Morey: "McHale will experiment with Asik at C and Dwight at PF"

let's see it this way:
it's the same team from last season: Asik, Parsons, Harden, Lin
just replace the power forward position: Smith/Jones/DMo with Howard.
i can't imagine it won't improve with DH12 replacing our PFs.

we don't have problem scoring. it was defense that separate this team from elite teams.

and i don't agree the comparison of Howard/Pau, i think it'll be more like a upgraded Perkins/Ibaka.

 

Still need to get one of those guys out on the high arc, shooting consistent jumpers.

 

If Asik fouls out the Rockets are **** outa luck. Their defense goes from top 6 to bottom 3 when neither Howard nor Asik is on the floor.

Asik is already good at the P&R. The problem is that when Howard is on the floor Asik will be met by a very big man well before he gets to the rim.

Having either Howard or Asik on the court at all times will be critical. Both on the floor together is a huge offensive negative. Have you understood nothing that I have said?

In the playoffs many of the most dangerous teams (OKC, MIA etc.) feature offensive rotations that will take either Asik or Howard out to the 3 point line and keep them there. They will tend to be non-factors in the defense. Therefor the offensive liabilities will overwhelm the defensive positives, yielding a very ineffective Rockets team. Is that complicated?

However, there are of course situational oppertunities if playing MEM or IND.

 

I remember when people doubted that Olajuwon could play along side of Ralph Sampson. The 'experiment' was called the twin towers. It is pretty standard now.

 

This experiment is only happening because of how pathetic the Rockets are at PF. It's a sign of weakness more than anything else.

Neither Dwight nor Omer can guard any PF with a dimes worth of offense. Opposing teams will pull Dwight away from the basket and run him around, which is a big waste for the Rockets. The last thing you need is your best paint protector chasing smaller guys on the perimeter. Who gives a care that Dwight played some PF early in his career. He's now 30-40 lbs heavier and slower.

On offense, neither guy can score effectively outside of 5-6 feet and they will get in each other's way. My guess is Asik will try to set perimeter picks and allow Dwight to dwell in the low block. Rockets will have to figure out a way for Omer to punish teams for doubling Dwight. Good luck with that as Dwight definitely isn't the best passer in the world.

For the Rockets to be their best, they have to get a legit starting PF. Some of you have drunk the Kool Aid on D-Mo but that ship ain't sailing for at least a couple of years.

IMO, it's 50/50 Asik is traded before the season and 95% he's gone by the trade deadline. Morey will pull the trigger when the right deal is on the table.

 

I like your comments. In the first scenario, Howard would still likely be playing at the 5, because this is his natural position. Asik and Howard will certainly be stretched out for sure, but the other 4's are not ready to start.
My hope is that Jones may get better on defense. I feel Asik will do a fairly decent job on defense,as a 4. He can also pass the ball in the paint to Howard.
I acknowledge that this is not an ideal situation by any means.

 

The PF who can grasp defensive rotations first and hit the 3 point shot will be the starter. The wonderful thing is that is all the Rockets need from their PF. It truly is not a critical problem for the Rockets. And who knows who will be available at the trade deadline.

That being said, D-Mo interests me most. His low post game is already well above league average, and he has shown that he functions well there with Asik. I think that it is his to lose.

 

Translation : donatas and terrence are not as talented as the rest of our rotation players.

 

You might take it that way. But given the job description what are the other young candidates for the job? Parsons?

Defense and 3 point shooting from a PF. If they were plentiful most teams would be running the stretch four.

 

Correct. It also means that Greg Smith isn't starter material either.

 

Not Chandler Parsons.

 

I think people are interpreting this as Asik and Howard will both start at the same time. IMO Asik still comes off the bench but plays maybe 10 minutes or so a game with Howard.

I believe Asik can hit the long jumper when called to do so and keep the defense honest. However after watching Gasol and Bynum shut the paint down and gobble up rebounds during the Lakers last championship run, I really want to see this tried out.

Two elite rebounders and defenders on the floor simultaneously...drool

 

That is why NBA coaching staffs get paid the big bucks. They can interpret things us amateurs have no hope of seeing.

 

I would think 6 minutes together over the season. Not unreasonable. You do understand that Gasol playing with Bynum and Howard effectively delivered him into oblivion? When he won his rings he certainly was a top 3 center in the league. Take away his low post because the center cannot stretch the floor and he is just another player. Probably worse awaits a Howard - Asik combo because neither one can hit a shot outside of 5 feet.

 

Le me break it down a little more. Howard at 6'11 265lbs would have trouble defending smaller more agile PF's.
Dwight Howard is not a PF. Still, it's good to see them try.

 

Go back and look at the moniker of the cat I was replying to.

 

LOL. I missed that. My bad.

 

I think, as for offense, Asik play 4, Howard play 5; As for defense, Asik play 5, Howard play 4. what do you think?

 

bye bye transition defense and offense.

 

.....and Asik/Howard will be a successful as the leagues best defensive frontcourt

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