Without question Rafer is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. This is something that should already be known.
Baron is playing right now on bad knees and a bad hamstring. If you watched the game you saw him get extended rest and limp down the court several times. However, the truth of the matter is very few players in the NBA can guard great NBA players head up. Battier was even worse then rafer in this series (except for the charges) and that is not defending Rafer. I agreed with Clutch when he said it was a team losing effort. I was really suprised to not see Battier up there because he let me down more then any other Rocket. He couldn't guard anyone and just was really ineffective. He went from a solid third player (and we have two superstars regardless of what people may want to say) for us needing one and him being a reliable fourth.
no but you give rafer 30-35 and actually have someone viable to come in off the bench then its another story. rockets werent going to win with kenny playing 40+ minutes.. they had to have someone come in behind him
wow old thread... anyway all you have to do is ask Smush parker and Tinsley how underrated Rafer's D is...
The teams defense was never in question, it was our offense that fell flat against Utah. We kept Utah under 100 most of the time, but failed to score 100 ourselves, thats why we lost. Duh. IBTL
30 is still too much for him. Additionally, kenny can shoot...rafer can't. Rafer should just play behind James and be the 15-20 minute backup.
