Yea, I hope no one thinks he's a good defender. That's the primary reason he wasn't getting minutes with Brooklyn and it is known that it was why. It has also been a complaint his whole career, not a smart defender but he has the effort at least. He's not going to learn defense now since he hasn't been able to his whole career, so just have to take him for what he is.
It’s interesting that they felt more comfortable with Faried at the 4 than they did about promising those minutes to Morris. I think that they have to try it out and see if Faried can consistently shoot the 3. If he can and they can create a massive rebounding and energy advantage, then it might be enough to beat the warriors this season. The energy and hustle aspect might be the most important one against the warriors. It can really frustrate hot heads. With Green and Cousins frustrated the wheels can come off and the Rockets can finally have the ref advantage as well.
When are you guys going to learn? We've been through this with Melo. You can't start a defensive negative player with James Harden starting too. Faried is great for the bench. If he can hit 3's at 33% or more, then h's a better version of Kief.
What we learned with Melo is that you can’t start an offensive and defensive negative player who also doesn’t hustle or rebound and thinks he’s still a superstar. I get the argument for bringing Faried off the bench, but I don’t see any similarities between him and Melo.
In 14 games with the Rockets, Faried is averaging career highs in: mp (29.5) pts (16.0) rbs (9.9) FG% (.609) 3PT% (.455) FTA (4.1) PER (23.0) TS% (.634)
They are not similar players, but they have a common trait which has always had the same fate throughout the James Harden era. Whether it's Melo or Faried or Anderson, this team cannot have a defense worthy of a championship contender with a net negative defender on the floor with James Harden. That player would have to give enough value in other areas such that we would trounce the Warriors at everything but defense. That's not going to happen with Faried imo. Proud of the guys for pulling the W out with heart, but with that line up they will eventually do to us what we did to Cousins. It's just that Kerr is stubborn and not as good as MDA.
Faried and Tucker worked great last nite vs the Warriors. Kudos. But like I said, the key part is the intelligence. Faried didn't have breakdowns defensively like he did in previous games. Will be interesting to see if they do this more moving forward or if it just is something that works best vs GSW.
No, no. Just that you realized you were wrong and admitted it like an actual human being. If Holic is ever wrong, I would hope he could do the same.
Whew thanks...I was starting to rethink my life being in the same sentence as a guy who worships at the altar of skip bayliss schtick!
I'm going to miss your posts Apache. I'm glad that you're my friend. You're right we need size, athleticism and defense. I do think we can beat the Nuggets if we are healthy. Portland is not a great matchup for us, but they aren't a great defensive ball club, so they are beatable. OKC and GSW are better than us, so are the Raptors, and Bucks/ Sixers. Expecting MCW and even Ennis to be difference makers was naive. Shumpert is a buyout type. Morey gave up too much to move Knight. I hope you'll change your mind..
Guys, it’s over. D’Antoni already pulled the plug. You will never see Faried start at PF again. I promise you.
