In the offseason I can see Morey going for Gallinari as SF/PF combo player but, right now the Rockets should be adding someone like Stephenson, Smith, any Chinese or D-League player that can defend a bit, hit the 3, and get the occasional rebound. Hard to find those types of players but, in the offseason we should be looking at those types of players to strengthen the team.
Definitely need to shore up the SF spot, need an insurance player. Whoever it is isn't going to be very good right now so imo the sooner we get them practicing with the team the better. Just need someone to cut Ariza's minutes by 5 when Gordon can't be matched up with the opposing SF. Just go Lance Stephenson. Seems to me his attitude issues were overblown and overhyped. He's a good defender, good passer, passable 3pt shooter, decent size/athleticism. Kind of guy who might give you a surprisingly good few playoff games in desperate times. However, I'm starting to get the feeling they're going to bring Tokoto on board to see if he's worth keeping around. I don't really mind. All we need is on average 5 good minutes a game.
Probably. Even KJ McDaniels or Brewer would be fine for 5 minutes on a minimum contract. That's all we need. Ariza is not handling the minutes well, and it's clear as day he plays poorly when we overplay him or when our schedule is too tight. Just need to watch his minutes at least until the playoffs. He has played 303 out of our last 309 games at roughly 35 minutes per game chasing the best wingman night in night out and he is turning 32 in a few months. He is the only person on this roster who can defend a wing player adequately, we need to watch out. I understand we're going to a 3 guard line up more, but his minutes are still up there and I think they have gone up post all star break. He should be playing about 30 minutes in the regular season imo.
Yes when Ryan Anderson's and Trevor Ariza's shots are off, coach Mike D'Antoni ought to consider fielding Sam Dekker / Lou Williams / Montrezl Harrell or increase their minutes. Or alternate the starting line-up leading up to the playoffs.
That is the problem Harrell deserves every opportunity when Anderson isn't delivering and I'm talking about rebounding and playing defense. Anderson entire game is dependent on how well he's shooting the ball. Does he realize he can contribute in other areas like rebounding and playing decent defense.
We've been spoiled by Ryan Anderson's durability this year. I'd be very concerned about who starts at the four if he has to miss an extended amount of time. Casspi makes a ton of sense. Can back up the three and fill the Anderson role, if needed. I don't trust Dekker and Harrell doesn't fit playing with the first unit.
Haha. I don't think it's for a lack of trying. He's not unathletic - he's in the NBA obviously - but the guy just doesn't have it in him. Hoping it'll change at this point in his career is piintless. I don't think he himself or anyone on or associated with he Rockets expect him to be anything more than he is - a pure stretch 4. It's been effective. Obviously if Harrell developed a 35% three point shot he'd get more time. If he developed a 40% three point shot he'd get 35 mpg. He also isn't amazing rebounding or at defense but better than Ryno. Honestly if I'm Trez I'm putting up 1k+ threes a day for the next six months. He might not be able to get there but if I'm wondering what's more likely to happen - Ryno becoming better rebounding and defense or Harrell getting better at three point shooting ... it's the latter. That and practice rebounding. I don't. Think guys practice basic rebounding enough. Strong box outs and releases.
The thing with Ryan Anderson is he is a walking floor spacer. Teams will never leave him open intentionally, even when he isn't hitting his shots.
Zhou Qi is the thinnest by far Ok, stupid joke, I know. Seriously though Casspi would be a great fit as a back-up wing/stretch 4 in the playoffs. His thumb should be healed by then. Also, If we don't bring Smoove back, we need another ex-Rocket to bring back.
every time I see this thread title, I swear all I think of is "Clint Capela at center is our thinnest player." can't help it.
Yes ok he is a walking floor spacer, on offense. But he is also a floor spacer on defense too. Gives his man plenty of space to score, gives up rebounds that he should be grabbing because he plays a PF on defense. If we are up by say, 12 pts, 15 pts, 20 pts, we dont need floor spacer Ryan. We need a PF who's first instinct is to play decent defense and rebound like a hawk. This allows us to play sound ball and to protect our lead. Playing Ariza and Dekker at PF is not the answer to post defense and rebounding. Harrell is still learning to do both, which is why we needed another big for this season.
Wiltjer? He's just so young but that kid can flat out shoot the ball. He is about at an "old Dirk" level of athleticism though, he looks so stiff even for a slow guy. Anderson is pretty much not fast but he doesn't give off the impression of lacking athleticism. In a pinch, I think Wiltjer can step in and sort of simulate the same floor spacing but the little tiny bit of D/rebounding Anderson does provide will be completely null. His off-season goals are definitely weight-room related whereas someone like Harrell probably needs to be launching 3s all summer. Gentile a maybe for next year or...? I can buy Dekker as the backup 4 if they solidify backup 3 with someone else. This is a pretty accurate analysis, I mean the guards are maybe the deepest unit in the league and C with the 3 reasonable options is spot on. Ariza and Anderson are good starters and Dekker is good enough to cover one 2nd team spot. At this point I wonder if the Dmo-fiasco would've had any affect on getting sweet Lou. And if it would, would you take that instead of the firepower they got at the deadline?
