ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Hornets 10/9/2007 (PRESEASON)

You're drawing a conclusion about the defense from what you saw last night? The Hornets had 36 points at the half and shot 35% for the game.

Also, too early to worry about small ball. The regular season version won't feature 19 minutes of Mike Harris, and nearly 10 apiece of Novak and Reed.

A lot of the action in Adelman's offense last night had the high-post player (regardless of position) screening as he moves down the paint and then to the weakside low block. That's easily accomplished by Deke or Butler.

Another set was a post up by Wells, McGrady or Scola with the one not posting making the entry pass. They ran this last night with Yao on the weakside.

They'll be fine without VG. Just have some patience.

 

I'm drawing a conclusion based on what I saw when Yao wasn't in the game. What was our defense like in the second half?

Teams that play small generally don't play good defense. That's what I saw yesterday, and it was expected. Golden State in the playoffs last year was a bit of an exception, but they had superior athletes and more size in the backcourt.

But I do expect we'll see Hayes or Scola at center, and Wells/McGrady/Battier at PF at lot. Rebounding and interior defense is a concern for me. Once Adelman goes to a real rotation in a couple weeks, I'll have a better idea.

I'm optimistic about the season, and I'm sure the offense will be much improved. I want to see how Deke/Butler fit in.

 

any word on Kirk Snyder?

 

that was a nasty fall, right on his tail bone.

 

Agreed with those cautioning not to get caught up in what happened last night: good or bad. For one, you can be sure McGrady will not go all out or press his shot in a preseason game.

I am with those that are down on Novak. Yes, he can drill 3s if given looks, but he offers nothing else on either end of the court. I can't picture him in the rotation at all. Pure specialists are good in the college game, but in the pros you're better off with versatility.

Both the offense and defense looked ragged. Yes we piled up a lead early, but it was scrappy. To be expected one week into preseason with so many new faces and a new system.

I think the motion offense will be formidable once we smooth things out. It actually looked a lot like a triangle offense at times, which would be a nice fit for the personnel - especially for shoot first guards like Steve and James. The one thing I fear is that this becomes a "three quarter" offense (like the Webber Kings) where it falls apart late in close games and in the postseason. Typically, you need to rely on unstoppable halfcourt sets to grind out and close out wins in high pressure games. The Dream shake off the block, the Stockton/Malone P&R, Duncan in the midpost, etc. The Webber Kings, Rasheed Blazers, (and often, the Drexler Blazers) collapsed because they never had this and it almost confusion down the stretch as to who would finish things off.

Hopefully, we won't have the issue with McGrady and Yao. But it's something I will keep an eye on. I want a dynasty, not paper champs.

Evan

 

I disagree. Bonzi is very effective on the low post. He usually creates major problems when posting up against the other team's guards or small forwards. I would like to see various players posting up (Yao, Bonzi, Scola...), not just Yao which is basically what we did all of last season, especially in the playoffs. Our offense this season will be vastly more creative with the new system and additional scoring threats.

 

Thanks for the insightful writing. This is also my concern. Hopefully, Yao and TMac can be the difference, as we all know they both can single-handed carry the whole team's offense.

 

i've had same worry since ra came in as our head coach. a good half court offense, especially relying on center and doing in-out, can survive playoff type tight defense. I don't know about motion offense. Hope yao will not regress from his strenght, low post moves.

 

No dude...

 

Was there a reason given as to why Francis played only around 5 mins this game?