Eh. I agree when Dwight comes back that will be a luxury. But I think this is more simple than that. D-Mo hasn't seen that type of defense yet. And neither has the team. I expect with a few days to practice this week, they'll work on that.
Its never easy managing stars, but we're here to watch the Houston Rockets succeed, and so is Mchale. If that means stroking Dwight's ego when need be, or reigning it in, then so be it.
Another great game! And some nice tough around the rim too. Will be interesting to see how he plays next to Dwight, he'll obviously start at the 4 but I'd like to see him on the floor whenever Dwight's out as well.
Scola was a better mid range shooter, and rebounder but Dmo is a better defender and also a soild rebounder similar to the likes of Aldridge, Dirk and Mark Gasol. Ill take defense over money mid range any day.
So DMO has shown us now about 8-10 solid games this season, posting near double-doubles getting 15 points + with ease, playing around 25 minutes per game. If he continues at this pace, where does that place him in the NBA PF-C hierarchy? What NBA players is he (assuming he continues this pace) most comparable too/valued as much as? (the distinction here being he has a very unique skill set as a mobile 7-footer, so maybe his value compares to someone with a completely different game). Put simply, is DMO becoming a legitimate starting NBA PF/C that other teams would covet? Is he our PF "of the future"? (i.e. does he fill that role more than adequately--doesn't mean he can't or won't be traded but is he good enough/more than enough?). I'm really intrigued by his game and can't say enough about his defensive effort as of late. He's of course been held in high-esteem only to let us down in the past so count me in as the cautiously optimistic…but I think its pretty safe to say that with starter minutes and regular playing time, this guy is legit and ready for a fruitful NBA career. Too soon? I don't think so.
D-Mo is a starting center on 15+ teams right now. If he keeps this up throughout December it will be almost 20 teams. He is going to get PAID in the summer of 2016.There are few players out there that can provide shut down paint defense in the NBA.
I agree… so he think his value is greater at C than PF? What I love about his game is that he can "shut down" opposing PFs with his length, mobility and keep defenses honest with his abilities to pass, post, and even stroke the occasional 3…that makes him a potential greater weapon as a PF than a C. But the C position is more coveted (or at least fewer good players at C) so maybe that is where is value is highest.
Then he gets paid. Either Morey re-signs him or trades him for another (fantastic) asset. As you know, most players tend to stick with their home team if it's their first big payday because they want that extra year. In any case, it's a nice problem to have.
He can play both, and switch on defense, he didn't really seem peturbed whether he was on Zbo or Marc which was a good test to see how flexible he is, I'm not so sure he could keep up with the Brow, but there's no one else even close to that kid's athleticism.
yeah Anthony Davis is the next big star in this league…just waiting to take over the crown. But agree, his performance against Memphis shows his versatility at both positions. Who would've thunk it ?! DMO the Defensive Juggernaut!
When D-Mo is playing the center position, the defense isn't really that great. He is a very good man-to-man defender but has other areas that are lacking. For example, the pairing of D-Mo/Papanikolaou has DRTG of 100.5 in 179 minutes (Dwight/Papanikolaou 91.5). D-Mo has been excellent when paired with another true big, and even dominant with Dwight (88.7 DRTG).
Not sure if you can conclude anything from that. Dmo + thrice DPOY will most likely have a better rating.
Just now watching the Phoenix game. Donuts really stands out. Dude is putting together a serious highlight reel of man's work. I have to say, I didn't think he had it in him. Gotta love being wrong! Not only is he scoring in the post, on the move, and on the break, but he's blocking shots and playing outrageous defense at the other end. It's mind-boggling and great.
I've noticed that he isn't that good at defending post ups. He's good at help defense, team defense, and defending drives. Not a rim protector though usually.
I've been wondering about DMo at center myself. Thank you for answering some of those questions with data. DMo's not a rim protector, and I naturally think that's a quality you want a center to have to helm a really strong defense. I love DMo at PF though.
Hard to pull anything with those stats. We were playing CREAM PUFFS with Dwight in the lineup. We have played infinite tougher opponents since he went down.
