Why the heck was I called out so bad for saying this over the last like 3 games? Everytime I would mention his D somebody would post like death threats or something.
That video was almost funny at time .... Sometimes it looks like D-Mo is setting a pick on a Rockets teammate to give the opposing player an open look ? Maybe he just needs to be reminded which team he's on.
in the first play Motie is "hedging" his man needs to be temporally prevented by Asik. Though I wont deny that Motie defense wasnt great, its our help defense that needs work all around imo.
Well, we can see now why McHale was playing PPat over D-Mo. So many Clutchfans criticizing McHale for not playing D-Mo. D-Mo is talented on the offensive end, and a huge liability on the defensive end. Early in the season I think the Rockets wanted to use D-Mo as a backup Center, and that does make sense because he has trouble staying with players on the perimeter. Unfortunately he doesn't have the bulk to handle the pounding in the paint. I like D-Mo, but like several of our players, he's a couple years away from being the player we want him to be. We building a team and it's going to take some time for it to come together unless we spend money on free agents or make some trades. I'm OK with that.
I really don't understand why some people seem to think that Patterson was even an adequate defensive player, he wasn't. He was basically a traffic cone at best.
^^ Patterson was one of our best team defenders in the frontcourt. D-Mo has looked pretty good since the trade. His game is definitely not in the traditional PF mold - physical low post play, defending the paint - and I don't know if it would be wise to get him to bulk up and develop those skills. So far, I see potential for a offensively capable role player, but I see a lot of holes in his game too. I don't see signs of a star in the making, but then again, my bar for D-Mo hasn't been as high as some posters here.
His defense is horrible. He needs to stop lunging at the players b/c they will just drive right past him.
Well, then I guess he must be as soft as a woman. Personally, I appreciate Patterson's stint as a Rocket. Unlike most young bigs, he knew where to be and what to do on the court, on both offense and defense. He put up decent numbers while playing in a way that was required by the team. And as a fan, I rarely questioned his effort level. His rebounding numbers were low, but that I think has to do with overthinking sometimes, as well as playing next to a rebounding monster in Asik. I could see his rebounding improving as he develops. A smart, solid lunch-pail type player that will be missed, even if I still loved the trade.
I think its too early to condemn D-Mos play. If anything, I am extremely encouraged by him and think he can be the #2 scorer on the team and a border line all-star. Here is what is promising: 1) He is only a ROOKIE and has started a measly 2 games 2) His offensive weapons are unique and have the potential to be elite for a stretch/post 4. He has a great touch around the basket, nifty post moves in the mold of Scola, and 3-point ability that will only improve with time (witness: Ppat expanding his 3 point role in 3 years). He also scored 17 points in 25 minutes, in his second game starting. Pretty sure neither Morris nor PPAT flashed that efficiency in their first 10 games. 3) His effort level and willingness to grow are at an extreme high level. The guy runs himself out of breath which will be corrected with more playing time and increased stamina. He will get better not just b/c of his skills but the guy is motivated--thats more than can be said for a lot of NBA players 4) He was an elite rebounder in Europe. With his length and increased experience, I think he can easily average between 7-10 boards a game. He's shown flashes of this in the NBA 5) He has the ability to make great passes and be a really solid assist man down low. The Rockets haven't had that post-up player to dish the ball into and then pass out for the open 3 since healthy Yao. This gives the Rockets a brand new dimension to the young team. 6) His defense is obviously below-average. He showed some good defense down low in the post a few games but does get beat off the dribble and lacks the lateral defensive quickness (east-west). HOWEVER, Defense is typically the weak point of rookies and is the one area where major improvements can be made, just with experience and learning the NBA. Yes, it may take him a few years to become average-above average but given his height he has shot-blocking capabilities and will routinely change shots just based on his presence. I think the guy can be a major contributor for this team and he really just needs playing time to improve. I don't know if he is our answer at the 4 (or 5) but give the guy a shot--he's earned it and has shown flashes of brilliance.
You people are insane, his rotational and pick and roll defense were excellent. Just because he is not a shot blocker does not mean he is not a good defender.
It's funny how we look back on Patterson's time as a Rocket fondly and so quickly forget threads like this http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=229600 His defensive rating is 110 this year, the same as Motiejunas.
That's a thread about his rebounding, not his defense. Again, he was a very good screen/roll defender, an area where our current bigs (minus Asik) are notably deficient in.
Rebounding =/= defense I don't care what his rating is, I've watched 90% of his games. He wasn't a bad defender.
If you read the comments, his D was getting bashed quite a bit, and rightfully so. He was a really soft, poor defender.
