the problem with the rockets is defending the paint and outside shooting. we get our paint attacked constantly cuz there are 0 shot blockers out there and teams can play zone against us cuz we (Ariza) cant make jumpers.

Yes, you could blame this loss on Rick Adelman for not having the guys ready after the Philly meltdown, but the truth is…the loss happened for 3 other reasons:

1.) Lack of the right personnel
2.) Absence of Kyle Lowry and Carl Landry from the 2nd unit
3.) Burnout

I don’t blame them for signing Temple to a 10-day contract when they knew that Conroy wouldn’t be around but for 1 game on another 10-day deal. However, the Rockets started Landry, Scola AND Hayes on the front line against Miami last night. A big no-no in my mind because Landry’s not a ‘3’. They need at least 3 shooters out there, and for all Scola does, he’s no 3-point threat. Lowry’s absence coupled with Landry’s promotion to the starting 5 left the bench that we knew and loved without its top 2 performers. Owch. Oh, and did I mention they were also without 38 minute a game Trevor Ariza. That’s 38 more minutes for somebody(s) to pick up out there. Not the easiest thing to do in the world.

For the last time, we do not need THIS VERSION OF TRACY MCGRADY back. We need the 2004-05 T-Mac, the “13 points in 35 seconds McGrady”, not this shriveled up lost cause. We will not ever see the McGrady we once loved, probably not again (or not until Kevin Durant comes to town…his game reminds me of T-Mac’s a lot).

And I never, ever, EVER want to hear anyone say we should be getting rid of Aaron Brooks unless its for Chris Paul, Derrick Rose or the rights to draft John Wall. Brooks has been stupendeous for this team. He’s the team’s MVP right now, not 6th man sensation Landry, not steady as they come Scola, Hayes or Battier. Its been all about the growth and development of ABZ. About 24 teams would jump to have him at this point on their team, with only New Orleans, Utah, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago and San Antonio saying no.

the label people keep using to describe brooks is inaccurate. He is not a point g…he is a midget (volume) shooting guard, best designated for a 6th man role. He is a starter because they don’t have any offensive players that can score. You say the shooters are overused. How? The shooters are not good efficient shooters capable of scoring 15-20 pts a game at this level, because they’ve never been in that role except maybe in high school. Only in Houston would an organization take a player like Ariza and Battier and start them despite them not starting for prior teams. There is a reason Battier wasn’t a starter for the Grizzlies….we can see why. Situational defender is what he was and with limited minutes is best at. Ariza, good defender, 5th option with limited shots IF you must start him. And IF trading Brooks would net me a point guard with top 10 passing ability and team leadership, he is gone. I’m interested in parades on Richmond Avenue, and downtown Main Street.

My client lied about her…oh wait, before I get carried away

Xiane, great point there. We’re actually scoring MORE points per game than we have in previous years. Battier’s still the same Battier, and this team is still the same defensive team. I think its time all you Yao Ming haters out there realize that with the big fella at center, this team would be a bear defensively. Could you imagine Yao behind Battier and Ariza to erase (or at least, somewhat intimidate) opposing defenders. Landry/Hayes would be a beast with Lowry/Budinger running and gunning.

Lack of a shot blocking/shot altering presence is going to hammer your team’s overall defensive rating. That and its forced Houston to channel their inner Golden State.