So these are just some observations about the current Rockets. Obviously they have only played one real NBA game so far but if these issues continue Rockets will have some serious problems in the near future. 1) When playing the twin towers, I notice that the Bobcats didn't even try to contest rebounds. Basically they left as soon as they saw the shot miss and just left the rebounds to Asik and Dwight. This really stifled the Rocket's offense since the Bobcats got time to set up their D, and prevent the Rocket's run and gun style from last year. This issue was mitigated when Rockets had only one big during the game. 2) TURNOVERS, Rockets still had an absurd amount of turnovers despite the slowed down pace and the offense being sticky. 3) Dwight's post moves. He's actually put on some great post moves when he was playing in a line up with 4 shooters surrounding him forcing the Bobcats to play him one on one. In all the other line-ups Dwight was posting up in, the defense instantly collapsed on Dwight and he still foolishly tried to get off his shot. Dwight needs to know that he can't continue dribbling when 2 other guys are coming in on him and chuck that ball to an open teammate. 4) D-Mo and T-Jones still being third stringers. How these guys didn't take advantage of the wide gap in the Rocket's roster is just UGH! Had some serious hope for T-Jones after all the hype from the summer. Instead these guys lost all their minutes to Casspi, Asik and Parsons, none of which is a natural 4. These dudes better prove something before they find themselves getting shipped for 2014 first round picks.
Bobcats played JVG style offense and defense, meaning they put a super emphasis on getting back in transition (especially being the first game of the year where they still have hope vs 60 games from now where they are 20 games under .500), and a super emphasis on draining out the shot clock on offense to keep the score low. With practice though the twin tower set up should be even more dominant in half court sets. Sure we want to run, but the team should be much improved in the half court over time. I don't expect most teams to play the Bobcat's style. Harden playing hurt, Beverly missing most of the game, and just some general sloppiness, but one game isn't too much to worry about. If it continues for several games we will revisit this topic. Just a matter of getting used to his team mates and where they will be and what not. One game is overall kind of meaningless when saying it is a problem with the team, vs just a problem with that particular game. Sure it's kind of disappointing, but on the flip side if they aren't playing it means most likely who ever is in there is outplaying anything Dmo or Jones gave us last year. I'll only worry about this if the guys playing in their place are struggling.
Bobcats game: Twin Towers -4, Lone Tower +17. Dallas game in preseason: Twin Towers -12 in 14 minutes, Lonely Tower +17. I wonder how long it'll take for McHale to figure this out.
Wait, are you really using +/- from two games to claim McHale should be drawing some conclusions here? The sample size is tiny, and you're completely ignoring match up. You're also ignoring the any value the Rockets are possibly gaining keeping Asik happy by starting him. Even if McHale had to suffer ten bad minutes of twin towers a game, if it buys us 15 good minutes of Asik extra it seems worthwhile. LeBron James against Pelicans in preseason: -7 LeBron James against 76ers: -8 I wonder how long it'll take Spoelstra to figure it out.
Spurs looked like they weren't even trying in preseason. People act like Beverly 'shut down' Tony Parker(8 pts) when Parker had zero points the previous game. Did you see James Harden doing his dance moves on Marco Belinelli ? Memphis.....what is their strength again? 4 and 5 positions. Don't get me wrong, Twin Towers works best against Clippers, Memphis, and maybe Portland. But why would you want Twin Towers when McBob is draining three's for the Bobcats? How do you fit Twin Towers offense into Moreyball's philosophy of three pointers and at-the-rim baskets? You'll get more stats the next few games.
Much to early in the season to attempt to dissect the roster. Wait until December first. Otherwise you are just posting irrelevant analysis.
So you're saying it's more important to keep Asik happy and maintain his trade value even if it might cost us 5 games and home court in the playoffs? But I do agree the sample size is tiny. Looking forward to the next few games.
I actually thought it was pretty funny to see Lin's postgame press conference and he said "the ball got sticky". Man Mchale's uses that word so much that its rubbing off on everyone on the team.
