They do not run the Rockets system, they run up and down the court and take transition shots. Have you watched any of their games? Maybe that is the Rockets system after all...and explains us beginning the decline to sub .500. DD
It's clear that he's not ready to guard other NBA 3's or he would be playing in our rotation. It's also clear that he's got a lot of work to do on his long-range shooting, a skill he will need if he wants to play lots of minutes at SF in Houston's inside/outside offense. But i am heartened by his rebounding ability, his mid-range game, and his post game. At 6'9" he's about the same height as Scola and Pat. I would like to see what he can do at the 4 spot.
As Gerson Rosas pointed out in his Morris development video, they would rather spend a few months developing his wing skills to be able to maximize his ablities then throw him in the lineup now as a PF and limit his abilities. There is no doubt he could contribute now as an NBA 4. From what I have seen from him in the past, there is no way he can compare to a Paul Pierce or Melo right now because of their superior ball handling skills, and quickness. So the D-League stint is a good way to put him in some simulations where they can see he could make up for that lack of ball handling, and quickness to still be effective as a SF against lower level quality of basketball. I agree with DD and JOPATMC that the D-League isn't what the minor leagues are to the MLB, but lets just wait and see what the finished product is next season or after the trade deadline. If they are serious about making him into a true SF, then Im ok with them giving him an extended training camp down in Rio Grande to make sure they are making the right decision and placing him in the best spot to be successful.
dobro, Then maybe they should have explained that to Morris......sounds like he is a little upset that he is down there - and McHale and the Org have not let him in on their plans. DD
I actually generally agree with DD on this one. I don't think the DLeague meaningfully helps. From the albeit little I've seen, it is extremely undisciplined ball, too. That said, what's the alternative? Clearly, for whatever reason, he's not cracking the Rockets rotation yet. Also, with Marcus in particular, if all the DLeague does is piss him off so he's more confident when he does eventually play in the pro's, I guess that's a plus. He seemed way too timid in his short stints. Like his disciplined, studious nature, but he needs to be as aggressive in the pros as he seemingly is down in the DLeague.
I'm actually wondering if they are trying to hide him and delay his development on the big stage until after the trade deadline.
It makes sense, highlight Parsons and Bud and trade them as filler to free up space for Morris. Not very people friendly, but inline with the organization under Morey. DD
We need to take a big-picture view of this. Even though he could contribute some right now as a 4, is he really the differnec in putting us over the top this year? I'd rather have him down in the D-league, playing regularly and working to improve his game than be a cheerleader and get mop-up duty. Rest assured, he'll get his shot to play soon enough, but let's just be patient and give him the best chance to suceed.
To be frank at this point this is my belief as well. I didn't realize they weren't running the Rockets' offense in the d-league. To me they're playing the other kiddos, because when the trade deadline comes they will be asked for their best young prospects. If Morris still hasn't played in enough actual games then he's less likely to be asked for. As opposed to someone like Budinger who is playing games and putting up numbers. Let's be honest, Morris doesn't belong in the d-league. He is averaging 30 points and 15 boards (or thereabouts), I haven't seen anyone we've ever sent down there putting up stats like that. With that said I'm sure he's also in the d-league to recover from his injury fully. At that point he'll be NBA tested maybe a few games prior to the deadline (or after someone ahead of him is traded). My best guess anyway.
according to who..???... Solomon. I would think you would have followed the Houston Media enough to know what kind of crap this guy is trying to start. If Morris is in fact upset about it.....Please, Im kind of sick of the moping around and feeling sorry for myself attitude. You have to go to the D-League a few weeks, please, spare me. Its just an extended training camp that you didnt get due to the lockout. There's is no inclination that McHale, Rosas, or any other team official hasn't explained to him why they are sending him the D-League. Its ridiculous that you think there is Zero communication there. Would you rather have a hard nosed, old school coach or a coddler that the young players run all over and dont respect?
They are not exclusive, I would rather have a direct coach that communicates exactly what he wants out of his players, leaves no doubt, and is totally honest about it. DD
As much as we've heard, at least, seems like McHale is that type of coach. Just ask Bud. He continues to tell the media after impressive games that he's just doing what the coach said he wants to see from Bud. At this point its partially up to McHale but mostly to the whole staff especially the front office to let Morris know what they want to see from him. As for the idea of hiding him to keep his value down..scouts are always down there watching so it wouldn't surprise me if other teams know about him already. Just saying that they are still likely to ask for him in a trade if it comes to that.
Is it a huge surprise that the Rockets are looking to trade one or more wing players? Maybe they are in fact "hiding him." Who knows. or maybe he just doesn't have an exact role with the team that fits into the rotation they have now that gets him into the lineup. It doesn't seem like the market is very wide open right now for major trades, but Budinger could probably get moved along with some of the 09ers in small moves. However, he's still going to have to be able to beat out Parson's for minutes and I dont think he's going to go quietly out of the rotation. Morris is going to have to really excell on the defensive end to win those minutes. He's taking a similar approach as Patterson did last year, in 4 weeks he will have the same opportunity as every other player did. Even T-Will got an opportunity for trade deadline last year, even though it was very, very short lived.
Like the beloved Adelman? McHale seems to be quite honest and direct to the players in the short time he's been in Houston. You and I arent in the lockeroom so we dont know for sure, its all what it "seems." To Me.... It "seems" like McHale communicates just fine, and Morris is just being a bit too sensative and emotional about this if he is in FACT upset with the Rockets organization for wanting to develop his game to make sure he is set up to succeed in the NBA rather than fail.
I think it is more than that Dobro, it is a general problem with the roster, we have too many guys that are about equal in talent that any of them that get chosen over the other creates a "WTF" moment from the guy that was not chosen. I believe Morris sees CBud and Parsons and probably thinks he is a lot better than them, while they may think the same of Morris, making it nearly impossible for McHale to get everyone on board, because at the end of the day, the players are probably right. We have 3 SFs that are all about equal, but with different skillsets. 1. Parsons - good defense, good all around passer/rebounder, weakness is shooting. 2. CBud - Good offense, nice all around passer/rebounder, weakness is defense. 3. Morris - Good offense, good rebounder, good post up player - weakness is defensive quickness. So if any one of them gets left out, they probably feel screwed...and honestly, a case could be made for all 3 of them. Same thing is happening with TWill (though him being a dumbass helps there)..... We just have too many average NBA players....at the same positions. DD
I don't see him as a slasher-style SF where his ball-handling is really important. I think his scoring will be more as a post-up threat. He already has significant skills in the post and can score in a variety of ways.
I agree I sure dont either, but its just a way to put him in simulations to make sure he wont get hung up on any plays offensively and defensively where his skillset doesn't mesh. Truth is that his skillset might be different then the one that he likens himself to have. Its important that young players scout themselves as well and know what they need to work on. They know what he can do in the post, but its all just a series of scouting simulations for coaches to run and analyze him on film and work on small details that might get highlighted as weaknesses in the NBA.
