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@  2016Champions : (15 July 2013 - 02:13 AM) Thanks.
@  blakecouey : (15 July 2013 - 02:04 AM) Executives of each team.  I believe it can be either Team President or General Manager.
@  2016Champions : (15 July 2013 - 01:19 AM) Does anyone here know who votes for Executive of the Year? Is it the media or GM's?
@  miketheodio : (14 July 2013 - 01:09 AM) keep in mind people predicted the rockets to still miss the playoffs WITH harden.
@  miketheodio : (14 July 2013 - 01:09 AM) no one expected harden to be as good as he is. they figured he would be an all star, but not a budding superstar. that's why the trade happened. nobody thought he would be a top 5 shooting guard
@  Richards : (13 July 2013 - 08:38 PM) Unbelievable reception for Howard. Good for him. Don't remember Harden had similar one.
@  2016Champions : (10 July 2013 - 12:56 AM) Feigan via twitter just said Rockets got fined 150k for saying they're happy they got Dwight. Rockets are allowed to acknowledge Dwight's decision, but not allowed to say they're happy about it...
@  RollingWave : (07 July 2013 - 12:36 AM) also, he was one of the youngest FA out there, so there's actually a chance he might improve
@  2016Champions : (07 July 2013 - 12:29 AM) Not only does Omri knock down open shots, but he runs the floor very hard. He's slightly better than his stats indicate. I'm not saying he's a great player, but there aren't many better players available for the vet min.
@  Steven : (06 July 2013 - 09:00 PM) Casspi is just a spot filler, who will prove depth on the wings incase of injuries throughout the year. He can knock down the open jumper.
@  sircharles : (06 July 2013 - 07:30 PM) they need to sign someone a little stronger than that....
@  BenQueens : (06 July 2013 - 07:27 PM) Hmm. Looking at his shot charts, he actually looks like a 37-40% 3P shooter from the wings and the corners. Just from the top that he's weak.
@  DrewinAbilene : (06 July 2013 - 07:22 PM) Omri Casspi reportedly signing with Houston for 2 years
@  BenQueens : (06 July 2013 - 07:21 PM) Omri Casspi, apparently? Kind of surprising, thought rest of signings would be better 3P shooters.
@  sircharles : (06 July 2013 - 07:15 PM) corey brewer still available?
@  sircharles : (06 July 2013 - 07:12 PM) i wonder who else the rockets can get at decent role players
@  tombrokeoff : (06 July 2013 - 07:11 PM) whew.  havent been able to log in via twitter in forever.  but now its fixed.
@  BenQueens : (06 July 2013 - 07:03 PM) Guess that was never going to happen.
@  BenQueens : (06 July 2013 - 07:02 PM) https://twitter.com/...589024310571009
@  BenQueens : (06 July 2013 - 07:01 PM) Smoove goes to DET for 4 years, 56M

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What improvements do we need to be serious contenders


24 replies to this topic

#1 timetodienow1234567

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Posted 14 July 2013 - 06:57 PM

I'm excited for our future. And on paper, we're a contender already, but there are areas of weakness that needs to be addressed before we're better than the likes of OKC and SAS.

 

1) Our PF spot. A lot of us believe that either DMo or Jones can improve enough to be our starting PF. I'm not worried about this spot at all because we have enough trade assets to pick up a PF should those two struggle.

 

2) Our PG spot. This one is a controversial issue with both sides of the argument belonging to the forum. There are some who believe that there isn't a viable upgrade for Lin and that he's good enough to start on a contender as long as he continues to improve his 3 point shot(there is evidence of that post all-star break). Others view him as a scrub and 3rd string material. 

 

3) Backup PG spot. This one's a real concern. Beverley has proven to be a good backup player. But he's not a true PG. He doesn't run the offense well enough. In light of that, we need a Ginobili type 6th man to run the offense through when our stars aren't on the floor. We used to have Delfino for that, but he's gone now. It'll be interesting to see if our new third PG can play this role with Bev moving over to SG on offense and PG on defense. I actually think Lin coming off the bench as the backup PG but still getting quality minutes will be the best way to handle the situation.

