Good work, gone to a bit of trouble there, and great examples of Dwight's poor work setting screens. This team has so much work to do to put things right
This is what you got out of these images? What? The first one was a net positive: Dwight drew the help man (Sullinger). Dwight's roll did it's job, which lead to Thomas having to make a decision between guarding Jones or Terry at the 3 pt line. Not sure what you are complaining about here. Of course he wasn't doing anything in the second image. The Rockets were about to run a set, and Harden was attacking early. If you notice, Ariza was running off a Jones pick, and Terry was about to run off a Dwight pick, before Harden penetrated and clearing out. So, no, he should not have set a ball screen, and it was technically Harden deviating from the play call. These down screens are a common play ran by the Rockets. On the third image, congrats, Dwight made a mistake. Didn't know the standard was perfection for him. If he had taken a dribble and not tried to jump from an awkward angle, I think he would have dunked it. Let me just remind you of his athleticism: Spoiler <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MM-UMPg2ghY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Head was nearly at rim level on an alley-oop. It's not like people were worried about his waning athleticism last year on CF or something. Oh wait... sounds like a familiar complaint. The last image basically sums up why Lawson isn't working so well for the Rockets. There is a clear miscommunication on the first screen, and then Dwight works down to screen Thornton, in which he makes solid contact with the man, where Thornton is actually open. I see nothing wrong there. He thus goes back to screen for Lawson. Defenders are going under because they don't respect Lawson's shot, and spacing was lost because Ariza made an unnecessary backdoor cut, and Thornton also ran into the paint. Once again, not sure how you can blame Dwight on that. Try again. Also, if Dwight had such a low BB-IQ, there is not any way he would have such a defensive presence. In addition, realize that many people flop when Dwight actually makes contact with them on the screen.
I'd venture to say Dwight is noticeably less explosive than he was even last year, but we can disagree there. The first image, sure you can say Dwight "did his job" but he could have done it a lot better. If he would have delayed Harden's man more than zero, the pass to jones wouldn't have bounced because he would have had a better angle, which allowed the guy guarding Jones to go to the corner to contest. As for the second image, I think if Dwight had set a screen, it would have been a layup. But it would also have been a layup if Harden took a wider angle to the hoop. You can look at it either way, but Dwight did not free up Terry. Dwight and Harden ran into each other regardless, and its up to Dwight to adjust to the ball-handler. Here is what it comes down to, the difference between Dwight and Capela is when Capela is out there, he focuses on two jobs 1. Set Screens and Roll 2. Grab offensive rebounds. There are many instances where Dwight sometimes thinks he should be going down on the block to set up post position which ends up crowding the lane. I could have cut 20 gifs of Dwight Howard sucking on offense but really the numbers speak for themselves (and that's a lot of work.) We're a much better offensive team with Capela playing than Howard. You can defend Dwight all you'd. Maybe he's saving himself for the playoffs, but we're not paying someone the supermax to mail it in during the year and starting playing for real in the playoffs. But you can't tell me that you watch the games and think that they know what the hell they're doing on offense together. Harden and Howard have been together for 3 years now, and their PNR chemistry isn't very good. Another narrative that doesn't get a lot of play is how much we miss the Josh Smith PNR with Harden.
I can't see this working at all, sorry. A twin tower lineup would just crowd the lane. Maybe if one of them had an 18 footer.
Maybe it will not working. But now we know that the team is going nowhere this year with this roster and what was planned. As well try something new right away for a while (5-6 game). Let's not wait 60 or 70 games to understand what we already know.
I agree with everything else you said, but c'mon man it's clear he is not nearly as athletic as he was in his prime. IF he gets his steps right and there is no one around him he can still get up, but you must have a short memory if you think that this season's Dwight is anywhere near explosive as he was a few years ago. Dude got stuffed at the rim on consecutive possessions by Brook Lopez for crying out loud.
Debby downers said the exact doomsday predictions last year: look how smart they ended up. Sullinger rotated too quickly; in theory, the pass should have been made sooner. This is all theory, can we not see a positive play here? Rarely is there a play that is picture perfect. I would love to see some Rockets have the hustle Sullinger had running back out to Jones though. Of course Dwight didn't react, he's looking to screen Terry's man and not the ball. He's running the set. Is it expectation that Dwight will do what he wants on offense and not run a set play? And people criticize McHale for not running an offense... Here's what it comes down to: Dwight: best player on the Rockets when it's primetime. Capela: very promising backup center. I like the kid, I do, truly. What is a larger (and more important) sample size to you? I am asking this because I clearly am not changing your mind Cut the gifs all you want, but the analysis is still incorrect, and the sample size is too small. Other sources: Morey: "Frankly, the only player playing at a high level is Dwight Howard." Mchale: Dwight is the only one talking on defense. Whose fault is that, really? Hmm... maybe the guy that calls off the screens? We have years of clear evidence that Dwight has been elite in the PnR. SI has written numerous articles about if he refocused his post-up opportunities to PnR, he would have an even greater unparalleled contribution to the game. The issue is the guards, not him. No, the larger narrative is the 4/5 PnR with Smith and Howard. Jones has similar ability to do the 2/4 PnR like Smith, but cannot do the Smith/Howard connection we saw and loved last year. Am I saying that, or am I saying that he is still very athletic? Do you think he lost all that in a span of 5 months? Did everybody forget April and May? I just don't understand; athleticism doesn't disappear after 6 months of aging, the process is longer than that.
