You have to love his work ethic and competitive attitude. He also has athletic gifts, but needs PT. I hope he has improved enough to get that PT this season and develop into his full capabilities.
It's not like Jones is that great a 3 point shooter, either. The PF spot is going to be a wide-open competition, involving not only Jones, Motiejunas, but also Smith, Casspi, Parsons and even Covington getting those minutes. Maybe one of Asik or Howard would play the 4 for a few minutes in a "twin tower" formation, too. A number of guys can either be starter, reserve or not see the floor at all.
In my opinion, D-Mo is the guy with the most potential on our team to become a star. Agile 7 footers who can run the floor, pass, and post up don't grow on trees. But in order for him to stay on the floor, he needs to prove that he's a better fit at the 4 than Terrence Jones and Greg Smith. Both those guys provide better defense, rebounding, and hustle. If D-Mo wants to become a starter in his league, he needs to become a plus defender. He certainly has the tools to accomplish this (Getting to 260 so he doesn't get abused in the post certainly doesn't hurt. For reference Hakeem was 1 inch shorter, and weighed 255.), but he needs the mentality and discipline to utilize those tools. I think people overrate the skills needed for a successful power forward on our team. Ideally the guy who starts should be able to create space by being able to hit a midrange jumper. He should also be able to pass well from the post, rebound, hustle, and play good defense. None of our current 4s really fit this to a T. I'm really hoping Donatas can find ways to contribute on the rebounding and defensive end, because that would really open up playing time for him. His passing and post skills just transcend what our other power forwards on our team have to offer.
I agree that there is a lot of competition for the 4. I don't see Howard playing the 4 except for specific matchups. I think the Rockets are going to try to play uptempo with Howard. Howard will need more rest than in previous years.
This is actually an excellent discussion right now. To interject more actual data here are the top 5 man rotations for the Rockets last season: <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MfA0epMs5LR1Qex5w6s3IgLH8qnQV85OY1a3G5cMn5g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VhC3xTUHZ6o/UfgROhOYlDI/AAAAAAAAABc/SZvE7EMvWH4/s400/Houston%2520Rockets%2520top%2520five%2520man%2520units%2520data%2520from%252082games.com%2520-%2520Mozilla%2520Firefox%25207302013%252031417%2520PM.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107238459161314210079/DropBox?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></table> I think that it is telling that the 3rd most used unit last season featured D-Mo as PF, and was by far and away the best unit that logged more than 100 minutes together. Looking at D-Mo's shots last season: <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Is0LTlDpFsBWvhgYdOr6p1snOEKp2QZBp8Q-7CGDNcU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YvAAQRMCdCw/UfgURLoAzCI/AAAAAAAAABw/FutteRtpTSo/s640/NBA%2520Stats%2520-Donatas%2520Motiejunas%2520-%2520Mozilla%2520Firefox%25207302013%252032846%2520PM.jpg" height="566" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107238459161314210079/ScreenCaptures?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Screen Captures</a></td></tr></table> We can see that offensively he is close to where he needs to be. Within a summer and preseason anyway. So I maintain that next season he really only needs to seriously improve his defense and rebounding. Hopefully competing with his national team will allow him to be much improved next season.
Donata Motiejunas Hakeem, could train Dwight, D-Mo & all the other big men. D-Mo will get his chance to perform, and if Dwight comes to play; everybody's job (including D-Mo's) will be easier.
There is no physical reason why DMo can't develop the type of post game that approaches the Dream's. I think he definitely has the footwork capable for it... Now Hakeem was just gifted physically, he also had the smarts to INNOVATE new moves. David Robinson had no chance against that one hard dribble pound on the baseline and then spin back shot or up and under... Combination of power and finesse. Does DMo have that in him, I hope he gets a chance this year to find out.
Tjones with his arm length is the better shot blocker and a better gambling thief (steals). Shooting 36% from 3 in Summer League. You would think Dmo should be better with size.
Exactly, and TJ struggled this year, plus stomps on homeless people. PF is DMo's spot to lose I think. DD
Yea that stomping thing is uncalled for. Id love to see him stomp on some cartel members and see how far he gets in RGV
I just want him to grow up - that shows a severe lack of class or understanding about responsibility. Not impressed at all..... DD
not to be so off topic but... hows star citizens development coming? any word on a potential release or demo date? I am jonsing man....TERRENCE JONSING.
Minor incident.... bad things happen We have a promising season to look forward to. No need to go all out because of this
If this thing is actually true I don't think that Jones makes to the regular season as a Rocket. Talk about a thug act.
