Stats don't tell the whole story on this guy last night. Constantly, the defense got funneled towards him (either on purpose or not-up-to-par perimeter defense) and he came up BIG. A couple more rebounds would've been good, but that 4th quarter block was huge. Oh, and 12 points? Not a bad debut either. I know most of his points will be a product of Lin and Harden driving and dishing, but as long as he can catch the ball (remember stonehands Dalembert last year?), we could have a reliable low post option. And definitely an elite defender
Said this in another thread, but he needs to watch the moving picks so he doesn't pick up cheap fouls. He had a very good game. Caught the ball and finished better than I expected.
His help defense and PNR defense is amazing. I haven't seen any big man cover the PNR as well as he does. I'm Dream could have done it but his talents were better served as a rim protector. In the old days, Asik would have gotten a max contract on defense alone.
His defense in the last 6 minutes was elite. Monroe was almost scared to post him up. Asik changes the whole defense when he is in the paint.
The league is emphasising on moving screens this year. I've seen a few already that wouldn't have been called last year.
Asik will be considered a "value" signing by the time this season is over. I think it's clear that he's gonna be a double-double 7-footer who plays elite defense. that's worth $8.5 mil a year and then some.
It was the most encouraging thing I saw from him. I watched him last year constantly fumbling the ball. Still can't shoot to save his life, but just holding onto the ball and finishing will be good enough for him to live up to the contract.
Haha, Monroe did try to post him up a few times, once he backed into him, spun around, put up a pump fake, and found he had gotten nowhere. So he passed the ball out. Asik just doesn't get off the ground easily for the fakes. The second best stat line for the night after Harden's ... was Asik's 33min and only 2PFs. And Monroe isn't an easy cover. We need Asik to give us 30-35min a night, because it won't be every night that Greg Smith can hold his own in the middle (rookie inconsistencies, plus giving up height).
Personally I don't care how many points he gets, I want to see those offensive rebounds on offense and his usual major presence on defense. That being said, i hope he does get a few plays a game just to keep his opponent on his toes
those idiots on 610 AM were badmouthing Asik this morning. Said he was 2nd string center at best. Pretty obvious they didn't watch the game last night. The real question is why start and play Marcus Morris at PF when you have Terrence Jones and Montiejunas that didn't even get into the game. I think Rockets biggest weakness this year is.....McHale.
What about those offensive rebounds on defense? Morey hasn't been shy about how great of a signing he thought Asik was. Looked great last night.
Lol I wanted to as well, but his Real Question is legitimate. Why in the hell was Jones and Motiejunas on the bench the entire game. That was ridiculous.
Was impressed with the fact that he only got 2 PFs last night. If he can stay on the court by not picking up those cheap fouls, he'll end up being a steal.
Also, his first bucket. The under the basket reverse english of the glass layup was a thing of beauty and i didn't expect that from him. Was something I would only expect from a big man with the Dream's skill set.
I think the stats were excellent for his debut. If he averaged 12pt, 9reb, and 2 blocks for the season, that would be pretty good.
at the end of the season, other teams will look back and slap themselves. we got ourselves a seven footer with elite defensive skills, and can catch and finish as well as rebound. can't wait for Asik to get the recognition he deserves, the dude has worked hard for it.