Playing with Jeff instead of Jabari against starters is a problem on defense. It doesn't help that Brooks was hurt and I have a feeling that he is still not 100%.
You surely and totally misunderstood my post replying to @himbasketball who was all in trying to pin the defensive regression of the Rockets lately on Sengun not being a "rim protector". I argued that the Bulls championship teams had no rim protectors and that their centers were even far inferior to Sengun. Please read my post again and understand the context.
Yes, lots and lots of teams have not had any elite rim protectors. Most of those Warriors teams didn't. The Cavs didn't in 2016. Neither of the LeBron Heat championships did. And so on. You can definitely shotblock by committee and win a chip.
Those are compounding the problem with Sengun on the court, but the Rockets are still winning the minutes when Sengun is off the floor. This isn't meant as a dig against Sengun. It is only meant to say that acquiring a backup center is not that big off a need. Fix the starting lineup and/or backup PG spot (though past few games, Amen is looking better at running the offense with FVV on the bench).
Too bad Jarrett Allen is off the table cause the Rockets should be willing to give up some serious assets for a guy like him.
Yes, I agree that a back up big isn't going to solve our problem. This has been something i don't get from the loud "we need a back up big" wish. If Sengun needs defensive help because he is not a rim protector, then the help should be in the starting lineup, not a backup. If the back up is really good, he will only eat into Sengun's minutes, not help Sengun be more effective. If we are committed to building around Sengun, then we have to embrace the reality that he is not a rim protector. I know that's the main reason why some people resist building around Sengun. IMO, you don't really need a rim protector to be a great team. You just need to be a good defensive team as a whole. It is harder to be a good defensive team without a rim protector, but it's not impossible.
I gotta say I prefer better defense at the 5 (either as a switchable or a rim protecting 5), but I also just go with the best players. If Sengun is the 5, you gotta build a team that fits him. I think Jabari works with Sengun long term (well he works with anyone). Eason might need to speed up/improve 3 slightly on offense, but defense works with anyone. Cam...needs to learn to cut better and move better off ball, but he is dynamic when he gets the ball in a great position. Cam almost seems to work better with backups at this point as he's way down the pecking order when a lot of starters are on the court and seems to get in the way or be standing around too much. He's been good as a point of attack defender, but needs to work on off ball. Amen...the defense is a perfect fit, the offense..the vision is a good fit, but needs to work on handle and shot to maximize offensive gifts. Jalen Green..defense is improving, but waivers at times. His shot just isn't usually there which has held back the Rockets this year. He's been really the only disappointment for me this year. FVV is a nice crutch for the offense, but won't be here long term. Brooks....great defensive fit. Offense is best when he goes low volume. I really don't like him when he gets frustrated as he lets emotions get the best of him and he makes stupid fouls/gets techs.
