He is an important guy, the Rockets are 3-0 with him, here is why Stats are a bit over rated, when looking at impact. First 3 games. FG - 26% 3pt- 14% FT - 50% Reb - 4 Ast - 4 MPG - 24 Those numbers are HORRIBLE - yet, everyone can see how much of a difference he makes out there. The only thing that matters is 3-0.....but let's hope Josh improves just a little bit on his offense. DD
I've noticed our turnovers have gone way down with him in the lineup. I feel like Harden is confident passing him the ball and allowing him to make the correct play. Even if it's a bad shot at the rim it is better than a turnover.
I think his defense and energy was missed badly. I know people thought I was nuts when I said that losing him was going to hit us hard, but I could see this impact last year so clearly.
he played overall pretty bad tonight. and yet his defensive stop on anderson in crunchtime was crucial to this win
He left for less money - just a poor choice on his part, but what people don't realize is that it wasn't REALLY less money as any money he makes is deducted from his Detroit contract, so I think the difference is really negligible. DD
The biggest change I've noticed is the chemistry and bond seems better. Guys high fivin, running over to help up the down man, cheering on the bench. The man has brought life back to the team.
Good Post! We also need to keep in mind that he didn't play for a month and a half before he came back. I think his shooting percentage will go up. He just needs to make just enough three's to keep the defense honest.
I don't mind having Josh again. He brings legit Defense and nice passing. But there is no way to sugar coat his awful shooting.
He will find a groove on offense, just be patient. Everything else he brings as DD said is invaluable.
You hear Harden and others talk about all of little things he does. He's been branded a low IQ Bball player mainly because of his habit of jacking up long twos. But honestly I think he's a high IQ player. He always makes good passes and is in good position defensively. I noticed a couple of times in the Dallas game that when someone drove into the paint Smith would put a body on the rotating big and clear the lane for an unimpeded score. Stuff like that doesn't show on the stat sheet but I am sure his teammates notice.
The DaDakota jynx has been set. I remember how much he didn't want the Rockets to pick up Smoove last season.
As bad as he may shoot or just not have it, I can live with it. Wish he can get all of Terrence Jones's minutes.
