Did you see how things went at the start of the game? We won't come back from 17 down against the playoff teams. I do agree that Brewer should close.
I'm not saying he shouldn't or should start but at least don't make stuff up. Capela and Johnson were playing great in the DLeague.
Nick Johnson was decent earlier in the season. To throw him into the fire known as the western playoffs may be crazy enough to just work.
Give him shot with Prigs we are playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end, I would double off him onto James every chance I get. At least Nick has some ability to finish around the rim..
Apparently McHale would like to play with Johnson some and sees that the aging Terry and Priogioni have trouble keeping up with some of the opposing younger guys: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=9643120&postcount=1015
Excellent on ball defender. Hops out of the gym like Stevie Franchise. He's as scrappy as Bev and about the same on offense. I see him doing good things. Blocks steals poster dunks.
McHale: "I'd like to let Nick get some time. Trevor and Brew will get 'em. Some of the top PGs are hard to guard for anyone. Pablo and Jet being older will have their hands full. Hopefully Nick can get some time and confidence."
Honestly, Ariza has been the Rockets' best defender on high level PGs this year since Beverley just hasn't been nearly as good as he was last season. Even Brewer is arguably better at that assignment than Beverley. The issue is you need these guys for minutes at the 2 and the 3 and sometimes even the 4 already so you are overtaxing them if you want them to take a bunch of Beverley's former minutes, too. Let's see what Nick can do.
Rudy T was really smart about this sort of situation. Starting Terry is fine but he does not need to play starter minutes. Nick johnson does however need to take a bulk of the minutes, which I would be ecstatic to see. If he can get his shots then he will be amazing for us at the pg position. He has the legs to guard the younger pgs but he needs to get his shot going to work the opposing pg's on both ends of the floor. Remember Rudy continued to start Kenny. Sam Cassell just played more to keep Kenny fresh. I think sam was logging close to 30 mins a game the 94 95 season which is what should happen with Nick.
Question: Is it just me or is there actually a strategy of Ariza and Brewer jumping the pick and roll and trapping the point guard at the top before they can even get down to the pick and forcing him to give up the ball? It sure seems like I'm seeing that more and more often in games where both guys are on the floor together. Often enough that I think it is strategic to discombobulating the opponent's offense and forcing them to go deeper into the shot clock and possibly give up a turnover by passing out of the trap at the top. Is anybody else seeing that?
It may vary, but more often than not, I expect us to close with: Brewer Harden Ariza DMo/TJones/Smith Howard That lineup can guard anyone. The question is what to do when the other team's top PG is on the floor during the 1st 3 quarters. Nick could be this years version of Daniels, though guarding the top PGs in the league is more difficult than just spotting up from 3. Nick would have to play with Harden, as I wouldn't want him to have any ball handling responsibilities. Really, all I'd want him to do is spot up from the corners and slash to the paint from the wings.
What's crazy is burning out Terry with a big lead against Minnesota. Prigioni has been terrible for multiple games. Play Nick and build his confidence. We will need him come playoff time if Beverly can't come back. Jeez.
If nothing else, we can play him 10 minutes or so to keep Terry and Prigs minutes down around 20. Maybe in his brief looks he shows something.
No opinion on Nick... but I notice that Beverley went out, Dwight came in, and we got a season high in assists. (I kid.... but do I totally kid?)