 

4) Howard's post moves. These need to be seriously upgraded if he's going to be getting the ball 12-15 times a game as he wants. In Orlando he bullied people over and I don't really see that working as well here since he's a bit older and more injury prone. He needs finesse moves and who better to teach him that than Hakeem and Mchale. He also needs to stop complaining about the Pick and Roll. We were very effective in the pick and roll last year and Howard is an upgrade over Asik by the fact that he can catch the ball. Hopefully he can see how successful that offensive set can be and not be unhappy with more of it(There were media reports that he didn't like the PnR that much). 

 

5) Harden's game. Harden has a propensity to just fly at the rim and try to pick up a foul. We saw how much that tore his body down towards the end of the season. The refs also stopped calling as many fouls as the season progressed. He needs to get a floater so he's more effective. He also needs to engage on defense more. But the biggest areas he needs to improve on are Assist / Turnover ratio. He ranked 75th out of 88 qualified players with a putrid 1.54. I think some of that comes from playing in a new system in a bigger role. Hopefully he can improve that this year.

 

6) Parsons. He improved offensively last year, while regressing a bit on defense. Some of that can be attributed to playing against starters and having a bigger role on offense. He needs to continue to improve and hopefully installing a defensive system can help him shine.

 

7) Most importantly, health. We need to stay healthy(which is easier said than done).


Why so Serious? :D


#2 miketheodio

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    Posted 14 July 2013 - 06:58 PM

    this type of team has been theory for so long, i think we need to see it put to practice before knowing the next move.



    #3 thejohnnygold

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    Posted 14 July 2013 - 07:20 PM

    I dig our roster.  I like all of our players--skill-wise and personality-wise (Dwight gets a pass)--which makes them fun to root for.  I'm on board with letting this season run its course and once it is done we'll have a pretty solid idea of if we want to keep it together or make another move.  I really don't see any significant moves being made until 2015 when Aldridge and Love hit the market.  I think Morey will make a hard run at Love in particular (presuming his health is stable).  I think what that affords us is an overlap of stars' contracts.  By staggering the contracts The Rockets will not get left high and dry anytime soon and will always have a big ticket player under contract to help attract other big ticket guys.  Sounds like a plan to me!



    #4 2016Champions

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    Posted 14 July 2013 - 08:24 PM

    Only need to improve from within. 


    Debates are destructive as they present one-sided opinions and demolish reasoned arguments, whereas discussions are constructive and encourage the expression of opinion.

     

    Debate is the death of conversation.


    #5 rockets best fan

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    Posted 14 July 2013 - 08:38 PM

    this type of team has been theory for so long, i think we need to see it put to practice before knowing the next move.

    I can agree with this.........I don't think it's going to take a whole season to know what we need.......let them play a month or 2 and our need will rise to the top.



    #6 timetodienow1234567

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    Posted 14 July 2013 - 08:40 PM

    True.

    Why so Serious? :D


    #7 Cooper

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      Posted 14 July 2013 - 09:08 PM

      Can always get deeper but I wouldn't expect any significant changes till the deadline unless Asik is adament about being traded.

      #8 miketheodio

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        Posted 14 July 2013 - 09:13 PM

        I can agree with this.........I don't think it's going to take a whole season to know what we need.......let them play a month or 2 and our need will rise to the top.

        i give it to the all star break. a team doesn't come together in a month or 2. it was amazing they did as well as they did last season with the changes pre season and the all star break changes. there needs to be some stability for a year or 2.

         

        like 2016 said. i think there is enough star power to focus on growing within. lin can either resign or canaan develops. that sort of thing. obviously one of the PFs are a trade asset especially if convington develops. depending on where tjones, dmo, and con are at in a year or 2, there may not be a need for an upgrade if one of them plays like a player worth 5-8 million.



        #9 Steven

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          Posted 14 July 2013 - 09:51 PM

          PG. Defiently PG.

