<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>McHale said Smith "will get some run tonight." I doubt he starts. Asked about starting eventually, he said, "We'll play everything by ear."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/548554527272861696">December 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> I thought they had guaranteed him a starting spot? If they are actually making him earn it, I'm a lot more optimistic about this move.
He wont start until he gets some practice in. That extra long shoot-around suggest that he is already starting to get worked in there.
Do you really see McHale guaranteeing anyone a starting position other than Harden and Dwight? What they probably said to him is "If you play like you are capable of (Atlanta version of J-smoove), you will start for us"
DMo has been playing great. he earned the starting job. But Smith has the talent to take it from him. Either way DMo and Smith will be playing about 30 minutes per game.
Got that Josh? McHale wants you to do everything BUT shoot! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>McHale: "When Josh Smith is rebounding, defending, blocking shots, playing downhill, playing aggressive, that’s when he’s at his best."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/548554143728955394">December 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>McHale said Smith "will get some run tonight." I doubt he starts. Asked about starting eventually, he said, "We'll play everything by ear."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/548554527272861696">December 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
If Josh cuts out all his midrange shots and focuses on scoring at the rim, he would be pretty good offensively. Taking some 3s is also acceptable. I wonder how McHale and Morey can get him to follow, lol
Play everything by ear? We need to get him a Bluetooth earpiece so he can hear Morey crisp and clear.
The reason for optimism with this signing is from a defensive standpoint, the Rockets already had 2 of the best rim/paint protecting bigs in the NBA and they are adding another big that's very good at it as well. Hopefully that'll translate to the paint being essentially off limits for other teams all game long. I still hate Josh Smith's offense like poison, but having 3 bigs that cause a drop of 11% or more off of opponents' FG% within 6 feet of the rim is pretty special.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As expected, for those that are apparently very into this sort of thing, Josh Smith will wear No. 5, his number with the Hawks.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/548567626767949824">December 26, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Not in the least, I'm saying the same thing I've said all along. My problems have always been with him being terrible on offense, not on defense.
I had been thinking and saying for some time that the Rockets needed to get a front court vet. I'm not sure if Smith is the kind of guy they need. I'm sure his relationship with Howard may have contributed to his signing. Overall it is not a bad signing if his minutes don't take away from DMo and Jones (if he gets back).
this is a one year deal. what are chances he resigns with the Rockets? Do y'all think he will go for a large pay day contract in the off season. Morey has been searching for the third star. will he pay someone on this team as one?
That doesn't sound like a promise at all. You can tell any player, "If you play like (insert conditions), you will start for us."