Yep, Im calling it now. We can't trust any of our current PFs to start if we expect to contend this year. At 6'9", 227, Parsons is not that much smaller than many starting 4s around the league and is only 8 pounds lighter than Patterson and Morris who started at the 4 for us last season. I also believe that Beverley starts over Lin, not because he is a better overall player than Lin but because he is a "3 and D" guy who just fits with the starters better. This will also maximize Lin's value on the team as he will be instant offense off the bench and have more opportunities as the primary playmaker. Asik will be available not just as backup C but also as backup PF against teams like Memphis, allowing Parsons to slide back to the 3 at times. This is the starting lineup I believe McHale goes with: PF: Parsons SF: Garcia C: Howard SG: Harden PG: Beverley 6th: Lin 7th: Asik
I don't expect this to be the starting lineup (maybe against certain teams) but I think we'll see this lineup used pretty frequently. Chandler has said he is using this offseason to get bigger and stronger to play the 4 on occasion, so I fully anticipate this being our small ball lineup.
Yes I agree. Parson is in integral part but as a wingman. I do see him sliding over at times to the 4.
If we go small yes. Chandler would get dominated on the block because of his size. Imagine Parsons against Z-Bo, LMA, Love
Starting at SF - still - not at PF consistently. With DH and Asik at the rim you can be a little weak on the perimeter. DD
I don't think garcia is a good starter... If we can get a better SF than parsons, I'm all for starting him at PF, otherwise no... if you start him in PF, you weaken the SF...
I think 2013 may be too soon for Parsons starting PF. I have thought that there is a decent chance he goes to PF later in his career. If Parsons can get to the point that he is strong enough in the post defensively, he will be a great PF. That's a big if.
No way this happens, Parsons is Houston's best perimeter defender and they will not sacrifice that by letting him guard 4's.
Is there a good possibility that the Rockets will play extended periods of small ball(at the PF position) and possibly even start smaller?... absolutely. Do you or I know who the starting PF will be IN NOVEMBER...????... .NO -I also have a nagging suspicion that this thread has something to do with the Terrence Jones situation... which WILL NOT affect the Rockets and Jones' chances at getting significant playing time. Even if on the lineup sheet it lists Parsons as the PF, he's not going to play the position on the court that you would play your PF at in McHales system. Keep in mind that the PF will typically rotate from the high post, to the low post, to the corners(for open 3 point shots). Chandler Parsons is probably the 3rd or 4th best perimeter playmaker on the team. YOU WANT HIM ON THE PERIMETER where he is able to create when the offense gets stagnant. He's a much better playmaker than Delfino, Casspi, or Williams, or whomever would be your other SF. That "other SF" will be better suited playing the PF slot in McHale's offense as a spread the floor, catch and shoot guy from the corners.
Parson has better game playing at SF position, however, there are certain games that coach Mchale might put in Parson at PF, if we are playing with much faster PF in the game!
I think the year will start off with Jones starting at PF, but DMo will outplay him and take over the starting job by the middle of the season. They might go small occasionally, but I wouldn't expect it all that often.
