Assuming DMo comes back ok, I'm having a hard time finding a hole on this team. i guess my main concern is defense. Assuming Josh ends up starting (or playing starter level minutes), you've got Harden pretty well surrounded with quality defenders. We probably need another quality defensive big, as I don't trust Harrell or TJones right now. Capela moving to a more limited role will be good for him, but that means we need someone else to give us 25+ minutes. I'm also just a little concerned with our backcourt defense, though I think a shortened playoff rotation will help that. Speaking of the playoff rotation, I feel pretty good about the following: Beverley / Lawson Harden / Ariza / Brewer Smith Dwight with Terry, Thornton and Capela in complimentary roles. Again, I hope DMo comes back full strength, as that would alleviate a lot of my concerns about the front court. The only other change I could see is just a talent bump somewhere, ie Avery Bradley instead of Beverley. Melo over Ariza. Etc. But then how much chemistry do you sacrifice? I think the ultimate answer is that we need this team to gel like it never has before. You might be able to add one more piece, but the overall talent level isn't going to change much. If I were the Rockets, I'd try to work a 3 team trade for Marvin Williams.
I kinda get the feeling that, as much as this seems laughable at the moment, it may end up coming to fruition. The Rockets may start to click and gel at just the right time...whereas the Warriors have been playing at such a high level for so long that they could hit a wall. I think only the Spurs and Rockets have a LEGIT shot at beating GS in a 7 game series.
I seriously wouldn't regret trading for Markieff Morris. If Dmo is out Kieff can bring scoring and playmaking at the 4 along with Josh. And he also brings the pick and pop action for Ty to run with. Spacing, spacing, we need more shooting still. Kieff would be a last resort if we cant get anyone else. And no he wont ruin team chemistry as he practiced with the team in the offseason.
We will win more games with Smith and everyone back from injuries, no doubt. But this team will never be in the finals or win a championship unless James Harden CONSISTENTLY plays defense, quits being a ball stopper, lessens turnovers and stops playing ISO hero ball.
Beautiful ball movement. Defense still needs improving but I never thought there would be a day where I would be saying that Josh Smith adds chemistry to a team. The whole idea is just ludicrous. The only way Smith excels is with a players only coach. The only system that he thrives in is ours. Look at his numbers and his bone headed numerous plays and you'd make the same conclusion as I did. He jacks up threes early in the clock and bricks them. We won't be missing much if he leaves. But oh BOY, I'm now happy when he shoots a 3 because it won't be another of Brewer's/Jones/Ariza/Harden's clunkers. When the dude gets it going to the rim and playing elite D - he disrupts loads of pnR s and lobs at the rim like he did tonight. Josh Smith came in last year and the argument was that we were already a good ball movement and defensive team. Ariza was clunking way too many 3s and playing way too many minutes. I never realised he changed the dimension of this team by this much. If this play keeps up then you need to give him Brewer's contract.
Win or lose I still think the Rockets are without a doubt second best in the league and I think talent wise they have what it takes to win it all.
Ive been saying this since last year. Poorman's Draymond Green..seriously only 1M in salary. The offense just flows
