The Dream Shake: FanPosts

Week #2 NBA Power Rankings...

2009-11-07T07:46:12Z

I was interested to see how much love the Rockets were gonna get for their good start and...

... here's what I found out:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/powerRankings

Fox ranks Houston at #10!

While ESPN ranks them at #17:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking

Of course, ESPN's rankings came out when the Rockets had only 2 wins. Fox's came out after their 3rd win.

Being 4-2 and only 1 game back in the West should elevate their ranking on both Fox & ESPN...

Poll

Which power ranking do you think is more accurate, Fox's or ESPN's?

Robert Horry, Hall of Fame? Um, yes.

2009-11-07T07:04:16Z

Hi, new here.

Robert Horry, Hall of Fame? Um, yes. (I'm a several-decades Houston fan, since about the time Phi-Slama-Jama first got interested in the NBA, so bear with me.)

But... Statistically? Robert Horry is the only player in NBA history to win a ring with 3 different teams which swept the NBA Finals. That's not a trivial accomplishment... he played significant minutes in all those sweeps, and trying to envision those lossless Finals without him is truly a struggle of the imagination. Very few players win rings with 3 teams -- BSB did it with sweeps. BSB FTW.

Big Shot Bob ain't exactly Filet Mignon; he's more like the world's heaviest Hot Dog, smothered in tasty-smoky-sauce. Or something like that. Not beautiful, but inarguably one of the best role players of his time, if not ever. (And if the HOF doesn't allow role players, then I'm sayin' FU to the HOF. Hoops is *all* about team in the end, not the solo-man.)

Thanks for listening, and Go Rockets. I'll see you in bronze, Mr. Horry.

Patrick

Face of the Franchise: Aaron Brooks

2009-11-06T14:50:34Z

Aaron Brooks has been a shining star through a rather dim Rockets offseason. Maybe he’s stepped up to the challenge, maybe it’s his increase in minutes, but Brooks is playing like an All-Star in the first few games of the season. He’s averaging career highs in every category except his free throw percentage. He holds averages of 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game compared to his last years’ stats of 11.2 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. That’s not the only thing that he’s improved at this season, however...[Read More]

Rockets-Lakers rant

2009-11-05T05:25:00Z

Did I expect to win this game? No, but we had a very good chance to. I'd say a 45-55 chance, and hell I'd take that against the Lakers. If we lost by 10, no big deal. Losing by 1, in overtime, due to a turnover...kind of makes me want to kick a midget. Everybody played fantastic, with the exception of a bad shooting night by Ariza. We out rebounded them, bench outplayed them, shot a higher percentage, frustrated the Lakers(3 techs). But the turnovers late in the game are what cost us the game. I don't think the downfall of Trevor Ariza is his ball handling, I think it's the way he tries to win over the refs. In every game I've watched, he would slash into the lane hoping for a foul which sometimes causes a turnover or a bad shot. Still glad we took the champs to a very close game. Surprised by the rebounding numbers.

Also Derek Fisher- 0-5 shooting, 0 rebounds 0 assists 2 steals in 34 minutes. just thought that was interesting.

Rockets more dangerous without stardom?

2009-11-04T02:22:16Z

I got to thinking that maybe the Rockets are more dangerous without any star players. Playing consistently as the underdog gives us the advantage. Also it gives us an advantage on offense, by the defense not knowing who will score or who will have the ball. I'm not saying I don't want Yao or T-mac back but the beginning of the season might not just be a few lucky wins. Rockets are a very deep team that can get 15+ points from any player(excluding Chuck) with no surprise. So if someone is having a cold night, we have other players to replace him and easily contribute.

The game tomorrow vs the Lakers will be very interesting. We see who got the better free agent for a night. How Ariza will do against his former team. If Artest will go crazy like he said. If our new fast paced system can run with theirs. A lot of questions will be answered tomorrow. Although I'm not confident that we'll win, we do have some things going our way. We have a day of rest, they're playing a game right now. It's at home. And they have a weak bench. If we win tomorrow, I'm going to have to buy a new computer screen from cum stains.

