Post by Houston Jets on May 1, 2015 18:17:46 GMT -5
May 1 2015 7:18 PM EST
Houston Jets set to take flight
By Cliff Brunt
AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON (AP) There appears to be some light in Houston. After Spreadsheet-Gate, there was much backlash from the rest of the league and much debate about if there was going to be a sale of the team, or if there'd even be basketball at the Toyota Center this year. The answer is that there will.
Granted, it will come with controversy. Many think that a sale should've happened and that the Jets would be better off with a new regime. There will also be sanctions and a mandatory probation period coming forth, but JBA commissioner James Flint does agree that he deserves a second chance. "If LeBron got a second chance then so can he" said Flint in a meeting held with other league owners Thursday night.
One thing that the Jets do have going for them is their potential title-contending team. They are currently tied for the best record in the Western Conference, having gone 6-4 so far. Led by legendary scorer Rick Dutton, the team has significantly improved. "When I first took over here, we were coming off a season where we finished last in the league. I wanted to change the culture and attitude here", the Jets owner said. "With the team we have here now, we have a chance to win in a very competitive conference. I'm satisfied with everyone we have here and I'm looking forward to the journey".
The way they got here, however, has brought on some heat. They made an unprecedented amount of trades during the offseason and created a team that is one of the most balanced in the league. They are so deep, in fact, that they can even get away with having Wayne Ames come off the bench. They did have to forfeit a great deal of draft picks, though. So many that they don't even have a pick for several years. This has caused a new mindset, going from a rebuilding team with low expectations to one that has the pressure of being in win-now mode. "We can handle it", said Dutton at team facilities Friday afternoon. "We have some guys in here that have been here before and knows what it takes. We're still getting the chemistry down, but we'll learn as we go. I'm confident in this group".
As for how they will reload the team as the seasons go by while having a lack of draft picks, the Jets general manager said that he will use creativity when trying to keep up to date. "We know how the system works. We like our situation and we like that we will keep our core around for another three years. We can make some moves if we have to, but I don't think we'll have to for a while with this group" he said chuckling with the last part.
So with their team now assembled, Jets nation will now be looking for results. Step one is making the playoffs, something they haven't been able to do yet in franchise history. If the playoffs ended today, Houston would be tied for first place in the West but would have the 3rd seed based on tiebreakers. They have a good team and will get even better as the season goes on. It's time for the Jets to take flight.
Houston Jets set to take flight
By Cliff Brunt
AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON (AP) There appears to be some light in Houston. After Spreadsheet-Gate, there was much backlash from the rest of the league and much debate about if there was going to be a sale of the team, or if there'd even be basketball at the Toyota Center this year. The answer is that there will.
Granted, it will come with controversy. Many think that a sale should've happened and that the Jets would be better off with a new regime. There will also be sanctions and a mandatory probation period coming forth, but JBA commissioner James Flint does agree that he deserves a second chance. "If LeBron got a second chance then so can he" said Flint in a meeting held with other league owners Thursday night.
One thing that the Jets do have going for them is their potential title-contending team. They are currently tied for the best record in the Western Conference, having gone 6-4 so far. Led by legendary scorer Rick Dutton, the team has significantly improved. "When I first took over here, we were coming off a season where we finished last in the league. I wanted to change the culture and attitude here", the Jets owner said. "With the team we have here now, we have a chance to win in a very competitive conference. I'm satisfied with everyone we have here and I'm looking forward to the journey".
The way they got here, however, has brought on some heat. They made an unprecedented amount of trades during the offseason and created a team that is one of the most balanced in the league. They are so deep, in fact, that they can even get away with having Wayne Ames come off the bench. They did have to forfeit a great deal of draft picks, though. So many that they don't even have a pick for several years. This has caused a new mindset, going from a rebuilding team with low expectations to one that has the pressure of being in win-now mode. "We can handle it", said Dutton at team facilities Friday afternoon. "We have some guys in here that have been here before and knows what it takes. We're still getting the chemistry down, but we'll learn as we go. I'm confident in this group".
As for how they will reload the team as the seasons go by while having a lack of draft picks, the Jets general manager said that he will use creativity when trying to keep up to date. "We know how the system works. We like our situation and we like that we will keep our core around for another three years. We can make some moves if we have to, but I don't think we'll have to for a while with this group" he said chuckling with the last part.
So with their team now assembled, Jets nation will now be looking for results. Step one is making the playoffs, something they haven't been able to do yet in franchise history. If the playoffs ended today, Houston would be tied for first place in the West but would have the 3rd seed based on tiebreakers. They have a good team and will get even better as the season goes on. It's time for the Jets to take flight.