2017 Rockets Pre-Season Presser

[78#]

Hello everyone. At this time last season, we had high expectations to not only make the playoffs, but compete for the divisional title. Unfortunately neither of those things happened as we missed the playoffs on a heartbreaking season finale home loss to the Blazers. That loss led me to decide to hang it up if someone was available to run the team since I felt I did all I could with this franchise. Part of me still feels the same, but while no one was available to step in my place, it gave me time to reflect about this upcoming season and the future of this team. I do feel more of a motivation to help this team have a strong season, but still have doubts about where I can take them so with that, I'm excited about the upcoming season and hopeful that this team will make a run.

So getting to the offseason we had caproom to work with and with that caproom we also had the intention of bringing back Ty Lawson and Lance Stephenson. However, it wasn't my highest priority. My main priority was to use our caproom to bring in the best guys we could get. So with that, we were very happy to sign Chris Bosh. Though he's older, he's coming off a strong year and we're excited to pair him next to Al Horford. This is probably our best frontcourt since we paired Chris Webber together with Big Z. We also re-signed Ty Lawson to a 3 year deal with a team option. He's a big part of the franchise and we hope to get the most out of him in his final seasons as a Rocket. And lastly we re-signed D.J. White to add quality frontcourt depth. We were hoping to bring back Lance Stephenson, but he got a huge contract from Detroit which was too high for us to match.

Training camp was fair to us considering we have an older hit. The only major hit was D.J. Wright. But luckily our big four survived for now.

Pre-season wsa very good for us. We went 5-1 and our defense was fantastic. We thing we can build off of that going into the regular season. We had a balanced attack with solid production from our less heralded players.

Now we go to the depth chart.

At center, our main man, Al Horford returns. We're hoping for a repeat season from him though we're realistic he's not the same athletically.
His backup will once again be 2016 First Round pick Russell Gomez who looks to be a strong inside scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. D.J. Whiye and Jon Leuer will also provide minutes as needed.

At power forward, we're going with Chris Bosh of course. We hope he can bring another strong season. D.J. White will be the backup with Jon Leuer providing minutes as needed.

Small forward is once again Thaddeus Young. We hope he can build off of his strong season where he was All-League defense and became a good scorer. We think he's gonna be the heart of this team this season. Chris-Douglas Roberts will be the backup with Elliot Williams also providing minutes.

Shooting guard goes to Gerald Henderson who was a minimum signing, but we really think he can provide similar scoring production. He's really athetic and can attack the rim. Elliot Williams will be the backup bringing more defense.

Ty Lawson will once again be the starting point guard for his 9th straight season. We're hoping he can bounce back and have less pressure on him having both Horford and Bosh available in the frontcourt for him. Norris Cole will be the backup and D.J Augustin will provide minutes as needed.

Thank you and now we're taking questions.

[JNR]

GWR: Are there any truth to the reports that Chris Bosh has rubbed some people the wrong way since signing on?

[ballsohard]

Who’s the best player on the team? Bosh or Horford ?

[logpmess]

With an older team and the Cap over for the next few years, is there any plans further than this season?

[WigNosy]

Which of your non-starters do you feel is poised for a breakout year?

[78#]

GWR: Are there any truth to the reports that Chris Bosh has rubbed some people the wrong way since signing on?

We haven't heard any complaints so far. I think everyone is excited to have him here. He's a bit ancient but he can still perform on a high level.


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[78#]

Who’s the best player on the team? Bosh or Horford ?

Bosh may be the better scorer but I think Horford is the best overall player when you factor in rebounding and defense. But Thaddeus may be the best two way player this season.


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[78#]

I'll give this group no more than two years. After that it will be a clean slate.


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[78#]

Which of your non-starters do you feel is poised for a breakout year?

Non of our backups will get more than 8-10 minutes a game but if I had to pick one, it would be the young center Russell Gomez.


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[TheSyndicate]

This team is talented, but not very deep. How do you expect to withstand injuries? Who is capable of stepping up?

[garbageman]

Good to hear of your renewed motivation after rumors of your departure. With your frustrations of having a team that looks great on paper missing the playoffs a couple times in a row, have you thought about selling your players off for a full rebuild?