Tate's career is eerily similar to Tucker's. I never thought when Harden was bbq'ing a 31% 3pt shooting PJ Tucker in phoenix (who had just a couple of years earlier come from overseas) would he ever become a championship level 3&D player. Tucker didn't look like an elite defender when Phoenix's defense sucked, and his 3pt form was not looking promising. Tate is shooting 36.4% in a tiny sample right now after two seasons of 30 and 31%. We know he claims to have worked on it heavily this summer. His FT% has gone from 69 to 70 to 75. His passing has always been above average for a perimeter defender. Right now this instant, you would be an idiot to deny that the signs are good. There is also no doubt his defense would look better on a playoff team. This applies to everyone: bad defense makes everyone's defensive stats worse not just the culprits. Tate is a better defender than he's shown and he would grow into a defensive leader on any team. He has that character. If the cost of keeping Tate is under $10m/season, I would keep him around for now unless there's a great offer on the table. His value is going to go way up next season, if you're going to sell that would be a better time.
I wish Rockets would pull a Boston and use Tate like Marcus Smart…. I also wish Jalen would get tired of KPJ and ask for him to be moved behind closed doors
I wouldn't be surprised to see a contender try to swoop in with a last 1st for Tate. I mean he is the perfect guy you want coming off the bench to muddy things up in a series.
The real X factor was the ball movement after KPJ left the game. And personally, I’m just done with the 6’5 forwards. Having not one, but two of them with Tate and KJ is just not sustainable long-term imo. And I lean towards keeping KJ. Tate is simply the shiny new toy for some of ya’ll. But he is not a PG. He is still the same undersized PF that cant shoot. He also had extreme tunnel vision just last season in a larger sample size of games.
Sure, but why would we trade him? Cause he's good? He's still young (I mean, young enough to be one of our vets), can be part of the core.
With Tate, it’s not necessarily years in the league, but more in his approach to the game: knowing where to be, making the right read, playing hard, etc. I think he is a good presence for these kids.
Tyus Jones please. If for no other reason than I’m excited to say we have a the point guard spot locked up with Tyus TyTy.
I was there last night It was clearly all Tate Can't wait till the dude gets all the way back and a bit more comfortable offensively
See how we did without our X factor ? Anyways , small sample size this year . I see Tate knocking off some rust. We've been playing him less MPG too . He still looks good defensively. He boosts the team . His energy is infectious. I still think he's our best player. His assist per 36 min are up now . I've compared him to Chauncey Billups in the past . He's a bit like Kyle Lowry too He's an underrated finisher at the rim . Coming off a 35 game layoff and having to jump into facing guys in mid-season form is tough . Especially if you aren't already a well established player. Especially if your team is bad . Keep attacking Jaesean and keep making layups. Sengun is more talented offensively , but Tate is a glue guy on D and that makes him overall better
Lol he better produce because he rested for 2 full years. How many NBA players have a secure spot like that .....
