First, although Scola is a great player. He need some time to get used to NBA. I am not sure about all the games. But I remember in the beginning of the season, he did make some unnecessary fouls, which in turn influenced his performance. I think the way Adelman slowly increased his play time is the best way for his development.

People may argue that it took Adelman toooooooo long to give him enough time. I kind of agree with that. But here comes the second reason, which I think is more critical. As a coach, Adelman not only should find the right system, but also should make sure the team is united, make sure players obey his instructions. He is the one who replaced JVG, who has high reputation in the team. He is the one who start a whole new system in the team. During the difficult period, the whole team was losing confidence on themselves, and on him. Then how dare he use Scola to replace Hayes? Scola was not like Landry and Brooks. Those two young guys shined at the minute they were on the field. Instead, Scola improved slowly and consistently.

This is also related to Adelman’s personality. If he is a tough guy, he may insist on using someone he likes in the right beginning. Prove he is right later. However, he is not this kind of people. He is good in encouraging players, adjusting the team to players’ specialties.

Right now, I think he is a good head coach for Rocket, given the assistance from those two assistant coaches, who learned the tough defense from JVG. Adelman encourage the team and give them creativity, while keep on using the tough defense from JVG. Rocket has great chance in the playoff.

And don’t forget, the incredible defense that the Rockets are playing can largely be credited to JVG. As the players themselves said, they still hear JVG’s voice when they’re playing defense on the court.

No dispute about JVG’s influence on the defense. My statement was about his offense. The main problem JVG had was not trusting rookies or young players. He would have never given Landry or Brooks the playing time they received, and it would have taken him a long time to probably give Scola a shot. That’s why he always brought in old washouts like Mark Jackson, Charles Oakley, Charlie Ward, etc., which never did anything exceptional in their old age. His walk-it-up, halfcourt style was also a huge problem. Rockets are scoring many more points this season compared to the JVG era. — John

No matter what, Idleman is a slow learner. It took him half a season to show some faith in Scola who won MVP in the Spanish League and another MVP in a most recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament involving a NBA dream team of USA.

He may be an average to good coach, but never an exceptional one. How can a man without a scouting sharp eye be an exceptional coach? I do not believe it. He is not the man to bring a championship to Houston. He has no special feeling for the game. That is why he is such a slow learner. Do not be over-carried by some short-term success.

Once again, Dekembe shows that he is a model as an athelete and as a person. When he is not in the court, he cheers from the bottom of his heart for the good plays of his team mates. When Yao is out, he again gives all what he has — rebounding and blocking. Yes, he does not score much. But that is not what he is good at. He gives a hundred and ten per cent in what he is good at, which is defence. When other guys are in his situation, they would have grumbled and asked for trades or simply retired. But not Dekembe. He demontrates what is respecting one’s profession and what is loyalty to one’s team. The Rockets should think of a spcial way to say good-bye to such a respectable member of the team at the end of the season.

What is your feeling that the Rockets are winning without Yao? Some media is saying that McGrady is carrying this team or it is McGrady’s team all along as shown by the Rockets’ losing record when he is not in the game.

Since I am not reaaly a Rocket fan (even though I keep coming back to this site when Yao is out), I am a little torn between the Rockets keep winning and Yao is not part of the success (playing on the court).

Do you feel that Aldeman was unfairly criticized earlier this year when the Rockets were not wining while they were learning his system?

I think the Rockets are a better team with Yao, just like when people were saying a few weeks ago when the Rockets were winning without McGrady that they were a better team with him (like me), which ended up being correct. You can never have too many weapons. There will come a game where the Rockets lose because they didn’t have Yao.

Regarding Adelman, I don’t think he was unfairly criticized earlier this season. Please see my response above about how he made personnel moves way too late. However, he is a great coach in other areas, and I think he has improved in the personnel area as seen by giving Carl Landry a chance, which has worked out brilliantly for them. — John

No way regarding the apology. He waited too long to make moves that everyone was saying he should do, like starting Luis Scola instead of Chuck Hayes. And look how it’s turned out for them — they haven’t lost since. If he had done it earlier, the Rockets would probably be at the top of the conference. I will give him credit for other things he’s done, though. He’s a great coach, but he was idle for too long. — John