LOL, is that a joke? He's one of the worst defenders on the roster, of all the reasons he might end up the starter, defense isn't one of them.
I hope for our rotation is this. TJones as the starter. Plays for 25-30mpg. High energy, improved defense. DMo as backup 4/5, hopefully lots of backup 5 should his defense improve. Plays 20-25mpg Papanikalaou as the small ball 4 in spurts. Preferably 20mpg split between 3/4.
Although I agree that TJ is the most likely starter, Adrien shouldn't be so easily dismissed as a realistic option as some are suggesting. If rebounding truly is McHale's priority from his starting PF, Adrien appears to be the superior option. Last season, Jones' TRB% (total rebounding percentage) was 14.1% and 18.5% on the defensive side, where we struggled most. Adrien, however boasted a TRB% of 18.2% and a DRB% of 24.8% which aren't far off from Dwight's percentages of 20.1% and 27.9%. These numbers for Adrien are fairly consistent over his career as he holds averages of 17.2% and 23.3%, respectively. Adrien may be best suited as a hustle player off the bench, but he could get a real look in the starting lineup. However, if Jones can just show improvement is his rebounding, my argument is moot. There is also the issue of floor spacing, and while Adrien has been working on his jumper (from what I've seen) there's no certainty he'll be able to space the floor enough for our stars. I'm hoping Jones (along with D-Mo) continues to make strides throughout the year as he could be the difference maker in Houston's success.
I agree with everything you said about DMo but I think the problem is the rockets are asking him to do things which aren't strengths (I.e shoot 3s). DMo needs to be a high post player.
dobro, Last year we thought Love, Millsap, Thad Young or some other veteran would come and take over that spot. Did not happen We have again limited choices as a starter. TJ has it for now.
Dorsey will be used situationally. some nights ten min then some nights zero. just whenever need a big guy to bang down there. be physically. get boards. blocks.
dmo has an awesome face up game and aoft touch around basket like Yao did. he also laks aggressiveness like Yao come to think of it. (when Yao first started out) dmo also is inconsistent with outside shot and overall games as you mentioned. if he could put it together then yes he would be the future 4
Probably because he did not do everything well enough except for shotblocking. Shotblocking is part of the defensive game so in that area he is not too shabby.
TJ brings blocking and hustle. We've seen him come into games and, as 1 man, completely shift the momentum back to the rockets. Blocking and hustling after the ball is D to me. He made rookie mistakes last year. He'll get over them. Is he Aldridge or Griffin? No. But he's better than the 2Pats, Thad Youngs of the league. And he's young and showing rapid improvement. I like how he's got the handles of a PG. Guy can seriously ball. Remember he was a tall, T-Mac-esque PG for his high school team before a growth spurt. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2rho-4WvBLo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/j6veGg_pQAA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I wouldn't sleep on Jeff Adrien IMO. Would like to see DMO getting some minutes at the 5 spot this upcoming season.
I'm surprised D-Mo still has supporters for the starting nod. It's obviously Jones - I think with no roster changes he could easily put up 15 and 8 all season.
I actually like Adrien. He brings toughness, rebounding, hustle and some brains despite being undersized. Having said that I would go with this rotation: PF: TJ / Adrien C: Howard / DMO The best big man in Europe Dorsey should not see time unless one of the above goes down. Rather have DMo play back up 5 than Dorsey. Let's face it, there aren't too many back up 5's bigger than DMo. That way he can have some actual post ups and at least we have a scoring option in the low post for our 2nd unit instead of relying on perimeter jumpers.
