KPJ: Can someone explain to me why he has become Clutchfans favorite whipping boy?

KPJ will be the Rockets' best tradeable contract this coming season.

I think he is a decent player, but clearly we have way too many players that need the ball.

 

First, KPJ isn't better at everything. Jalen has been a better pick and roll ball handler, He's been a better free throw shooter, and has a better turnover percentage. Last two years Jalen has also played in more games than KPJ. And Jalen also doesn't fake ankle injuries when he has a messed up offensive play.

The things that KPJ is better at, he's only been marginally better while having 2 NBA years and 2 real life years ahead of Jalen.

KPJ has shot 35% from 3 for his career, while Jalen is at 34% and this is with Jalen shooting a higher volume. KPJ is a career 43% FG, Jalen is 42%.

I don't think either has been in an ideal situation, but I do believe KPJ has had a slightly better road since he has been able to run the show. Both should take a huge jump this season in terms of on court effectiveness IMO.

And really I don't care who ends up being the better player. I'd but my money on Jalen for a few reasons, but if it ends up being KPJ then great. I just feel like I need to counteract all the Jalen slander. Acting like KPJ is somehow the clearly superior player moving forward is just silly. They've been really close in most statistical categories and again KPJ has a two year head start while also having had the keys to the team.

 

Yeah, Clutch and I don't always agree, big deal....

I was fine with KPJ at the 1 as a COMBO guard as long as the team embraced it and built around it, they never did.....so was he a PG, not technically - but I don't believe you need a PG to win in the league anymore. "The receipts are all over this thread"

In the end, people argue over personal narrow definitions.

BFD.

DD

 

Yes, well said, I can accept that.

DD

 

They never did? The past two season they literally constructed the team around having KPJ playing the PG role. Why else would they get a fringe NBA player to start at the center simply because he as a lob threat might make KPJ's job easier? They did EVERYTHING they could to make KPJ as the PG work.

Everybody saw how it would end except for Stone and Silas and a few posters here.

 

OMFG, you think a fringe center is the difference? How about getting players around him who can SHOOT the ball with good efficiency?

DD

 

Eric Gordon was a good shooter. Why else would they play him heavy minutes when there were tons of young guys needed to get PT? Why would they put Wall in the closet and keep Nix as the backup so that literally nobody would compete for the PG spot?

 

lmao he will really die on that hill

 

BTW, I'm sure Stone called Golden State if they would trade Steph Curry for Jalen Green or Klay Thompson for KJ Martin. That would really help KPJ be a great PG.

 

KPJ has never been a TRUE PG, you don't NEED a TRUE PG to win in the modern NBA......

KPJ is good enough to be a starting 1 on a good team.

And I have been consistently arguing this point for over 2 years.

DD

 

Porter does not make good enough decisions to be a 1. Definitely should not have the ball in his hands that much. If he did they wouldn't be paying VV 43 million a year.

 

You've been consistently wrong. There's a reason the Rockets took away Porter's duties at pg.

 

I am still right, KPJ is fine as a starting Combo guard, but you do need to build around him and hold him accountable.

They only gave FVV 2 years to give Amen a chance to develop and take over, KPJ or Green will be the primary scorer.

DD

 

Lol not even Wemby will take over after 2 years......you think that is a village league.....

 

Then you should pay attention to this year, if FVV cannot elevate this team to a much better record then the PG question was not that important to begin with......as you implied.

Much better in terms of 10+ more wins.

 

A combo guard that runs the team? Does he make good decisions with the ball? Can he run the PnR? Can he make a simple outlet pass consistently? Legitimate questions no?

When he plays smart, he's a solid wing. Much better fit.

 

What's a "true point guard"? I sort of agree with you about the direction the game has gone to a certain degree, but I don't think that means KPJ is a good enough playmaker to be the guy who has the ball in his hands the plurality of the time he's on the floor.

It's true there are few traditional Steve Nash, John Stockton, CP3, Rajon Rondo type point guards left in the league. However, most playoff teams do have a guy (at any position) who handles the ball more often than anyone else, averages 7+ assists, and is adept at creating plays for others. KPJ will never, ever be that guy. He just doesn't have the innate court vision, and he shouldn't be the focal point of the Rockets' offense ever again.

 

That is wrong you added FVV without giving up any talent, you also added Green and Brooks without losing anything, if KPJ were starting this year with FVV at the SG his numbers would be a lot higher....no way to do an apples to apples comparison with a new coach, so many new players, and a year older....

FVV isn't a TRUE PG either....but he is 6 years older and more mature - I think if you give KPJ 2 years he will be much better than FVV ever was or could be.....if you had a system in place.....and held him accountable.

DD