Rockets plan to pick up options on Jones and Motiejunas

DRB% was one of the main things holding our defense back last season.

 

jeff adrien is offended

 

The NBA isn't a developmental league.

 

Well Jones is one of the worst defenders on the team so it's pretty clear that it was a message for him to step his game up or be passed up by the 7 footer who plays much better technical defense. Rebounding and avoiding fouls is the only thing DMo really needs to improve on to ensure Jones comes off the bench.

 

Definitely. I'd be interested to see some stats on 2nd chance points allowed.

 

I don't understand how d-mo isn't a good rebounder.

 

Thing is, without Parsons, we're going to need (and appreciate) Jones' offensive contribution more than last season.

 

It's because he flops on contact rather than fight through for the rebound.

 

Ariza averages almost as many PPG as Parsons... so it won't be that much different.

 

Just a clear cut message to Jones pushing him to step his all around game up. This is the 2nd year in a row that Jones has taking the job from D-Mo. Rookie season D-Mo was playing some meaningful minutes and ended up at the end of the bench. Last season D-Mo had a great shot at starting once Asik went down and he didn't deliver.

Now this competition thing could be a blessing. Would be nice to have a one two punch at PF.

 

Fair call. But as a coach isn't it his responsibility to set the plays, work out the oppositions floors and exploit them and improve on both the teams and the players weaknesses in training?

 

Hopefully Jones bulked up his lower body strength so he can hold his ground fianlly (assuming he has learned how to box out over the summer).

 

Don't know if it's more as a clear message to Jones as Morey is going to possibly shop one of them by showcasing them this season for a more proven player. One of them are bound to play more consistently this year...right?

 

Not really in my opinion. All the positions are an open competition every year. It's just that the PF position is the only position where there is even a remote chance that a starter from last year could lose their job.

Also, McHale is just trying to keep everyone happy right now. He knows that DMo would be unhappy if he was already being viewed as a second or third stringer.

I suppose there is a chance that McHale may want a rotation that has Jones playing with the second unit. Jones is clearly the better player at this point, but Jones may be needed to help prop up the second unit.

 

Are you blind then?

 

How often do you play basketball?

 

I really don't understand who in their right mind (besides coach) would think Dmo actually has a chance at starting. This is not motivation it's demotion.

 

If you wanna answer the question, then answer it and keep the pretentious questions to yourself.

 

Just my opinion....lets see what happens. SMH

 

Well if Jones learned how to play defense in the off-season and upped his game in a few other areas then the job will certainly be his, but as it stands, DMo is the better defender and he is a better fit next to Howard.