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Hypothetical… It’s crunch time

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by groovemachine, Jan 2, 2025.

?

Who will get a clutch bucket to win?

  1. Jalen

    16 vote(s)
    36.4%
  2. Jabari

    6 vote(s)
    13.6%
  3. Dillon

    1 vote(s)
    2.3%
  4. Fred

    5 vote(s)
    11.4%
  5. Amen

    2 vote(s)
    4.5%
  6. Tari

    1 vote(s)
    2.3%
  7. Cam

    8 vote(s)
    18.2%
  8. Other

    5 vote(s)
    11.4%
  1. groovemachine

    groovemachine Member

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    Alpi has fouled out, we need a last second bucket to win, who do you draw the play for?
     
  2. roslolian

    roslolian Member

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    Jalen has already closed out multiple games for the rockets.
     
    gfab-babyboi likes this.
  3. conquistador#11

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    I voted for Fred cause you know he is throwing it up.
     
  4. AroundTheWorld

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    Reed Sheppard eventually.
     
    coachbadlee and groovemachine like this.
  5. meh

    meh Member

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    Ideally, I would say the answer is Jabari. He is the best shooter on this team. And at least in theory, due to his height and length, he should be able to put up some decent jumper. But the issue is no one on this team has any reign to do much on offense except Jalen/FVV/Sengun. And maybe Cam in limited time. So even if you want to say guys like Amen/Jabari/Tari has potential, it would be a role they've never taken on.
     
  6. fchowd0311

    fchowd0311 Member

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    Do you think Alpi Fred and Jalen have some compromat over Ime that creates this dynamic of dudes like Jabari not getting their fair shake to do stuff on offense?

    Or do you think these three guys just naturally are the most gifted with the ball in their hands?

    When Jabari has fourth quarters like these, we can talk:





    Jabari seems to be good in moments catching and shooting in clutch moments. But usually those moments are set up by someone like Alpi or Fred or Jalen.

    Another reason ime trusts Fred, Sengun and Jalen to have the ball in crunch times the most is because those three are least likely to turnover the ball when dribbling and being pressed while dribbling. Guys like Jabari cough up the ball when putting the ball on the floor and defenses are in fourth quarter press mode.
     
    subtomic likes this.
  7. Reeko

    Reeko Member

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    Other: De’Aaron Fox
     
    groovemachine likes this.
  8. CertifiedTroll

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    I voted Green, bit secretly would want Jabari to get set up for a corner 3.
     
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  9. Os Trigonum

    Os Trigonum Member
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    I want Ime to use his coach's challenge to reverse the foul call and get Alpi back in the game
     
  10. Bobbythegreat

    Bobbythegreat Member
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    There's not really a good option... I'd probably trust Cam the most though, but Jabari and Brooks aren't far behind.
     
    groovemachine likes this.
  11. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

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    Whats the actual game theory here? Down by how many? Tied? Up?

    The only guy who can break down multiple levels of a defense and apply the rim pressure that leads to either a layup, stop/pop middie or skip pass to the corners or any zone on the court is Jalen Green. Especially now that he actively looks for that option. None of the other players listed have shown to be able to dribble through traffic and create the gravity for that sort of play -- MAYBE Fred, but he's physically limited when it comes to trying to get in the paint and turn a defense reactionary. Same question could be posited about whom on this roster can navigate the double teams that would undoubtedly be part of this situation and make the right play - there are only a couple.

    Even Sengun as a final option can be contained with a simple trap.

    Best play in that situation would be dribble penetration for a layup or kick out 3 depending on the scenario.
     
  12. MystikArkitect

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    Is this a serious question? It's Jabari and it isn't close.
     
  13. Bobbythegreat

    Bobbythegreat Member
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    The absolute worst options listed are Amen (can't shoot) and Jalen (can't shoot, loves to take dumb shots, low BBIQ, weak handle).

    Id probably have FVV look to set up one of the shooters but not take the shot
     
  14. AroundTheWorld

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    If all we need is a two, I'd give it to Amen. He'd go to the rack and get fouled.
     
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  15. Bobbythegreat

    Bobbythegreat Member
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    But can we really count on him to hit both FT's?

    I wouldn't.
     
  16. SamFisher

    SamFisher Member

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    Definitely get the ball in the hands of the guy who has weak handles and passing, the defense will never be able to guess what's coming next
     
    fchowd0311 likes this.
  17. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

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    Brilliant -- use a 69% free throw shooter as a foul hunter. Only on ClutchFans!

    [​IMG]
     
  18. fchowd0311

    fchowd0311 Member

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    Who also has shaky handles and isn't used to being pressed by NBA defenders while dribbling in traffic who also is seen as a zero outside shooting threat.
     
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  19. Bobbythegreat

    Bobbythegreat Member
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    So we agree both Amen and Jalen are terrible options....
     
  20. Hive5

    Hive5 Member

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    I'm surprised that i'm the only person who voted for Dillon. He's been on a bit of a hot streak lately, so I'd rather have him take the shot if Alpi fouled out. In the future, I would want Jabari taking that shot though if he continues to develop well.
     
    groovemachine likes this.

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