KPjr's D

He is a very good starter for a 22 year old developing player......and he will continue to start for at least the next 2 years....and will get better and better along the way.

DD

 

eh, I've seen maturity improvements. Settling the team down in the huddles. Over the last few games, seeking out more catch and shoot opportunities. He ISO's too much, but when does that fall on the system and coach instead of the player? He can make great passes, but the reads are his struggle. Again, when is this on coaching? He struggles on the PnR from the top, yet our brilliant coach has continued to utilize that as a staple of the system. He absolutely excels on the wing, catch n shoot or kick out and attack, but isn't set up for success by our system. He has a great connection with Bruno on their PnR, so while he and Sengun (who has issues with his cuts and his spacing with KPJ) figure out how to play off each other, why not let Bruno and KPJ get run? Stagger KPJ and Jalen's minutes and have more time in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of KPJ running the 2nd unit with Bruno.

We're seeing improvements but it's not translating on the floor often and I believe its because of the system, not the player.

 

I will respectfully disagree. He's only able to lead you to the worst record in the league (so He's doing his job)

 

Very good starter? That would mean you would put him among the top 10ish starters at his position?

 

"fOuRtH yEaR pLaYeRs sHoUlD bE bEtTeR"

KPJ games played = 160 .. games started = 110
possible games in 4 seasons? 328

This is the part where they go to the "nutjob" card and blame him for being his own worst enemy. Which is not incorrect, but then you see how it gets lost in the shuffle without context.

Should we even bring up a positional switch and change of responsibility midway as a player? Having to endure two separate rebuilds? Nah! There is no such thing as late bloomers!

99% of the time the majority of "fans" enjoy the finger pointing, blaming and jabs at KPJs expense, but what really gets me going is when KPJ has a good game or moment and you can really tell whos 'bout the team and who's just playing Junior GM.

For the record I cringe a bunch when I watch Scooter run the team too, but then I also have a little foresight to understand nothing is changing this season and that these players in their prime will be much better than they are now. Growing together will build something special.

 

I can't understand why you don't see KPJ as a playmaker. To me he's the best playmaker on the Rockets as of now. I trust the ball in his hands at the end of games more so, than anyone else. I think Doc Rivers assessment of him after the game was spot on.

To me, if the accolades after the game were coming from Silas, I would take it with a grain of salt but coming from the opposing coach, says a lot. Fan's minds are often skewered because they are fans of a certain style of play or a certain player. So no matter what KPJ does, they are going to judge him on a sliding scale. And here's something for you, A PG IS ALWAYS GOING TO CATCH HEAT UNTIL HE WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.

I listened to LOCKED ON ROCKETS/JACKSON GATLIN a lot to get an assessment too.

Listen to what he said about KPJ starting at the 16:00 mark




And as for the comparisons of Billups and KPJ, go back and look at some of his tape and what was said about him at the beginning of his career. He was traded several times, because teams didnt know what to do with him. Was he a PG or a SG. Not until he got with Detriot, did he become "Mr. Bigshot."

 

We aren't the worst record any more and we are trending upwards must be hard to see that and root against your own team.

Once again @JTGatlin nails it.

DD

 

Root against my team? So, because I don't like KPJ I am rooting against the Rockets? Guess you were too when you criticized Green last season. Don't be a hypocrite

 

So, you want KPJ to succeed? I always wanted Green to .....

DD

 

Of course I do. He's a Rocket. I want us to win as the tanking experiment will be over because of the horrible Westbrook trade. I just don't see it the same way as you in terms of his game. I think he's Crawford like I have said the whole time. Ideally suited to be a 6th man. There isn't anything wrong with that

 

why must you and the groupies like you make everything so binary. It's what leads to the divisive nature of discussion when the vast majority of people see things in a more similar manner than these discussions would lead you to believe.

because a group of people (myself included) don't think that KPJ is a point guard or a long term fit with the team; it doesn't mean that we don't root for the team and even root for his improvement. It doesn't mean we are less of a fan because our evaluation happens to be more critical. Criticism is one of the foundations for improvement. You learn more from mistakes than from floating by and being to scared to learn.

If I'm wrong and KPJ turns the corner - I'd be ecstatic. But I'm not going to ignore that he's been in a professional environment for 3+ seasons - with professional coaching - and in the year most players show their biggest leap - showed a big dud (year 3). He's marginally better this year. That's it. Plain and simple.

 

Because saying he is a 6th man is binary, when he is clearly a starter, constantly criticizing him alone when the rest of the team is struggling with similar numbers...Hello Jalen.....is a problem

I don't have an issue with folks saying he needs to be more efficient and cut down on turnovers, he does.....but that doesn't mean he sucks...

Players don't luck into 19-6-6 and have coaches like Doc Rivers commenting on his growth....

But for whatever reason this site and many on it are locked in on him not being a starter.....and it must be SUPER frustrating that the org views him as part of the future.

DD

 

The org

The org gave him a contract with exits to limit their investment and risk. You are far overstating their commitment.

you also don’t seem to understand any of what I wrote in my previous post- nor the definition of the word binary. As there will be no changing of who you are as a person or your ability to effectively debate - let’s go back to ignoring each other. The only thing I ever get frustrated with is the idiocy of your posts.

 

They didn't have to give him ANY extension they did it which proves they at least believe him enough to guarantee 16m and another year.

I understand binary - and I just don't feel like arguing with people who only see things through their own myopic lense and can't see what the org is doing, or the league for that matter with combo guards over traditional PGs.

I believe KPJ is being bullied, and microanalyzed, particularly here.....folks will point out only his flaws, and not the good things he is doing and how it is helping the team.

And, part of that is because they don't like his issues in the past mentally - while I am rooting for him PARTICULARLY because of those issues and hoping he overcomes them.

I mean I have actually heard people criticize Silas for getting emotional about KPJ saying he saved his life......I mean - wtf?

Anyway, you do you, we don't have to agree - at all on anything other than we cheer for the Rox.

DD

 

K

I agree with all if this. None of our core young guys are put in good positions.

 

For me, the jury's out whether KPJ is the long-term answer at the spot. His ability to create for others, set up the offense, and exploit the gaps in the defense still looks to be pretty limited. You can tell he's trying to learn these skills that do not necessarily come naturally to him.

That said, I agree with you that KPJ is the best playmaker on the current Rockets. Giving him the starting PG spot makes sense for this roster this season.

Also, he is just 22 years old, seems committed to learning the position, and has the support of the coaching staff. If he keeps dedicating himself to his craft, he might surprise a lot of his skeptics (myself included) a season or two down the road.

 

His lack of focus in general comes out most on D.

How many times he is looking at the ball when his man cuts behind him for an easy layup? I mean at least 2-3 times per game. You'd think by now he'd be better at tracking where offensive players are and know how to do that.

 

Welp. All those accolades from the Philly game just a distant memory with the absolute trash defense in this Spurs game to open up. Hahaha this thread is something.