His offense during the post Yao and T-Mac years was highly entertaining and effective. While I don’t necessarily have a problem with the offense the Rockets run now, I do think more motion and complexity in the offense can take the Rockets up a level. This is especially true since modern NBA rules tend to encourage it.
Nah.. MDmA's offense is not anywhere close to unleashed. Side action post-ups.. two man game.. so much to unleash. Mr. Turner is our new Bzdelik.
So I watched a personality focused documentary on Erman. Seems like a players guy. Seems really likable. What’s his focus? I heard him mention shooting.
He's mostly known for his defense. Players like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jahlil Okafor, etc all have spoken up for Erman saying he helped them improve their defense. Brad Stevens loves the guy. Rondo said he's like a younger version of Thibs in terms of his scouting reports and preparedness. If you recall way back when the Warriors fired a coach for secretly recording conversations, well, that was him, too. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/4/29/5664556/darren-erman-fired-warriors-secret-recordings
So we are hiring a defensive coordinator whose known for great at defense and he worked for the Kings and the Suns the last 4 seasons and hopefully he will push this team to reach another level and compete for a championship. Sounds like a great plan.
If Turner can give us a glimpse of that Princeton offense on top of a competent defensive scheme, I'm satisfied
Not happening unless something really odd happens. Elston is there to be in charge of the defense. I’m not crazy about the hire but he has had experience and some success.
He is very talented, into metrics, very bright, tough on players but they really believe in him. Defense is his forte but he has held a lot of different jobs as an NBA assistant. He is very good at translating metrics into practices/reps for players. He would already be a head coach if it wasn’t for the Mark Jackson fiasco and his “I don’t give a damn” attitude. Not bad for a 5’6” lawyer that basically had no basketball background and one day decided he would become a coach.
Feigen: Q: Any word on if the team has interest in Darren Erman? A: The Rockets seem pretty set on the coaching staff. They brought back Elston Turner as lead assistant. He will largely run the defense. Matt Brase will move up. They kept the offensive guys. There could be an addition on the developmental side and probably a video coordinator/assistant, but the primary positions are filled.
Hahaha so we are saving money on coaching now too. What happened to some changes to the offense? It was all talk, we are a pathetic organisation.
Q: What's up Jonathan, I understand that the Rockets have had a dull offseason with not as many transactions, but my question is about the style of play. What have you been hearing about how the Rockets will run the offense and defense. Is Mike D'Antoni going to go a little more up-tempo and when Harden doesn't have the ball will be required to move? As far as the defense will we still keep switching on 100 percent ball screens? Kind regards. — Jermaine A: A basketball question! Cool! Offensively, the philosophy will not change, but the Rockets very much want (and in my opinion, need) to be more up-tempo. I would not say they will be more up-tempo because they wanted that last season and did not get it done. But they really need to get more early offense. They need to run more sets with Chris Paul and the second unit, and need a vertical threat when he is on the floor. Beyond that, D'Antoni is about playing to the strengths of his players. If the roster changes, the offense would, as well. Harden might mix in a few more backcuts, but I would not expect him to be running around screens. Defensively, they have moved a bit away from switching on all ball screens. They had "switch groups" and did not switch as often against all teams. They could continue to tinker with when they switch. They do need to have a greater variety of defenses they play well. But generally, they will keep switching because that fits what they do well defensively.
