After listening to Hardens interview with Stephen A I wonder how much he is driving the decision to not play Hart. Harden wants to play with vets and Dantoni is known for that too so it works for both.
I'm pretty sure a lot of very tall athletes have that issue due to having to constantly hunch their necks in environments with low ceilings and clearances. From what I have seen, it has gotten a lot better ever since he's joined the Rockets, hopefully continues to get better.
There's the best argument yet for giving him some burn now. We might need his contributions off the bench come playoff time.
I don't think "might" enters into it. We need a 3rd 5. Nene is probably toast, Tyson is terrific as Capela's backup, if he can stay healthy, but he can't stay with the quicker centers, especially the ones who can draw him out on the perimeter. Certainly not for any length of time. Maybe in spurts, depending on who it is. The playoffs will be an even tougher test for Tyson's stamina. He's 37. How I wish he was 4 or 5 years younger, but he isn't. So we need a good read on just how good Hartenstein would be as our 3rd center. Last night was an excellent start, but he needs some serious minutes to prove it wasn't a fluke, and to improve the areas where he needs improvement. Clearly, playing good stretches of minutes will improve his confidence, likely improve his play, and tell us what we need to know. I think part of those clumsy moments he has on the court comes from lack of time playing at this level. At least I hope so. Last night was an eye opener. We need to see more.
I mean, Gary probably hasnt shown anything in practice and I know for sure he was disappointing in Summer League. Hartenstein has dominated in the G-League, and hes done fairly well whenever he's played. Gary just hasnt done enough to prove it. Its not just him not getting a shot on the court, its him not proving himself when hes had time.
Toyota Center gives away some free merch for attendees. Westbrook bobbleheads...etc If iHart takes off, they could give away free mini radios/speakers with Rockets logo. Be called iHart Radio.
Harty should be the backup for Capela in games Chandler is sitting out. MDA can do better than that, but that's the very minimum irt to playing time for the young center. So many of our young guys blossom once they leave us because they are not given proper opportunities to develop. Harty has dominated the D-League, which means he has at least potential. Need to develop that potential.
Fair enough, but still playing him 3 minutes made no sense imo, and Hartenstein would've been still glued to the bench if it wasn't for Capela getting injured, McLemore also played like trash until he had one good game but he still got plenty of minutes so, i don't know what's the reasoning behind Mike's decision, maybe Clark sucks really bad in practice or maybe Mike just doesn't like him.
Couldn't find last nights highlights video on youtube for Hartenstein but here is the nba video box score if anyone wants to see his rebounding.
I think we'll know for sure by how much Hartenstein plays, I dont think there is any reason not play him anymore, than we'll really find out if Mike is just too stubborn. Harty deserves to play, Gary.....well...will put him as a question mark for now, I for one dont have faith but i would love to be wrong.