I do agree, the reason I was so excited for Dwight coming here was for the 2/5 PNR, but you also have to admit that despite clear evidence of him being elite at it in the past, he's always been reluctant to use it all the time as you stated. But it goes back to the broader point really, why don't we use it more? Why does Harden seem to like running it with Capela (who gets like 1.18 points per possession on it)? Why is Capela getting the rolls? Why does he score on 60% of his rolls? Is Capela doing something different than Howard (creating more space by not slipping screens, smarter at creating passing lanes, taking better angles) or is Harden simply reluctant to pass it to Howard? I would say Capela is doing something different/better before saying Harden has a vendetta against Howard, though either could be true. Look, I'm not necessarily saying we would be better with Capela than Howard, I'm really not sure of this yet. I'm really saying Howard isn't playing up to what we expect of him. 93 per 100 possessions with him on the floor isn't cutting it, small sample or not. Sure, one doesn't lose his athleticism in that span of time unless there is a new injury, or multiple injuries. Guess what he suffered multiple injuries to his back this year after April and May. It's certainly plausible these things contribute to his lacking athleticism. And for a guy who's entire career is predicated on elite athleticism, you can see his numbers suffering across the board, I don't know why anyone would try to deny this citing sample size. You're better off just saying, cut him some slack he's injured. But injuries aren't a good enough excuse for me anyway.
"One bright spot"...This mini break...The Rockets were off Sunday, Today and Tomorrow before playing Wednesday. As per rockets.com, it seemed they really worked on their shot mechanics and getting more confident running sets. Brewer, Thornton and Harden talked about feeling comfortable taking a shot. Perhaps they may have worked on a ton of game situation, catch and shoot drills (but nothing can simulate real game action). That being said, the Rockets MUST shore themselves with improved defensive intensity and commitment. You wont always have your shot, but defense is all about repetition and effort. Building good habits even in losses help over the long run. It really sucks that everyone on the team collectively couldnt shoot. I believe in Harden, Terry, Thornton to revert to their norms relatively soon...But players like Ariza, Beverley, Brewer, Jones and Lawson need to work shooting drills every practice session. Hoping these guys make it work...Or major changes will happen in December. GO ROCKETS!
Dwight really declined last year after the knee injury. He went all out and made some great plays in the postseason, but he was still a lot worse than he was against the Blazers two years ago from an athleticism standpoint, and he has taken another step down this year. Yes he is still athletic but he is getting stuffed right at the rim far more than he used to.
The amount of Howard post-ups has greatly decreased than when he first arrived. Now, it goes back to play-calling. Is it the coaches? Is Harden waving him off? Is Dwight lazy? Speculation, but the poor guard play has greatly affected one of Howard's strength, which is to seal deep post position after a pick and roll. One can see all these missed opportunities are starting to frustrate him as well. If I am not mistaken, Howard is more efficient this year than previous years with the Rockets. At this point, it's speculation, but the schism between the two players has been widely referenced. Also, one has to consider what a defense will try to take away. I believe their game plan is more worried about the Dwight lob, which leads to open shooters, than Capela, which would allow him more open opportunities. Case in point with the extreme Sullinger help. Correlation != Causation. Don't go all SaS and blame Dwight for McHale being fired either Backtrack much? Um... Is there any source that indicates that the recent back injuries will be permanent towards the lack of athleticism? He's not under the knife like in '12. He doesn't have any lingering knee issues either. The Rockets are just being cautious as heck. Pretty good choice I made last year. I think I'll take it again. Dwight has a history of showing up when it counts, unlike *many* others on this roster. Was he really? When you go back and watch, Dwight doesn't look to have lost any step between the playoff series. Seriously, how many Blake Griffin dunks did he block? Do you remember him getting blocked at all against Dallas? Don't let this beginning of the season fool the athleticism he displayed in a very recent May. He didn't average 27 points was because he was making the "ultimate sacrifice", and continued to have the offense revolve around Harden when he returned.
At least we agree Dwight hasn't shown up yet, but neither have the majority of our team. I hope he turns it on, I hope most of our team turns it on, Capela is out playing him now. We'll see how long it lasts.
It matters what one defines "showing up". I have clearly stated that I agree with what Morey stated that Dwight is the only Rocket playing well to start the season. But playing well is different than playing up the same level as "playoff Dwight", and there has been a clear difference between the two. But, no, there is still not a credible argument that Capela is outplaying him. Whenever he is matched up against a premier player like Gasol or BG, they have taken him to town. Did you forget Dwight's 23/14 on 10/10 shooting? Or his 20/20? Talk to me when Capela sniffs those numbers.