          #10 rockets best fan

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          Posted 14 July 2013 - 10:10 PM

          i give it to the all star break. a team doesn't come together in a month or 2. it was amazing they did as well as they did last season with the changes pre season and the all star break changes. there needs to be some stability for a year or 2.

           

          like 2016 said. i think there is enough star power to focus on growing within. lin can either resign or canaan develops. that sort of thing. obviously one of the PFs are a trade asset especially if convington develops. depending on where tjones, dmo, and con are at in a year or 2, there may not be a need for an upgrade if one of them plays like a player worth 5-8 million.

          we will know our weakness long before the all star break. this team will be tweaked around Christmas at the latest. I disagree that we can solely rely  on growth from within. sure the players we have will get better, but enough to win it all.........not sure about that yet. we still have issues to resolve.

           

          as for Covington. there is a reason he was passed over in the draft. while he may develop it's going to take some time. he is more of an insurance policy this year.



          #11 rocketrick

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            Posted 14 July 2013 - 10:35 PM

            we will know our weakness long before the all star break. this team will be tweaked around Christmas at the latest. I disagree that we can solely rely  on growth from within. sure the players we have will get better, but enough to win it all.........not sure about that yet. we still have issues to resolve.
             
            as for Covington. there is a reason he was passed over in the draft. while he may develop it's going to take some time. he is more of an insurance policy this year.

            Historically, very few trades occur after the season starts until the trade deadline is looming. I would venture an educated guess that if the Rockets do decide to make a move, it will be close to or right at the trade deadline. Or if nothing of value develops in Morey's eyes, then probably no moves at the trade deadline. I seriously doubt Morey is going to make a move just to make a move by the trade deadline. Asik is obviously the piece that holds the highest value and there's no reason to move Asik until the perfect player for this team becomes available.

            #12 miketheodio

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              Posted 14 July 2013 - 10:36 PM

              we will know our weakness long before the all star break. this team will be tweaked around Christmas at the latest. I disagree that we can solely rely  on growth from within. sure the players we have will get better, but enough to win it all.........not sure about that yet. we still have issues to resolve.

               

              as for Covington. there is a reason he was passed over in the draft. while he may develop it's going to take some time. he is more of an insurance policy this year.

              1 spots is more or less locked up. i think lin can accomplish being a 4th option. teams overpay for talent quite a bit. it's not an exorbitant amount. 

              2 spot is def locked up.

              3. spot is locked

              4 spot is up in the air but an all star isnt needed. just a blue chipper who can score a bit. if they avg a double double and play D it's all good.

              5 is locked.

               

              i mean how many more changes NEED to be made. i'd rather take a chance on tutoring jones, dmo, canaan similar to the way the spurs bring up their talent. you can bring up talent on a contender team.

               

              covington is a year or 2 project. i didn't expect him to come in this year.


              Edited by miketheodio, 14 July 2013 - 10:38 PM.


              #13 blakecouey

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                Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:00 PM

                1 spots is more or less locked up. i think lin can accomplish being a 4th option. teams overpay for talent quite a bit. it's not an exorbitant amount. 

                2 spot is def locked up.

                3. spot is locked

                4 spot is up in the air but an all star isnt needed. just a blue chipper who can score a bit. if they avg a double double and play D it's all good.

                5 is locked.

                 

                i mean how many more changes NEED to be made. i'd rather take a chance on tutoring jones, dmo, canaan similar to the way the spurs bring up their talent. you can bring up talent on a contender team.

                 

                covington is a year or 2 project. i didn't expect him to come in this year.

                 

                Well duh if they avg a double double and play d that would be amazing, but we need to be realistic.  With Howard commanding the paint for the majority, and Asik keeping a hold of it the rest of the game, there won't be another 10+rebounds for a project PF to grab very often.

                 

                 

                As for the biggest need, I believe it's a starting PG.  I hope Lin has worked on his shot enough that he can at least spread the floor, but my biggest hope(and what hinges his long term involvement with the team) is whether or not he can take care of the ball and keep his assist to turnover ratio in order.  If Lin can get these things done I will be enthusiastic to see him play, if he can't I hope he is relinquished to 6th man and can provide scoring for the 2nd offense.  I don't see Beverly as a viable starter, but agree there aren't any great starter quality players left in FA, or available in trade as far as we know.


