No team in their right mind would ever leave Tim Duncan wide open 14 feet from the basket. Howard and Asik's range is what, 6 or 7 feet? Just to put it in perspective Howard shot 69% of his shots at the rim last season while Asik shot 58% of his shots at the rim. And both shot terribly from outside of 3 feet. How many guys can play within 3 feet of the basket together?
For starters, Omer Asik and Greg Smith, as I pointed out before, but I think a better question is how many can't. I know for sure it ain't DEN, either, with a Kosta Koufos (62% at rim, 96% < 10 feet) and Kenneth Faried (63% at rim, 90% < 10 feet) starting front court for 81/80 games respectively last year. There has always been enough space for two bigs to operate close to the basket in the NBA. People tend to forget this fact these days with the advent of the jumpshooting bigs "redefining" their positions. A reliable jump shot for a big has always been a luxury, not a necessity. The only thing I would worry about is interior passing in case Howard demands a lot of post ups, but quite frankly, if Howard demands a lot of post ups, it ain't gonna help his passing much whether it's interior or kicking out to the perimeter on the opposite side.
I question if you actually watch games. Have you never watched the Spurs play and just look at their roster? Have you not watched how Duncan spreads the floor for Parker and Manu over the years? But even if you've never watched the Spurs play, going to BR and you'll see that Duncan attempted 845 jumpshots last season. Howard attempted 145. Asik attempted 82. You may see some discrepancies here.
Lol Exactly. Also why is it assumed that they both will just need to shoot outside the post? Give Howard the ball anywhere and he is taking it in one way or another. He isn't going to jump shot it. If he does Asik would just rebound it.
Are you sure that you are not confusing the incredible depth and defense of the Denver lineup with the success of 2 at the rim players? Player Min +/- Off Def Net48 W L Win% Iguodala 69% +380 1.11 1.05 +6.6 52 27 65.8 Gallinari 57% +333 1.12 1.05 +6.9 50 21 70.4 Koufos 45% +300 1.12 1.03 +7.9 49 28 63.6 Lawson 63% +280 1.12 1.07 +5.3 45 25 64.3 Faried 56% +220 1.11 1.06 +4.7 48 30 61.5 A.Miller 54% +206 1.10 1.06 +4.6 51 28 64.6 Chandler 27% +178 1.13 1.05 +7.9 28 14 66.7 Brewer 50% +154 1.11 1.07 +3.7 47 32 59.5 McGee 36% +66 1.09 1.08 +2.2 43 32 7.3 Fournier 10% +59 1.11 1.03 +6.6 16 18 47.1 And you do realize that you have to factor in the altitude advantage of playing in the Mile High City, currently valued at +12 games a year?
Actually this whole discussion is completely missing the point. What is perhaps the most important part of the Rockets offense? The dribble drive penetration of course. Harden and Lin depend on it for about 43% of their points last season. How are their lanes open with both the defensive PF and the Center defending the lane? When did dribble drives occur most frequently last season? When Asik was offset 8 feet on the week side of the basket and the PF and everyone else were guarded out at the 3 point line. This tactic yielded 2 and 3 gap driving lanes. If Asik in the lineup is there any way to clear the center out of the lane?
Lol Asik can go out and set a pick or who knows maybe run around like a chicken with its head cut off and while the players stand around watching him Lin actually goes in and finishes at the basket. Then the best part is Asik and Howard gets back and closes their driving lanes down. Have the best defense in the league...possibly. Got the best then play the best. We had one of the best offenses in the NBA last year and now we may have the best defense along with an improved offense.
Howard + Asik Line really depends on the opponent. if we are playing against bad shooting teams, then it will be a good idea, but teams like miami who has multiple 40% 3pt shooters, then it wont work...
Lol Why not? They live by the 3 then die by the 3 like any other team. Close their lanes down and they are not nearly as effective.
