what do you think John?

Yes, I absolutely agree. That has been one of the successes of the new Adelman offense — bringing Yao out of the lane occasionally and having him use his passing skills, something that was so overlooked in the JVG era. — John

In fact, the downfall of the Rockets from a fifty-plus season is not due to T-Mac, Yao or any of the players. Very few would argue that the Rockets have a much better group this season. It is up the Head Coach to decide on the appropriate strategies on how to deploy the team. If an explanation is required for the downfall, Rick Idleman is the only suitable person to provide the answer.

Hi Jim, Thank God the Rockets pulled it out. It would have been an absolute disaster if they had lost since everyone in the world has been taking note of their uninspired play against lesser opponents. That’s even worse than not having talent. I agree that every team in the league is very competitive, but the Rockets have lost to the worst teams in the league this season (Philly twice, Miami, Memphis), so adding Seattle to that mix would have been awful. And this has happened in other years, too, during the JVG era. The difference is that those Rocket teams in the past always had a resilience about them.

But if this year’s team hadn’t beaten Seattle on Wednesday, I think a huge mental note would have been made by management and ownership that heads would roll and players would be traded before the trading deadline this season, or during the off-season. The microscope is still on them, though. Hopefully by escaping with their lives out of Seattle, it will inspire them to play much better. — John

Bobby, looks like we agree on Yao, although I would still call him ‘great’ even if he’s just ’solid.’ Being a very solid player for the majority of the game is still a very valuable commodity.

Regarding the offense, I think the ball movement has been better than what I expected upon McGrady’s return, which I think has been helped by him taking the ball to the basket, dishing for assists, and resisting the temptation to jack up too many 3-pointers (only 5 over the last two games) and when he does shoot a jumper, to do it in the flow of the offense. Meanwhile, Alston has gone back to his inconsistent shooting (his hot streak from within two-point range appears to be over, as expected. Thank goodness his 3-pointers were falling last night.) Luther Head is taking less shots after bricking up many in that 21-shot game a few games ago when he only made like 5 or 6 of them. That’s some of the reasons why McGrady’s shooting is needed now more than ever (since the hot streak ended with Alston and Head), although it amazes me Rick Adelman hasn’t been playing Aaron Brooks more after AB showed he has the goods during McGrady’s absence. Carl Landry also helps in the shooting and ball movement department, and Shane Battier appears to be finding his shot. I agree with you, the Rockets should see what McGrady can do for them the rest of the season, and then re-evaluate at the end of the season. $18 million a year is an awful lot of dough to be paying one guy who can’t will his team into the playoffs or a playoff series win. — John

it’s you again. just to let my readers know, i’ve intentionally not posted some of your comments because they make no sense and don’t want to bother my readers with it, but i’ve decided to approve this one for some unknown reason. this is one of the most “misguided” comments i’ve ever read (i would use a stronger word, but i’m trying to be somewhat civil here). it’s not too much to expect an $18 million per year athlete to make more than 1-of-6 free throws when he could have been practicing for a couple of weeks on that. or to move his feet in the last few seconds of a game to guard his man who can hit three-pointers like they are layups. and you obviously don’t read my posts. i’ve never said McGrady should be traded. in fact, i ask people at the end of my post if he should be traded. don’t bother commenting again because you never read what i say, you have some kind of weird agenda, and i can sense your tone from a mile away. — john