Not every possession against everyone. Great defensive teams usually have outstanding perimeter defenders or/and a dominant shot blocking big. With those tools, it makes double teaming more of a blitz and not part of the core of the defensive scheme.
During GSW heyday, the Hampton 5 would all be resting by 4th quarter because they built up such a huge lead by 3rd quarter. If the 3's are not falling for Rockets early, they do not have this luxury. Rockets may need to expand their regular season rotation beyond a 9 man rotation. They may need to play at least 12 man rotation to preserve their big 4. Mike is going to need to trust 2nd unit as well as end of bench, even if just in short spurts. This is also valuable experience should we need any of them in postseason for whatever reason. MDA has already stated that he is unconcerned with seeding, so health/rest and building trust over unimportant wins should be goal. There is fine line with building stamina and chemistry for postseason and running team into the ground.
These are highly conditioned athletes. Obviously, the assignment is tough and I can understand taking a toll on your body, but Rockets have conditioned themselves to put up with this on a nightly basis. Our team is damn talented and despite teams trying to take advantage of us, they are not easily being successful. Our role players don't move as much on the other end of the floor due to our ISO heavy offense, so they in fact get to rest a little bit on that end of the floor. Harden and Russ are built for this kind of environment and the Rockets have been playing small ball for years. Our most successful season, 2017-2018, we ran small ball with Ariza/Luc/Tuc. Yeah, they had more length, however, they were still not as strong and had to deal with being constantly post up and yet they almost went all the way.
PJ has struggled in the bubble. 126 Ortg with him OFF court is staggering. MDA may need to rest him or rethink his minutes.
He is still high level defender and is elite at corner 3. Just needs to keep legs fresh. Maybe play Green more.
So, its safe to say after this season the small ball strategy will be scrapped and we will get a big man or 2.
For the time being I would like to have Tyson Chandler out there when and only when James Harden is out there without Russ. We might see that in the playoffs. But I'm reaching.
Not on defense. Tucker has been an amazing defender so far in the bubble. All the announcers are commenting on it. He is immovable in the post.
