I don't take the on court frustration with any measure of anything, every NBA player gets frustrated, and playing for Silas - whom clearly they did not respect - exassperates that. Has KPJ shown some immaturity - sure, has he grown from it, yep he has.... The guy has not shown anything as a 22 year old, what he has shown is he has all star talent and is growing in maturity.....you don't get rid of those guys you embrace them and build around them. DD
Great point, they are happy about Ime even though he has a past with subordinates but apparently that doesn't matter to them, yet as true hypocrites, the KPJ past does DD
Like it or not, he's the closest thing to a franchise player the Rockets have and he's doing all the things you'd expect from a player in that role.
If the Rockets draft Amen we will find out if KPJ has grown up. Will he embrace a 6th man role/playing off the ball?
We need a CF Poll would You rather….. 1. Head Honcho running PG next year OR 2. Harden back at a 4 yr max running PG Scary times
Fair or not, KPJ won't get the benefit of the doubt until he has proven beyond doubt that he has really turned from his past issues. The only way you can shake off the negative narrative that's been following you is to do the opposite of what people expect you to do and never let people say, "See, I knew he would be like that!" No, KPJ has not yet done that convincingly to disperse his reputation. Hopefully with a new coach who doesn't coddle him, he will truly turn around whether as a Rocket or somewhere else.
Even if they drafted Amen, KPJ wouldn't be in a 6th man role....he's the only guy on the team that can shoot, so if you bring in another guy who is pathetic at shooting the ball, that's just going to make KPJ more important to be with the first unit because the spacing of a lineup with Green, Amen, Smith, and Sengun would be an abomination. None of them can shoot at even an NBA average level.
"And if someone looks at you crosswise" (lifts up back of shirt to reveal gun in waistband) "well, 'glock glock', you feel me?" "Um, thank you, Ja, that will be all, thank you."
https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/20...ence-felt-at-ime-udokas-rockets-introduction/ Posting here too. DD
That’s a good point, drafting Amen makes it more likely KPJ starts at the 3 rather than 6th man, as he is probably the best spot up shooter on the team. Green, Sengun and Smith should all improve as shooters next year as well, and FA can be used on vet shooters like Seth Curry.
Like i said before if he posted 19-6-6 in 2003 he'd be an all star level talent. In 2023 that makes him a replacement level lead guard
Was hopeful last year. If Udoka can get through to him and he truly changes this year, that would indeed be great. Never been a skills issue, just between the ears. In the end, anyone who is causing problems within the team, whether on the court or in the locker room, needs to be gone. Unless Ime really is all that. Edit for those ... When I say problems on the court, I am not referring to 1st or 2nd yr kids not being all stars. Talking about the emotional ish.
Of course you weren't talking about players who were terrible, you're only ever critical of the best guard on the roster. Don't worry, we know.
If someone else had that exact same performance this year for another team, the usual suspects would be proposing the Rockets trade for him to send KPJ to the bench. They simply aren't capable of rational thought when it comes to him for whatever reason.
