DREAMer's 2000 Season Grades

Rudy - "B -"  Rudy's grade reflects his unwillingness to make changes in the starting line-up early in the season.  The change that sticks out the most is Walt Williams.  If a player ever deserved to be benched for performance it was Walt.  Rudy still has one of the strangest rotation systems (if it really is a "system") in the NBA.  He still oftens sits players who are hot and keeps very poor line-ups on the floor for extended period of times.  But, his grade is raised by how he was able to keep the team competitive in spite of an enormous amount of injuries to key players (Barkley, Olajuwon, Rogers, Massenburg,  & Cato).  Also, how he was able to both let Steve Francis develop as a player and keep him within the bounds of the team's interests.  Rudy may or may not be one of the best coaches ever, but if you look at what's available now..... well, be thankful for what we've got.

Hakeem - "C+"  Hakeem almost had as bad a season as Barkley.  It was his worst season as a professional (and probably college) basketball player.  His grade may have been lower, but when you see that he still led the team in rebounding, and was second in blocks, you realize that the worst Hakeem still isn't THAT bad.  He was battling a groin injury early in the season, and just when it looked like he was rounding into form, he had to have surgery on it.  After he came back from the injury a breathing condition limited him the rest of the year.  Doctors did give Hakeem medicine that allowed him to breathe, but it also made him so nauseous that he still was unable to play.  So, considering the fact that he had a better year than Kelvin Cato with surgery and an inability to breathe correctly, I cannot see why any grade lower than a C+ is warranted.

Barkley - "Inc."  Man, what a crappy way to end to one of the greatest player's career in history.  I've never been a huge Barkley fan, but he's grown on me since he's become a Rocket.  I am just saddened that he did not get to finish out his career on a high note.  Even if the team wouldn't have made the playoffs, at least he could've gone out injury free.  And, even if he did have an injury, it didn't have to be nearly as severe as the one he did endure.  Injuries are always bad, but the timing made this one worse.  

Francis - "A -"  Had his turn over numbers been lower, he probably would've won the NBA "Rookie of the Year" award outright.  As they were, he still earned a split with Chicago's Elton Brand for the award.  He also earned an A - from me.  I was impressed with his athleticism, as was just about everyone who saw him play.  He may be the second most exciting player to watch in the NBA next to Vince Carter.  But, he's not just another Harold Minor.  He excels in other aspects of the game.  His assists (6.6) could've been slightly higher, but for a rookie he passed very well.  His rebounds (5.3) we near the top of the point guard position.  His steals (1.53) were impressive.  His only other weaknesses may be his lack of consistency on defense, and his field goal percentage (.445).  If he can improve on the turnovers (no more than 3.0), shooting percentage (should be over .460), and focus more on defense, he has the opportunity and potential to do great things at his position.  The next Magic Johnson?  I doubt it, but he may just end up carving his own niche at the NBA level.

Mobley - "A -"  Ever wonder what happened to Maxwell?  Well, this might be his younger brother.  If Mobley can improve his defense, he'll be better than Mad Max ever dreamed of being.  He is very entertaining to watch.  He's as fast as his nickname "Cat".  He loves the pressure shot, and he just seems to want to win more than anyone else on the court.  I think his best asset is his heart.  That is what this team needs if they ever want to challenge for a title again.  I feel that Francis will be the leader of this team for years to come, but I think Mobley will be the heart and backbone of the emotional side of the game. 

Anderson - "A"  Some people expected more out of Shandon than I did.  I realized that with Francis, Mobley, Walt, Hakeem, and others demanding shots during games that he would not be a huge scorer for us.  His best asset is his defense.  He doesn't lead the league or even the team in steals or blocks or defensive rebounds.  But, it's his one-on-one defense and team defense that help the team so much.  He was often put on the opposition's best offensive weapon.  His second best asset is his ability to do everything consistently well.  He shot well (.473 fgs, .351 3pt, .767 fts), rebounded well (4.7), passed well (2.9), got steals (1.2), and didn't turn the ball over much (2.4).  I for one was totally satisfied with his production, and I am excited to have him as a part of this team.

