take this time to ask everyone how they feel about the team now that we’re a few weeks removed from the trade deadline. I think our perceptions will be much more objective now that the euphoria of that winning streak has subsided from recent losses. How does everyone feel about this roster, Morey, and the team’s future chances?
I think that it’s become very clear that the Phoenix trade was a steal. Goran Dragic is simply a better player than Aaron Brooks and fits the mold of what this team wants from that position – controlled recklessness packaged with intensity. Obviously the pick is the sweetener. I think the Memphis trade has also been validated now with the recent confirmation of Chase Budinger’s ability to fill in at spot forward. With Courtney Lee getting minutes, the team really has not missed a beat and is much improved offensively.
We’ve seen this new squad beat every opponent in its path during a recent stretch and then lose a nail-biter to the league’s best team and then another to a playoff contender off the mishaps of a player who does not figure into their long-term plans. Looking ahead, while they probably don’t make the playoffs this season, there’s reason to be optimistic about this current group.
But therein lies the problem and source of frustration: I can’t remember the last time we closed a season not feeling good. How do the Rockets bridge the gap? We felt amazing to close last season and now here we are yet again. I guess it helps perhaps that for the first time, we won’t be clouded by the Yao delusion in our analytical calculus; he’s done and we’re looking long-term; suffice it to say, there won’t be any Brad Miller $5mill/yr type signings this summer. So I think that is a silver lining.
I think you feel very solid about the core nucleus: Hayes, Martin, Lowry, Budinger, Dragic, Patterson, and Lee. Scola is debatable, but you can toss him in there as well. You have draft picks, your own lottery pick, but no expiring contract.
What happens now? As I’ve been saying, I don’t really even know. I guess the plan is to continue towing along accumulating assets until a star finally breaks through via trade. It’s a recipe for guaranteed mediocrity; the Houston Rockets will probably never finish in the bottom-5 under Morey’s watch; will the fans maintain patience? At the very least, this is a team that plays one of the most exciting brands of ball in our league. That at least keeps those of us here interested.
What are your thoughts right now?
‘Huq’s Pen’ is a daily column of musings written by Red94 founder/editor Rahat Huq.
