Let's assume the Rockets make no passes at small forwards in the coming seasons, and stick with either Parsons or Morris as the starting 3. In Morris (who will get better over time), we have a forward who can effectively post up any opposing forward, shoot the ball fairly well, and has solid rebounding ability. In Parsons, we have a player who scores when necessary, rebounds, passes and is an above average wing defender. On one hand, you could stick a pure scorer at the 2 (ie a player like Martin on a good day), and play Parsons next to him; he makes up for his defensive inadequacies, and finds him when he's spotting up. On the other hand, you could have more of an off-the-ball, defensive minded 2 (ie a player like Lee), and play Morris next to him; Marcus is a player who operates well with the ball in his hands, kicking out to shooters when he's doubled in the post, etc. My question, then, is who would you prefer as the future starting SF on our roster, as a kind of building block. Let me clarify - the point of the thread is not to discuss who is the better player right now - it should be obvious that, for now, it's Parsons.
Impossible to say right now. Morris still has a higher ceiling, but his likelihood of reaching his full potential is not very good. Parsons is clearly the better player right now, but is closer to maxing out his potential, in my opinion.
This upcoming draft is stocked with SF/slashers so I hope Morey don't reach for a big man and take the bpa even though we have Parsons, Budinger and Morris.
Depends on how this roster will shape up to be in the coming year. If the starting lineup continues to feature Scola, Lowry & Martin, then naturally you'll need as much def as possible at the other 2 positions, Parsons & Camby/Bear. Only way Morris gets into the lineup is if Scola gets shipped out and we don't get a post player in return. Then I can see Patterson & Morris slot into the frontcourt. I don't think we've seen enough of Morris at the NBA level to really get a feel of what he'll offer.
Luckily, because both of their contracts are very reasonable, you don't have to make that decision now. Personally, after watching a little from Morris, I think he will be a big time player. Just needs time and minutes. I think the reason he hasn't been playing is Morey didn't want him to be viewed as desirable by the rest of the league while we were in trade talks.
I thought the fadeaway jumper he made while being double teamed was pretty special tonight. We don't have anyone on the roster who can pull off stuff like that regularly. The question is, can Morris do it regularly...
Lowry - Lee - Parsons - Scola - Dalembert That's a solid starting lineup. 4 really good defensive players (not Scola), a guy that can create a little bit (Lowry), a good outside shooter that can spread the floor (Lee), a guy that can post up well (Scola), and a long, athletic wing player that attacks the boards (Parsons). Then, the bench would be.... Dragic - Martin - Morris - Patterson - Camby 3 good defensive players (Dragic, Patterson, Camby), a bigger wing player with a nice post-up game (Morris), an effective scorer that can put points up in bunches (Martin), a relentless PG that attacks the basket (Dragic), a PF that can spread the floor and post up a little bit (Patterson), and a Center that can do all the dirty work (Camby). Both of those lineups pretty much cover all the bases.
Chandler Bang should be our starting 3 for years ........The only way I could see him moving is in a deal for a big star. He's not only an elite defender, but also a facilitator who can finish in traffic. Parsons is also a hard worker, so I'm not worried about those FT's. His % will come up. The kid's got a great feel for the game and ... has an improving J.
He also would punish players like Durant, who are lanky and somewhat incapable of guarding bruisers. In almost any matchup, he'd create open shots through his post play, something that is a key component of McHale's offense.
We haven't even scratched Morris' game yet. Will be interesting to see if he can score efficiently. That's the only thing I'm concerned about. I'm kinda wondering what Morris would look like posting up with Motie out at the corner spacing the floor and Camby at the top. Could be an interesting set. At this point, I'm just wondering where Morris fits. Parsons really facilitates ball movement. He's very fast. He's got a handle. He plays great defense. He's been very good on this team. By the same token, Morris has superstar talent potential. I'm saying "POTENTIAL". Not saying he is or is going to be a superstar. I'm saying we don't know. On this team, we need a go-to mismatch guy in the worst way. I don't see anybody on this current roster being that guy, unless it's Dragic. Patterson isn't it. Nice player. But not a go-to guy. Scola does his best but he is overmatched when we make him the go-to guy. We need that guy that forces a double/triple team, that can shoot it over anybody, that can get his no matter who is guarding him. The only player with that kind of potential on this team is Marcus Morris. At some point, we really need to integrate him and let him have the ball where he wants it, we have to actually run some plays for him to see what he can do. Unfortunately for Morris, we're gonna fight for the playoffs down the stretch here, so most likely we won't really know Morris' capability until some time next season, if ever. However, if we fall out of contention with Lowry being out, then I am hoping that McHale runs Morris out there for the last stretch of games and goes to him to see what he can do.
They have to revisit Morris in the post & have PPat or Scola out top instead of Camby for kickout jumpers. He could be a nice addition off bench scoring on the block. But he has to get comfortable with taking shots out there.
I hope so. We desperately need a go to guy. As much as I love Parsons as see him more as that utility guy that you plug in whereever you have a need. I want him on the court a lot but more as a lock down defender and I think he can back up the 2, 3 and 4 doing that. But I would start Marcus in a sec if he could play better D than Bud and shoot the 3 with some amount of consistency. If he can do that than the rest should in place. I think he will command double teams in the post. I think thats what Morey invisioned. I also agree with others a full off season should help him improve. I hope he spends it in Houston but I get the feeling he wants to be with his brother. I think watching 4 lottery picks get their careers thrown away for nothing should give him a wake up call. If it doesn't then he'll never get it. He needs to continue to work hard in practice and be ready to take advantage of every minute he gets as if it's his last. If nothing else he has at least played hard the last 2 nights. I hope you're wrong. I still think it's not completely fair to judge this year with out summer leagur and traing camp. Most rookies do not pick up things as quickly as Parsons.
