We have a team that isn't going to convince Harden to stay. I don't think at least. It could be good enough at some point. But each L until that eventual point puts further fuel into the fire of Harden wanting to leave. You can already see bits of it in play with this team. Not just Harden. Each bad run, each L people are getting more visibly annoyed because everyone knows what is at stake. I'm still not sure whether Harden is buying into Silas' offense or whether he's pulling a Kobe VS Phoenix. I really like the young hustle guys we have in Tate and Nwaba. I actually think Nwaba could be the best on ball defender we've had since Harden has been here. Big claims I know. And Silas will be the best coach Harden has ever had in his career. I of course want Harden to stay much, much, much more than any other trade option, because I know what happens to this franchise when he's gone. However it is seeming like it's all come too late however. Each L is solidifying Harden's decision.
They just can’t seem to get all the pieces together. Between COVID, short offseason, etc... it’s really unfortunate. There’s a lot of fun pieces to this team, but Harden is either hurt or has given up on them. I’m not sure it matters which.
Ok. Can we stop making Westbrook jokes and worry about our team? In 6 games we have only been able to beat Sacramento. Welcome to reality.
Silas is new Dantoni with minute allocation. Cousins apparently is unplayable. Rebounds are irrelevant.
Really need an in depth analytic update from OP. would also like to be reminded our record doesn’t matter.
Good thing Jokic is more of a facilitator than a scorer. Good thing Denver are more of perimeter scorers than interior ones.
I think ultimately the problem with this team is not scheme, its not lack of practice, its not chemistry, its the lack of talent. Good NBA teams don't play fringe talents like David Nwaba, Sterling Brown or Jaesean tates major minutes in the rotation. I like both David Nwaba and Tates, they're great underdog stories. But these kind of pure hustle player with limited range wouldn't be logging big minutes on a contender. Until they develop a reliable outside shot, they're situation 10mpg player at best. Do you think any of these 3 have any shot at cracking the Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets rotation? Yea me neither.
Silas offense is a lot of the same as MDA. Drive and wrap around pass to the corner three point shooters.
mediocrity If we're still trying to compete we could really use a backup big that has some semblance on defense. We could really use Hartenstein right lmao.
Out of these 4 losses, 2 of them (Portland, Denver) no Wall, Cousins, Gordon. That's kind of an excuse LOL. Mavs game we got Cousins ejected when he was playing well and lots of bricks after. This Pacers game no Wood, House, Mclemore. But still bricks all over. I just feel the overall effort is lacking and when they tried to put in more effort it's already too late. Frustrating all around with all the Harden "talks". And Harden is playing poorly down the stretch. And for some reason, most "projected" lower seeds teams are performing well and stepping up. Might be too early in the season still but they look more hopeful and cohesive than Rockets are :,)
Harden’s looking disinterested. I don’t think he’s quit like Calvin says but he’s not invested. He’s trying to win with the minimum amount of effort necessary. I say this as a massive Harden fan who still would love to keep him.
I mean, it was the Warriors playing a no name Draymond Green which pretty got that dynasty started. They weren't getting there with David Lee as the starter. Everyone is a fringe/unplayable player until they're given minutes and they're not anymore. Heck, you could say 'good teams don't pay fringe stars like James Harden major dollars and hand them the keys to a kingdom'... until they do and it looks like the obvious decision. Everything is different in hindsight. I think you're being too harsh on these guys currently.
Exhibit A: Christian Wood But his point has merit. Rockets lack talent, length and systems (offense AND defense) do not fit personnel. Top 5 player/greatest offensive scorer in NBA but Silas prefers to run offense thru Wall.
True. One of them could break out and potentially become a major cog on the team moving forward. If you play all 3 though? Thats a sign of desperation.
