I envision James getting lots of open 3s as a trailer coming up the court when Westbrook gets a rebound and pushes it
You could say the same about us re being good on paper. I think you're talking about the 2 or 3 best teams. I'm talking about whether the Jazz are in contention for a top 2 or 3 regular season record, which I think they are capable of, just as much as they're capable of being the 7th seed.
Power plan for Sefolosha Most of Thabo Sefolosha’s playing time in the Rockets’ second preseason game came at power forward. This was not an experiment. It is the plan. A 6-foot-7 small forward through most of his 13-year career, Sefolosha will likely work as a backup power forward behind P.J. Tucker and possibly Danuel House Jr., depending on House’s playing time at small forward. “He’ll play a four,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If he plays, it will be (as) a four. We’ll have Danuel House and Gerald (Green). Three is pretty loaded with Eric (Gordon) and everybody else. That (power forward spot) will be Sefolosha’s spot. “Thabo looked good. Just his energy and smartness, he played really well.” Sefolosha, who made 40.7 percent of his 3-pointers the past two seasons with the Utah Jazz, took just one shot, a 3 that he missed. But he had four rebounds and a pair assists, including one on a nice pass to set up a Tyson Chandler dunk when he attacked a closeout. Sefolosha’s shooting range is no longer the novelty at the power forward spot it once was with the Rockets in particular keeping a shooter at the position at all times. But if that takes away some of the advantage that once came when power forwards had to defend at the 3-point line, it does make the transition easier. “It’s just a matter of learning to play a different position,” Sefolosha said. “As the camp is going along, I’m feeling more and more comfortable with everything we’re trying to do offensively and defensively. I’m pretty comfortable at this spot. “It seems like everybody knows that people can shoot. It’s four guys outside and one closer to the paint. I think I’m moving enough. I know teams like to switch. I’m picking my spots to offensive rebound, just take advantage of what the defense gives us.”
I don't like this. He is too little to play there. MDA is a great coach but he only thinking offense. I would rather he designate Clark as a main backup to PJ at PF position.
If Clark can't hit his 3's, no amount of defense, rebounding, smart plays, and intangABILTY is going to get him on the court. That's why you see him in preseason hoisting up 3s when he gets the ball. MDA is frustratingly stubborn
So are you. When it comes to D'Antoni. Clark needs to earn his minutes, Thabo is better right now. Not even a discussion.
When Clark was playing well last year, MDA benched him because he had one disastrous game as a rookie. Imagine if MDA just continued to play Clark, and he continued to improve, maybe Rockets don't need to play 35 yr old Thabo at PF. Other coaches just throw Rookies into the fire. Doc played his young players (out of necessity, but still) and now some of their youngsters are rotation players.
I am a Clark fan, loved his FA signing last season. But Clark needs to earn his minutes, the more competition, the better. Iron sharpens iron, the ring is the goal. Thabo backs up Tucker at the 4 right now because he is better. Period. Age be damned.
First off, I wanted Thabo here in the worst way. he's one of the swingmen we needed. Fantastic pick up. But, this is the thing I worried about. I agree he should play SOME four. Not exclusively though. By playing him there all the time you lose the advantage when he's guarding 2 or 3's. And it obviously creates an exploitable disadvantage. Sefolosha is very reminiscent of Ariza, so I get it. But, we STILL need another bigger/longer swing man. I know I sound like a broken record. It IS a hole in our lineup though. Both defensively and ON THE BOARDS.
