Why must the Rockets play with my emotions?

Yes, we all had high expectations (after all, this team could only get better right?). Now we've been smacked in the face with this 3-8 record and have us speculating about a roster shake up (which could come as soon as December 15, when signed free agents can be traded). And after all, who can blame us, our only wins are against lowly teams like the Wolves, Pacers and Knicks and have some of us (me) wishing we played the Clippers, Kings, Pistons and Sixers on our next games as a confident builder. But how exactly did we get here?

Aaron Brooks

Thru 5 games:

 

Kept us in many games. Great scoring. Only missed one free throw

One thing to complain about: Defense! Got outscored by the opposing team's PG(s)

Also, Manu "The Greatest Douchebag in the Universe" Ginobili happened

 

Last 6 games - just wish he was there

Grade -> B

 

Kevin Martin

 

Our scoring machine, even when he's not shooting well still gets near 20 points

What else could you ask of this kid? Oh yeah, don't disappear in the 4th quarter!

One thing to complain about: Turnovers

 

Grade -> B+

 

Yao Ming

 

The Great Wall - 'nough said

One thing to complain about: Minutes and oh yea, get Yao the ball darn it!

Get well soon big fella

 

Grade -> A

 

Luis Scola

 

He is not the problem

All around badass

 

Grade -> A+

 

Shane Battier

 

Liability on offense, not satisfied with his performance

Still a great defender, but opposing players are just getting younger

Is he still worth his 7 mill contract? Might T. Prince be an upgrade?

 

Grade -> C-

 

Brad Miller

Thru 5 games:

 

Horrible defense. No offense, only 6 assists

Really thought it was a waste of roster spot we could've given to Dampier

 

Last 6 games:

 

Specially in the Pacers game, came alive offensively, improved slightly defensively

Great passing, 13 assists

One thing to complain about: Rebounding!

 

Grade -> B-

 

Chase Budinger

Thru 8 games:

 

Major shooting slump

5-28 for 17% from 3pt

Too many TOs

 

Grade -> C-

 

Courtney Lee

 

Overall piss-poor performance

4 TOs in 13 min in the Bulls game

Making Morey look bad embarrased

 

Grade -> F

 

Chuck Hayes

 

Is the opposite of Kevin Martin

Plays too many minutes that should go to the next guy

Has attempted 18 free throws, you read right

 

Grade -> C+

 

Jordan Hill

 

Must have been drinking with Adelman's daughter, cause RA would not let him play at the beginning of the season

Leads the team in blocked shots

Must be freed, like willy

 

Grade -> B

 

Kyle Lowry

 

Leads the team in TOs per game

Cannot shoot the ball, yet he ignores this fact

Is 13-21 on free throws, among other things we've already talked about

 

Grade -> D-

 

Ishmael Smith

 

Is a true PG

Leads the team in assists per minute (I like how stats can be tweaked)

Needs to start over Lowry

 

Grade -> B+

 

Jermaine Taylor

 

Has only played in two games

Had a solid performance vs the Durants, would like to see more

 

Grade -> B

 

Jared Jeffries

 

Should not be attempting free throws

Needs to keep the bench warm

 

Grade -> D

 

Patrick Patterson

- will be in action tonight as the Vipers open their season

 

Overall, while the first 5 losses can be attributed to poor defense/bad shooting, the next two losses vs Wizards and then vs Bulls were complete 4th quarter meltdowns and the lack of a star (as in Wall and Rose) that can put the team on their back and carry us to victory. Last night was just a bad team effort and carelessness with the ball

Yet, I still have hope