ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Cavaliers 1/5/2013

Dude, just admit when you're wrong, instead of trying to act "cool", dude.

 

My opinion on Harden is that he is a superstar. He should iso and he should get the majority of shots. And it's not about Lin. If we had another playmaking of, I'd say the same thing which is let the pg run the offense more. And I think he is unselfish and he does create. However as someone astutely pointed out the ball can get sticky at times with Harden and doesn't now from side to side as much as it should. That's all.

Hell, I don't even know if I'm even disagreeing with anyone out there. I just said that I wish we iso'd a little later in the clock and I'd like the ball in the pg's hands a bit more than now in the 4th. Of course, there is a time and need for Harden ball, as a superstar is a superstar for a reason but its a fine balance. Once again, Kobe is a prime example not that Harden is anything like Kobe. I've watched every game of Kobe's career for at least 10 years, haven't missed one until the last few years, and maybe that's why I hate iso ball so much.
If you think I'm hating on Harden or I don't think there is a time and place for iso ball, you're mistaken. Maybe I didn't articulate it well enough. I love Harden. I'd take Harden over Kobe anytime and I think he's in the top 5, not top 10, because of his efficiency, ability to get to the free throw line, court vision, and age. The only thing I'm concerned about us his defense. It's terrible.

 

I guess I just haven't seen other players falliing out of rhythm because of Harden, as you seem to have.

Compared to Bryant, Harden seems better at setting up the open man, but less of a prolific scorer.

And although Harden does seem to be cultivating a closer's mentality (which I love), I don't see him trying to take on the entire scoring load from the start, like Bryant sometimes tries to do.

 

Jlin deserves to be in all star game but not a starter. CP3 and Westbrook are too good right now. Parker is the other good guard. However how many of these other guards can say they can produce the kind of result for a team as young as the Rockets, and being the league's # 1 offence, and do that as the 1st year pg for the team. JLin did that and even though he is not as consistent as others (due to his young age and newness to NBA games), he has helped the team by making guys better players (probably excepting Harden who is an all star and can make his own shots). He should top out Parker in this category.

 

The problem with Lakers isn't their offense, it's their defense. They aren't struggling right now because no one on their team can make shots, in fact their starting 5 is averaging double figures. The problem is they can't stop other teams from making shots.

 

It seems to me more like a locker-room problem.
..."It's something we have to do to get better," he said. "We have to play like we like each other. Even if we don't want to be friends off the court, whatever that may be, when we step in between the lines or we step in the locker room or the gym, we have to respect each other and what we bring to the table."...
Reference.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...oward-says-los-angeles-lakers-play-each-other

 

The ball stopped with Jordan, it stopped with Tmac, it stops with Kobe, LBJ, Wade, Durant,Melo and so on. Tell me a superstar wing player who has never been accused of being a ball stopper?. Great players need freedom to create.

 

Were this about performance, Lin most definitely does not belong in the all-star game imo.

 

ok, there comes a point when the LOF's enter the grounds of absurdity, and that right there is it.

CP3, Westbrook, Parker and Curry are miles ahead of him, and that's just the point guards in the west that have been vastly better than him. Throw in Kobe and Harden as the SGs and you have 6 guys competing for 5 spots.

It's not that he's a bad player, but he'd be outside the top 10, maybe around 15 for WC guards.

 

Lebron isn't a ball stopper.

 

Of course, defense is their problem. I agree. But, I have plenty of problems with their offense. Pau has not been utilized correctly in years. Kobe has been inefficient for years (not so true, this year). Now that Nash is back give them 10 more games, I'll bet the offense will look okay.
In terms of defense, I don't know if they can get that chemistry going in time. Age is another main issue. The league is faster and more athletic than it has ever been. I don't know if Nash can truly defend any of the faster guards at all. I know he's not gonna stop Lin. I think it all depends on Howard. If Howard can get back, it'll be interesting but it remains a question in my mind.

 

Thats eactly my point. Just because rthey get ISO's dosent make them ball stoppers. Tmac was probaly one of the most unselfish Superstars interms of creating for his teammates as well .

 

Harden is the same

 

No he doesn't. Look at his stats. He's having a terrible season. He really doesn't even deserve to be in the skills competition but he will be since the game is in Houston. I have no problem with that either

 

I wouldn't categorize Harden as a ball-stopper of that degree. Not at all. And frankly speaking, I've been a bigger fan of players like Magic, Bird, and Nash than them. Harden would be in the middle, which is just right.

The problem is, we have to utilize Lin more (at least I see potential) as Harden can get going all the time whereas Lin needs some help. It's like Harden is a 10 and Lin is a 3 sometimes, whereas by letting Lin play pg (more high pnrs and screens) Lin can be a 6 and Harden can be a 8. And if Lin is a 6, that means he is driving and dishing more so the team gets more involved as he is a pg. Shoot, if Lin is allowed to be a 6, Harden may be a 10 anyways cuz he's boss like that.

 

bro i would LOVE for you to copy and paste that onto a general sports forum/non rockets forum. not even joking.

 

lol. Even stating that Lin is starting pg worthy or even NBA worthy may get you crucified in other forums. The consensus is that Lin's defense is near bottom tier, and that he is slow with bad handles who can get picked anytime they press up on him and can't go left.

Please do not post that! lol.

 

In comparison to early on in the season, I think Lin has been utilized quite well as of late. The problem is Lin is a feast or famine player, when he is playing bad he can be terrible, but when he plays well he is unstoppable.

However, in general Lin has had a lot more freedom in my opinion. For example, Lin was absolutely terrible against the Bucks last game throughout all 3 quarters, but McHale stuck with him during the fourth till the end.

 

Definitely see that as well, but I do see the hesitation in setting screens for Lin still. I guess he has to earn that respect. I hope he does. My contention is that if we are to get out of the first round, it can't be Harden alone, someone else has got to step up on the offensive end in terms of playmaking and Lin is that guy. Though it was not expected, the way things are now, I'd be disappointed in a first round exit. Making noise in the playoffs will be such a mental boost to all our players and to our coaching staff that we have to start getting our pieces and our offense ready now. Harden seems ready but that's about it. We need to develop soldiers to fight with him. (Delfino and TD seem ready, tbh.)

 

I'm not even saying Lin is a bad ball player. he has talent. and i believe he has potential to one day be a true all star, but not now. it just seems like some fans here are either brainwashed or delusional. Thats why i say post it up somewhere else to maybe get a dose of reality.

If Lin does end up playing good for him, i'll be rooting for him. i just dont agree that he should be there.

Aren't the chances unlikely anyway if he doesnt beat out CP in votes? i know they changed the rules this year slightly, from what i understand is the chosen starters are guaranteed a spot. Reserves are chosen by the coaches. If Lin doesn't beat CP he will be a reserve meaning coaches will have to vote him in right? If so there's no way the coaches are going to choose him as a reserver over the other guards.