Cook played only 5 minutes and he managed to hit the side of the board on a shot. McHale had probably seen enough.
I thought smith and del3no played well tonight... Patterson playing would be better than Morris, but having him come off the bench in spot minutes wouldn't be horrible. I wish we would have seen TJones
McHale should play the rookies especially Jones and Motiejunas but we did win I have no complaints but everyone should know Harden won't average 37 points a game.
I think we are fine every where except the one and our rebounding with our bench. Douglas has to either completely do a 180 from the pre-season and this game or Machado needs to start seeing minutes ASAP.
Welcome to ClutchFans, Mr. Cook. How do you like Houston so far? Why did you choose Meteorcane as a screen name?
I'm convinced Douglas gets paid to increase Lin's +/-. I've watched him enough on the Knicks. He may have the tools and not look bad in practice, but he just can't handle the pressure come game time. He can't make decisions. He will squander any lead the starters build up. And you just can't play Harden and Lin 40+ minutes a night. I hope Morey can figure this out, because Rockets will lose a lot of games.
My only problem with the bench is at the wing, with Delfino being the only capable player and no youngster to help out. Cook has been worthless for two teams now, and is still worthless. Douglas had a solid rookie year and then somehow became utter crap. I don't know if Morris can play the 3, but if he can then he should be the 3/4, so Parsons and Harden don't play 40+mpg. My biggest fear is that Harden, and to lesser extent Lin, Asik and Parsons get overworked. No need to risk fatigue and injuries for a team that's not contending yet.
I think Morris deserves more of a go, this is his first game back from injury. I wouldn't give up on him yet. Douglas though... my god
My guess is that the Harden acquisition gives us a some shot at the playoffs. Consequently, McHale feels the pressure to make the playoffs and is playing the more experienced players. That was clear to me when Morris was chosen over Jones for the starting nod. I really hope that the inexperienced get a shot outside of garbage time soon...
Kevin Martin and Kyle Lowry weren't role player. They weren't stars, but they weren't role players. But agree with the sentiment that the bench can easily be retooled. One problem: backup point. It's so bad that we're gonna have to have harden run the offense, or peal Royce white off the bench to run the offense. I have a feeling tht Machado's going to the D-league no matter what. He was in street cloths last night.
Keep it as it is. We're young and on rebuild stage. Why waste moolah and cap space to solidy the bench? So we could pick low again in the draft?
Now that we've got Harden, and cap room for the max next year, we're better off making a playoff push to attract a star player, than to still lose with Harden. So we'll ease in the rookies slowly, one by one, starting with Terrence Jones. Perhaps on the second game of back-to-back, our home opener. When does DLeague start? Let's just get Machado there for his 6 game obligation ASAP, and bring him back. BTW, my pick for the team with the worst bench in the NBA ... Memphis Grizzlies: Pondexter, Speight, Bayless, Ellington, Haddadi, Selby & Wroten. Darrel Arthur is injured. Too much money tied up in Gasol, Randolph and Gay (& Conley).
Delfino is fine...I'm surprised I am saying that. I think the bench needs more seasoning. I expect it may be a few months before Jones, Motiejunas, and White (in order of expected readiness) are truly up to speed. Jones is already really close, but expect him to be even better. Morris, I think he needs a little more burn. I don't know if he'll ever be good, but I think he will be at least serviceable. Douglas needs to just play defense, bring ball up court, pass to Harden, and either be a shooter or a cutter. His dribbling privileges in the half court should be revoked. Parsons and Harden need to be on the court when Douglas is on the court. I don't think Machado plays until he can play defense. Smith was okay last night which is a lot better than I expected.
