There is nothing in his history that suggests stubbornly playing his starters heavy minutes is going to benefit him in the long run. Key players get injured at the worst times, and he ends up playing the remaining key players even more. It's a freaking domino effect, and I don't know how long it's going to take for someone to finally call his bullshit out. It's not even like the bench has been struggling. They've been producing and going on runs, and then D'Antoni just ends up yanking them always too soon. I'm frankly sick of this. Chris Paul's out. Eric Gordon's out. Who knows when the hell Ennis' hamstring will be fine? Someone else will get likely injured one of these next two games, and Harden will end up playing 38-40 minutes. I know that we should all be happy with these wins and Harden's streak right now, but I'm much more focused on the long term and championship chances. This **** is unsustainable. /Rant
i feel like he has probably felt he had to since the rockets were in a hole. the bench didnt play well early, MCW was found to be unplayable, cut melo, and we can't stay healthy. so he will run james into the ground to stay afloat. hopefully we can get everyone back by february. we just have to hope guys can hold up until then.
I think at times MDA sticks too hard to his rotation schedule and probably forces substitutions according to schedule when starters might be able to get a slightly longer rest. But lets be honest - our bench has not been very good, and the games where they've performed really well have been rare (I thought they really were flowing against the Thunder and were pulled unnecessarily, and did well against the Pelicans too).
I agree. The bench can help Harden now. Last game, against the Pelicans, the bench was rolling and MDA still brought Harden in at the 8 minute mark. Harden could have gotten a lot of rest.
yeah he has this rigid/strict substitution patterns based on primarily schedule. no in game substitution adjustments whats so ever unlike pops/nurse/etc who's substitutions are primarily based on sched but also takes into consideration a variety of factors who's hot, the score, momentum, match ups, etc
You guys really don't have a sense of the long term, do you? Let's keep forcing Harden to exert a lot of energy and physical effort to score most of the team's points because it's so cool and fun.
Harden can score 0 as long as the Rockets win. Rest for Harden is paramount. I would much rather he rest than get 40.
Well, tonight is a different night. EGo and CP3 out.. I'm really surprised how you're failing to grasp the concept of resting Harden when you don't need him. I'm disappointed in you, Os. I expect more from you. Squeeze as much rest out of a good bench run as much as possible..