Crazy Trade Idea

2009-11-03T22:14:27Z

Chris Paul isn't happy in NO. While the team picked up Okafor to show Paul they were serious about contending, if they keep on losing and tensions continue to strain, we could see New Orleans shift back to cost cutting mode. And TMac and Brian Cook could cut some costs very quickly for them. I would be afraid to mess with Houston's roster, as everything is working well and the team chemistry to perfect, but a trade sending Paul, Peja and Posey to Houston with Brooks, McGrady and Cook going to NO would allow NO to cut a lot of salary fast, and would still give them a talented, cheap PG.

I don't really know what NO's financial situation is like or how much other teams value Brooks, and its difficult to compare talent versus cash savings; but what do you think about the trade? I could easily see NO refusing to trade Paul for so little (Brooks and cap relief) but I can also see Houston refusing to take on so much salary and mess with team chemistry.

Rockets beat Jazz

2009-11-03T04:38:04Z

Wow, I'm very happy. I started watching the game mid 2nd quarter and I didn't find any downside in the Rockets with the exception of David Andersen. They defended well, made their shots, drew fouls, and executed with perfection in the end. I'm most impressed with Chase Budinger. He was a big part of the key run in the 3rd quarter. Had 7 points and a rebound I think. Also, I'm starting to think that Chuck Hayes is not a liability on offense anymore. Whenever Brooks drives it, the baseline is always open and Chuck took advantage of that every time. Maybe this won't put the Rockets into the elite team discussion but it should definitely have an impact on everyone thinking they're a lottery team. I'm just pretty happy right now, had to say something.

Rudy Gay Doesnt Sign Extension with Grizzlies

2009-11-03T01:25:22Z

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AtK5o6rpHsnJ_zrgz8SabWm8vLYF?slug=aw-gaygrizzlies110209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Who else thinks this is big news?!? I know we traded him for Shane, but now we can have both of em! I am a big fan of his game, he's a great shooter and slasher who can jump through the roof. He plays solid defense with upside to become a great defender, especially with guys like Shane and Trevor around sharing insights. I think he would be a great investment for now and the future. what do you guys think?

I like most of what I am seeing so far this season.

2009-11-01T12:24:53Z

I know it's only 3 games into the season but...

... I am encouraged by the team's play so far. I know they aren't perfect or anything but considering all that they have lost, I think Houston is doing better than expected so far... especially starting with the 4th Quarter in Game #1 Vs Portland all the way through the Warriors game & then through last night's game VS the Blazers again.

One thing I'm hoping for is that Houston will continue to play hard & develop positively. I've been thinking that if by chance the Rockets could somehow win about 3 out of every 4 games VS the poor teams they face & also win about 2 out of every 3 games VS the good teams they face, & win about half of the games they play VS the great teams they face, not only would they probably make the playoffs but they would send a strong statement to the big name free agents of next year that this team's only a couple of superstars away from winning multiple titles.

Of course, the return of a healthy Yao would take care of one of the "superstars" & the cap money freed up after McGrady's contract expires would be available to lure a guy like Wade or LeBron to Houston.

Right now, the speculation is that LeBron either stays with the Cavs or goes to the Nets and D-Wade either stays in Miami or goes to the Bulls. But if Houston shows they can be a good (or at least a decent) team without their superstars for this whole season, just how attractive would the Rockets look to these great players, especially if it also looks like Yao would also be back & in better health next year?

I know it is still very early but right now things are looking positive to me. They still have work to do (of course) but so far, so good...

Trevor Breakout Game unfolds

2009-11-01T10:11:34Z

Now my hope and belief of T-Riz becoming one of the pillars of Houston is finally coming to life since he became a rocket few months ago. I know its too early to tell, but you can now see the glimpse of what he can be and how he can dominate a game and be one of the go to guys of our team.

A very smart move of GM Morey of acquiring a young talented down to earth player who shows a lot of heart and compassion and will power in his game..less talk more actions!

More power Rockets! More W to come!

Contract extension for Aaron Brooks?

