As the Rockets were constructed last year, yes FVV was essential. Theoretically, he still is since KD is not a leader... but the opportunity afforded to Amen and Reed now is gold. With all the glowing comments about Reed in training camp, I really hope he turns it on and makes his way to the cemented starter. His spacing alone is very much needed. As for the playmaking? Well as long as we can get the ball past half court to dump into Alpi, then Alpi may be our point this year. His preseason looks great.
Fred did the little stuff and calmed them down alot. I went to alot of games and he was always talking to the young guys on the bench. You need someone like that when you need a floor general. Durant isnt that guy. Which is not a knock to him, but he never has taken on the role. Which I think losing Brooks also made worse with Fred out. Idk maybe Sengun can step up. Or maybe by middle of December, Jrue Holiday? Have to give up Fred and Eason. That's if the combo or Reed and Amen isn't working. I don't trust Reed. He needs time that we don't have with Durant.
I find these comments from Fred pretty interesting and pretty telling. Disagree with the tweet calling him an elite pg or whatever....was more interested in Fred's own words. Seems like one of the biggest things we miss from Fred is someone saying **** Ime and whatever hes got going.
“If we can't survive me being out, we ain't ****” “'F*ck Ime, come on, let's do this” Don’t make me like you Frederick “If we can't survive me being out, we ain't ****” … We ain’t **** confirmed. Someone alert Rafael Stone, Tardoka, and the Rockets media mouthpieces.
Am thinking it was more Brooks than Fred (as a player) that gave the Rockets their edge last season. Fred’s role is missed more than Brooks though. We see this when any true point guard gets consistent playing time. Amen is a wonderful player that can play the 1-4. He is NOT the answer as lead guard permanently going forward. This is not a question anymore => the answer is NO. It’s more than just shooting too. Fill-in for a few games, sure. Permanent?no. Sadly NOW we know. Not a waste though because there are 3 other possible options for him to find success at. It’s all about the fit.
This is pretty much how I felt any time people whined about having needing a 4th string backup PG prior to FVV's injury. The Rockets would still win plenty of games in the regular season such that only an injury that took out FVV for the playoffs or entire season would hurt. Worst case scenario happened. Rockets still are going to win a lot of games, but without a fultime starting PG, the Rockets look like toast headed to the playoffs. Reed does not look ready to be a fulltime starting PG on a contender. Maybe he will in a couple of weeks or next season. Rockets are probably going to need a PG next season, whether it be a healed FVV or someone else to either start or backup Reed and to play with Reed a lot of minutes.
