Ever since the ASB this guy has been awesome. Moving him into the starting line-up was a great move by McHale and glad coach didn't force it, but stayed patient with TJ. The eye test alone should tell every Rockets fan that the guy is back: he's blocking shots like a mad man, rebounding, hustling, getting easy buckets, handling the ball like before, hitting the glass and proving a spark. Here are the stats per game to prove it: 12.2 pts 10.2 rebounds 3.5 blocks
He looked great, he was doing classic T-Jones things all night. Patient at the rim to get the ball on the backboard instead of flinging it up. One of the few on the team who was completely unafraid of Deandre Jordan. And, of course, the shot blocking. Couldn't have come back strong at a better time.
So glad he recovered from the scary injury. but who is the odd man out once dwight comes back and sucks up 30 min game ? also who will get the remaining priority minutes next to dwight ? you can make a real argument for all 3. All have unique and valuable skills sets.
I hope he will develop a jump shot in the off season, and improve his free throw percentage. That would be amazing. Go Terrence Go!
I thought that's what the title said too! But yeah, he's back like he never left. Don't call it a comeback... Ef it, call it a comeback.
Yeah, it's funny...cause in his absence I had come to the conclusion that Dmo had surpassed him...in about one week worth of games since he's been back I don't even think I can say that anymore. In a roundabout way his injury I think has helped the Rockets. It allowed Dmo to get the playing time necessary to get to the next level. We now have two young, very good, versatile big men.
I remember when the PF spot was a big question mark for this team and now we have 3 starting caliber PF's it is a huge luxury to have TJ/Smoove/Dmo in the lineup because all three can easily start but are sacrificing for the team and Smoove/TJ are great sparks off the bench.
He still has a few bone-head moments (throwing the ball off of Jsmoove's back) each game but the hustle and focus are definitely there. If he can just calm down, see the game and react he can be something special. Even in his current form, he is a huge plus on the court.
The announcers were saying how his bench press increased a ton while he was gone. Good work ethic! (I don't remember the exact numbers Bullard said)
I haven't been focusing my eyes too much on him lately, but I've not noticed him making defensive lapses since being back. He's a great addition to the offense.
That upper body strength is going to help down low. Still a bit worried about his post defense against long PFs like LMA.
And that is a really big deal. He actually looks bigger and stronger. Gives us a much better chance in the playoffs.
When Dwight gets back we will have a 4 man plug and play big man rotation. Whatever the match up calls for.