2009-10-30T07:12:29Z

Word is the Rockets will extend Aaron Brooks' contract...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6693952.html

Do you guys like the idea of doing that now or should the team have waited a little longer before doing so?

Personally, I am in favor of Brooks getting his contract extended. His game is improving so I see no reason why they should not reward the guy. I think he will continue to just keep getting better and better.

The poll is up. Vote early and often.

Poll

Should the Rockets extend Aaron Brooks' contract?

Jermaine Taylor

2009-10-28T19:37:56Z

hello,

I am a fan of the Orlando Magic, but I have a couple quick questions regarding Jermaine Taylor. Jermaine went to my high school (Tavares High School if anyone is interested) and is the best athlete to perhaps ever come out of it. Naturally, I am quite interested to hear how he is doing, so i thought id ask you guys. How does he look and do you think he will be a successful NBA player? Thank you for your time.

First Month Record Prediction

2009-10-26T13:07:07Z

What's your prediction for through the end of November? This is all before TMac's return. This is essentially last years playoff team with out Artest. Ariza is not Artest and so I expect some growing pains but still think the tenacious D that they play will win a lot of games.

I'm kinda thinkin about maybe sorta planning to get maybe a little excited.

I got 10W 6L (11-6). Actual 3-1

@PT- L

@GS-W

PT- W

UT - W (gotta be fair. I would not have called this one)

LA-W

OK-W

@DAL-L

MPHS-W

@SAC-W

@LA-L

PHX-W

@MIN-W

@ATL-L

SAC-W

DAL-L

SA-L

@OK-W

Warrior fan here

2009-10-26T02:23:24Z

Wussup Dream Shake, are you guys ready for opening night on wednesday against us, the Dubs? I think it will be a great game, as Ariza is actually going to be a focal point for your guys' offense. I want to see him without Kobe, Pau, and the rest of the lakers. I'm extremely excited as a Warrior fan to start the season, as we have had some drama and turmoil, but I really would like to skip that and be happy with the talent we have. We probably will not be very good, but who knows it is a talented roster that can make plays. As for you guys, a perennial playoff contender, it won't be easy because of no Yao and no Tmac, and the loss of Artest. But Aaron Brooks, Scola, and Ariza are a decent young core. So both of these teams have young talent, and it should make up for a good game Wednesday night in Oakland. My prediction is 117-113 Warriors on top, but hey that's just my warrior in me. Thoughts?Predictions? And Good Luck for your 09-10 season!

Bill Simmons' NBA season preview (Rockets)

2009-10-23T22:11:40Z

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/part2/091023&sportCat=nba

Here's what he has for the Rockets. Daryl Morey ranks #12 in "Most Intriguing NBA People"

12. Daryl Morey
On paper, the Rockets look like a lottery team. Their best player (Yao) is gone for the year. Their second-best player is probably never going to be the same. Everyone else is a role player or an overachiever. But they do certain things really well: shoot threes, defend the hell out of perimeter guys, play unselfishly, pound the glass, stuff like that. It's one of those "whole is greater than the sum of its parts" teams. I am picking them to win 44 games and make the playoffs. Which brings me to my point: the '09 Rockets took the Lakers to a seventh game operating with half a salary cap (because Yao and T-Mac were out). The '10 Rockets start out with 80 percent of a cap because Yao is gone; that number might shrink if T-Mac can't successfully come back. And yet, I am still picking a hodgepodge group of non-All-Stars to win 44.

Why? Because of Morey (or as he's more affectionately known, Dork Elvis). He's been like a hot guy at a craps table for two solid years. Nobody else is nailing 85-90 percent of their moves big and small. Nobody. Since he's my friend, he's doing so well that I am starting to worry about a Bud Fox-like meltdown; right now he's at the point in "Wall Street" when the Talking Heads song is playing, his stock picks are hitting and he's decorating the fancy New York apartment with Daryl Hannah. We haven't gotten to the part when his ego swelled and he took on Gordon Gekko yet. And maybe that won't happen.