K. Thomas - "D+"  I don't see the fascination with Kenny Thomas.  I've made comparisons statistically with Thomas and Derrick Cheivous of all people, just to show how he compares to players in the past.  Thomas does one thing and literally only one thing well, and that's rebound (6.1 in 25 min per game).  Every other aspect of his game is below average.  He's a terrible shooter (.399 FOR A POWER FORWARD, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?), a bad defender (I never saw him once raise his arms on defense.), he was the worst 3-pt shooter on the team (.262), but still managed to hoist 122 attempts.  I don't know..... I guess he has a place on this team, but I hope it's as a rebounder and not a scorer.  If he is strictly a player off the bench for us, then I can stand keeping him, but if he's going to be our starting power forward, then that is bad news.

Williams - "D+"  Walt's stats ended up being respectable.  But, they don't show how his struggles early in the season when he was starting every game had an adverse affect on the outcome of games.  He's a decent rebounder (4.0), and a good free throw shooter (.821), and not a bad passer (2.1).  I think his grade reflects more on expected production versus actual performance.  He is not a starter, plain and simple.  He's also a very bad defender, a trend that is starting to grow among Rocket players.

Cato - "D+"  Just too many problems to earn a higher grade.  He hit the jackpot before the season by signing a $42 million dollar contract, and then forgot what the word intensity meant.  He also was quoted as saying that he "didn't want to start".  What the hell is that?  He probably didn't have any trouble cashing those "starter-like" paychecks.  He also demonstrated a lack of discipline and a lack of chemistry with Tomjanovich and some of his other team mates, openly arguing on the court and seen pouting on the bench.

Rogers - "C+"  As much as I want to like this guy, injuries just keep him from playing.  It's been his problem his entire career, only averaging 39.5 games per season.  What he did do was to have the 2nd highest FG% on the team, and average 8.0 pts and 5.2 rebs in only 20.8 minutes.  He also seems to be just the nicest guy in the world, and I'd love to see him back in uniform next season.  Let's just all cross our fingers for an injury-free year.  Had he played more his grade would've been a solid "B".

Moochie - "B+"  Rudy snatched him out of the CBA late in the season, which almost caused him to receive an "Inc", but he played in 30 games, so I'll make that the minimum in order to qualify for a grade.  He was advertised as a scorer and ended up being quite a creator as well, averaging 3.1 assists in only 16.7 minutes of playing time, good for 2nd best on the team.  He also stole the back up role right out from under Drew, without the benefit of a pre-season or training camp or nothing.

Bullard - "C"  I may be a little tough on Bull, but I think he's just way too one dimensional.  He did shoot well from the 3-pt line and FT line, but that's why he's still on an NBA team.  Every other aspect of his game is lacking.

Drew - "C -"  Almost got a D+, but when he did get the chance to start, he played well.  Too bad for him Steve Francis is the starter and he's the backup.  He never did seem comfortable coming off the bench.  To tell you the truth if he can't figure out how to be a back up, I don't think he'll last long in the NBA.  His career .378 FG% just won't allow it.  Rumor has Drew leaving as part of a trade, hopefully somewhere where he can get more minutes and develop his game.

Miller - "B -"  Here's a guy that makes the most of his talent.  He's not fast.  He's not a good shooter, but he hustles just as much as any other player on the team.  4.7 rebounds in less than 14 minutes is pretty darn good.

Gray - "D+"  I gave him a plus, because I feel bad for him.  When I saw him play I just couldn't believe he was actually in the NBA.  His grade is more for effort than production.  I don't think he'll be back

Massenburg - "Inc."  That must've been one heck of a groin injury.  I don't think he'll be back. (Right again.  Massenburg has signed with the Vancouver Grizzlies.)