http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/22709/hamiltons-impact-on-houstons-rotation Also checked the stats between Hamilton and Parsons. In their first two seasons, Hamilton actually did better in advanced stats(better PER) and he's a couple years younger as well. Be prepared to see more steal/rebound/block from Hamilton based on the past stats. Looks like Hamilton is always very good, and Morey knows what he's getting.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/Grades-140220/trade-grades-trade-deadline-buzzer-beaters Interesting idea to use Hamilton as stretch 4.
My slight concern is we may not be able to resign him after the season. I guess we don't have his bird right?
Nah, it's more so the other way around. He's just struggled all season with his scoring that he's had to try to make up for it by playing hard at the other end. He's not exactly a defensive stopper or spark off the bench.
The stretch 4 idea is interesting, because Hamilton is one of the top defensive rebounders at wing position, if not the best one. Also Barnes played as stretch 4 pretty well in last year's playoff.
Trading for Hamilton was a signature move of Morey. Hamilton was underutilized due to a glut of wings in Denver. However he put up great numbers in a very limited role. That is very difficult to do in the NBA because if a player is in for a couple of 5 minute stretches in a game they are going to be the last option offensively for the team. Hamilton or Granger? Hamilton or Granger? Well Morey made his decision and I believe it was the right one.
Of course there's sample size and perception, but purely by PER Hamilton is better than both Branes and Parsons in their respective age...Reminded me of the Lowry signing. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...re-drummond-part-stars-deserving-more-minutes This is from a few months ago, but it's scary to put him in the same class as Drummond and Hensen as one of 5 breakout candidates from statistical perspective.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets...ily-regaining-control-of-his-nba-career/9708/ Article about Hamilton's time in Denver. I think he'll stay in Houston. Harden also knew him a little from their days growing up in LA
That explains why he's regressed a little in Denver this season, and looks like he's indeed an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Isn't Barnes supposedly a great defender? I don't know whether Hamilton's a good defender or not. But he probably isn't that good if he can't get minutes, especially given the dearth of "3 and D" players in the NBA. We should because he came via trade. But players like Hamilton are a dime a dozen. No need to worry if he blows up and get a big contract elsewhere. Morey certainly has never had trouble finding role players.
He's played well enough so far that not only should he take all of Casspi and Garcia's minutes, he could take some of Parson's minutes too. That would be great if it happens, would put pressure on Parsons to focus more on defense.
Not the finest advanced stat around but Harrison Barnes RAPM this season: -2.8 offense, -0.5 defense. D-Mo, even after a horrible start is +0.5 on defense. So no, Barnes is not a great defender.
I wonder what kind of money he'll fetch. $3-4 million? I think at $3 million per he'd be a great guy to have.