I just know this: He texted me last month that Chase Budinger was for real; two years ago, I would have mocked him. This year? I nodded. Absolutely. Chase Budinger. Why not? I have learned not to bet against Dork Elvis.

I'll go with that. If we can continue to play at an elite level at home like we did last year without T-Mac/Yao, and then McGrady can return and give us a huge offensive boost, we can up that win total to the upper 40s.

Who do you think should stay: Pops or Dorsey?

2009-10-22T14:39:35Z

The Rockets just cut both Beck and Temple the other day.

We all know Barry isn't going to be around for the season and only because of a big money issue, Cook has a roster spot he doesn't seem to deserve at all.

Now, it looks to me like the last open spot is between Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Joey Dorsey. Now, just by the number of minutes each players has gotten in the preseason, it looks like Pops has the inside track for that last spot. But who knows? Maybe not.

But if you were the one who had to choose which of these 2 guys stays & which one goes, which do you pick?

Do you want someone else who is available other than these 2 guys? If so, vote option #3 and mention that player's name in your post.

Poll is open. Vote early and often!

Poll

Your choice for the last roster spot?

I pick Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

137 votes

I pick Joey Dorsey.

31 votes

I want someone else.

9 votes

177 votes | Poll has closed

Stackhouse a possibility

2009-10-18T02:30:06Z

One of the peculiar things grungedave pointed out was the fact that Joey Dorsey might not make the roster. The possible addition of Stackhouse would answer the questions. I'm not saying it's happening, but this could be what Morey has lined up. I like Stackhouse but he's getting pretty old.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/62182/20091017/stackhouse_waiting_for_offer_from_rockets/

I have to add fifteen more words so I'm going to put an extra sentence here just to fill up the space.

The Center Position on the Rockets...

2009-10-17T12:29:56Z

There is something about the current situation at center for the Rockers I do not understand...

... I was checking out the list of overseas players who's rights are owned by the Rockets and I found 3 centers listed:

Frederic Weis, Venson Hamilton, and Serhiy Lishchuk.

Weis is age 32 & his height is listed as 7'2" and Lishchuk is age 27 & he's just a half inch under 7 feet tall. Hamilton is also 32 but he's a little shorter than 6'10'' tall.

I am curious why (given the problems Houston has had at center) why they didn't try to get any of these guys to join the team? Hamilton is kinda short for a center and his age is up there, I know. Weis was a former mid-first round pick and has the height but he is also past 30. Lishchuk is still fairly young and "tall enough" (I guess) to play center regular. But I never heard anything about the Rockets trying to bring any of these guys over. Instead, they trade for Anderson (a move I did agree with) while leaving the backup center position to a bunch of guys who may be too short to play there effectively for a lot of minutes.

Does anyone know why Houston didn't try to bring in any of these 3 guys I've mentioned? Is it because none of them are even good enough to make an NBA roster. Or is it about getting them out of their contracts with their teams overseas?

Anybody here know why none of these guys were brought over?

Rockets beat Raptors 124-112

2009-10-16T01:51:33Z

Great games from Ariza, Battier, Pops, and Lowry

Budinger wasn't shooting well but was great passing.

The first half was really close, but we really pulled together in the second half, passed the ball, and kept the raptors from scoring, and we didn't choke. d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d dd d d d d d d d d d d d d d d

Discuss.

Jazz vs. Real Madrid stats, Sergio Llull played the most minutes

2009-10-09T06:55:59Z

Sergio's stats might not be great, but it is encouraging that Real Madrid would give him the most minutes against an NBA team, here's a preview video of maybe our next PG:

Sergio Llull vs Jazz

Team	1	2	3	4	T
Jazz	23	33	33	20	109
Real Madrid	21	16	26	24	87

Real Madrid

Field Goals				Rebounds
	pos	min	fgm-a	3pm-a	ftm-a	+/-	off	def	tot	ast	pf	st	to	bs	ba	pts
T. Hansen	F	26:32	3-8	0-2	3-4	-12	3	3	6	5	3	2	3	0	1	9
N. Velickovic	F	27:25	4-13	0-2	3-3	0	2	1	3	2	5	2	5	1	1	11
J. Garbajosa	C	21:14	2-7	0-3	4-6	-19	0	2	2	2	3	0	2	0	0	8
P. Prigioni	G	04:36	0-1	0-1	0-0	-5	0	0	0	1	1	2	1	0	0	0
L. Bullock	G	24:29	6-12	1-2	5-5	-12	0	0	0	1	1	0	1	0	0	18
D. Lavrinovic		14:48	1-4	0-0	0-0	-10	2	4	6	3	3	0	2	2	0	2
S. Llull		33:24	3-9	2-6	3-4	-15	0	3	3	2	5	1	3	0	0	11
R. Kaukenas		27:06	5-8	2-2	2-4	-9	0	0	0	1	2	1	2	0	1	14
S. Vidal		13:59	0-1	0-0	3-4	-13	1	0	1	2	1	1	1	0	0	3
C. Samb		07:13	0-1	0-0	0-0	-10	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
A. Hervelle		13:19	2-5	0-1	0-0	-9	0	1	1	0	2	0	1	0	2	4
V. Dasic		13:54	3-4	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	0	0	6
I. De Miguel		12:00	0-0	0-0	1-2	+4	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	1

Total		240	29-73	5-19	24-32		8	15	23	19	28	11	22	3	5	87
			39.7%	26.3%	75.0%	Team Rebs: 16				Total TO: 22

Jazz

Field Goals				Rebounds
	pos	min	fgm-a	3pm-a	ftm-a	+/-	off	def	tot	ast	pf	st	to	bs	ba	pts
R. Brewer	F	19:00	3-6	0-1	2-4	+11	0	4	4	3	1	1	1	0	0	8
C. Boozer	F	20:11	3-5	0-0	8-11	+6	1	2	3	2	4	3	1	0	0	14
M. Okur	C	18:44	4-7	1-2	0-0	+5	1	2	3	1	3	0	2	1	0	9
W. Matthews	G	14:44	1-1	0-0	0-0	+13	0	0	0	0	4	1	3	0	0	2
D. Williams	G	24:00	5-8	1-3	5-5	+9	1	2	3	5	1	0	3	1	0	16
K. Korver		14:27	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	3	3	2	3	0	1	0	0	2
A. Kirilenko		18:00	2-3	0-0	4-6	-1	1	0	1	3	2	1	1	1	0	8
P. Millsap		21:53	9-10	0-0	2-2	+18	1	2	3	1	2	2	1	1	0	20
K. Koufos		12:18	1-4	0-0	1-2	+2	2	4	6	0	2	0	0	1	2	3
E. Maynor		24:00	3-9	1-1	1-2	+13	0	1	1	7	1	2	2	0	0	8
R. Dupree		18:49	2-4	0-0	0-0	+9	0	3	3	1	3	1	3	0	0	4
A. Johnson		08:21	4-7	0-0	0-0	+15	3	1	4	0	2	0	1	0	1	8
S. Nelson		11:00	2-3	0-0	1-2	+12	2	3	5	1	3	1	2	0	0	5
G. Suton		14:33	1-2	0-0	0-0	-2	0	2	2	0	3	0	2	0	0	2
K. Fesenko	DNP - Coach's Decision
M. Harpring	DNP - NWT - Ankle, Knee
P. Harris	DNP - NWT - Sprained Right Ankle
C. Miles	DNP - NWT - Ruptured Left Thumb Ligament
R. Price	DNP - DND - Bruised Right Calf

Total		240	41-70	3-7	24-34		12	29	41	26	34	12	23	5	3	109
			58.6%	42.9%	70.6%	Team Rebs: 11				Total TO: 24

Technical Fouls-- 0

ScoringLead Changes: 5 Times Tied: 3

ARENA STATS: Arena: Palacio de Deportes, Madrid, Spain

Officials: #108 Nick Buchert , #110 Delrde Carr Carr , # 60 Jose Martin

Attendance: 13,703 Duration:2:18