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                #14 rockets best fan

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                Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:04 PM

                1 spots is more or less locked up. i think lin can accomplish being a 4th option. teams overpay for talent quite a bit. it's not an exorbitant amount. 

                2 spot is def locked up.

                3. spot is locked

                4 spot is up in the air but an all star isnt needed. just a blue chipper who can score a bit. if they avg a double double and play D it's all good.

                5 is locked.

                 

                i mean how many more changes NEED to be made. i'd rather take a chance on tutoring jones, dmo, canaan similar to the way the spurs bring up their talent. you can bring up talent on a contender team.

                 

                covington is a year or 2 project. i didn't expect him to come in this year.

                1. disagree this position is still unsettled unless Lin's play has improved and upgrade here is necessary

                2. agree

                3.agree

                4.agree

                5.agree



                #15 miketheodio

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                  Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:15 PM

                  Well duh if they avg a double double and play d that would be amazing, but we need to be realistic.  With Howard commanding the paint for the majority, and Asik keeping a hold of it the rest of the game, there won't be another 10+rebounds for a project PF to grab very often.

                   

                   

                  As for the biggest need, I believe it's a starting PG.  I hope Lin has worked on his shot enough that he can at least spread the floor, but my biggest hope(and what hinges his long term involvement with the team) is whether or not he can take care of the ball and keep his assist to turnover ratio in order.  If Lin can get these things done I will be enthusiastic to see him play, if he can't I hope he is relinquished to 6th man and can provide scoring for the 2nd offense.  I don't see Beverly as a viable starter, but agree there aren't any great starter quality players left in FA, or available in trade as far as we know.

                  it's possible if he plays like kawhi leonard. being in the right place at the right time. getting loose balls/put backs. standing on the wing or corner. that's more about effort than skill except for shooting.



                  #16 miketheodio

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                    Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:16 PM

                    what kind of option do you have for a 4th option point guard out on the market?



                    #17 rockets best fan

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                    Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:20 PM

                    what kind of option do you have for a 4th option point guard out on the market?

                    Dragic and parsons together would make Houston's 3pt attack deadly. both are good shooters. it will keep the floor spaced



                    #18 miketheodio

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                      Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:24 PM

                      dragic doesn't seem like a 4th option kind of guy. i dunno i dont see that trade going down.



                      #19 2016Champions

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                      Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:38 PM

                      I want someone next to Harden who can defend SG's, and that's something I think Lin is has shown potential in doing--here are some examples: http://www.youtube.c...9Q4Mx73I#t=249s Even if it's only for a little while, taking that pressure off Harden on the defensive end can give him more energy to dominate on the offensive end. 

                       

                      If we can get Eric Bledsoe that would be awesome, but if we can't we should just be happy with what we have because what we have is enough. Maybe we won't win straight away, but I would be shocked if this current squad doesn't win a championship by 2016 barring major injury. 


                      Edited by 2016Champions, 14 July 2013 - 11:40 PM.

                      Debates are destructive as they present one-sided opinions and demolish reasoned arguments, whereas discussions are constructive and encourage the expression of opinion.

                       

                      Debate is the death of conversation.


                      #20 Rockets fan newton

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                        Posted 14 July 2013 - 11:46 PM

                        To be a contender we have to def like one..Dwight will be a great anchor..but if we don't see the 3 line much better there is no point in him being there..our biggest problem on def was leaving the wings wide open for three and then they got hot..I agree with most that we don't need some huge upgrade to contend..we need Dmo or Tjones to play like a starter and Lin to get more constant in his over all play..both of which can easily happen..and I also agree that we should look for that upgrade if 1. Lin is not constant and doesnt step up his def
                        2.Dmo and Tjones can not earn the starter spot at PF.

                        Edited by Rockets fan newton, 14 July 2013 - 11:50 PM.





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