Hmm perhaps I should've worded it better... I'm not saying being an "energy off the bench" is a bad thing, I'm just annoyed by the typecasting of Landry as JUST energy off the bench when it's very clear (to me, at least) he's our best player.
What I don't get is why some people are tethered to the notion that Scola must start ahead of Carl. While Luis' defense is better than Carl's (albeit slighter than some would have you believe...Carl's shotblocking has improved, which just leaves position D as his hurdle), it's not as if Luis is some defensive juggernaut, anchoring the paint for us. Luis' offense is undoubtedly a notch below Carl's, as well. The team is reeling fans into the Toyota creel with the idea that this is a hardworking team in a state of development, for both now and the near future. Well, considering they (to this point) have declined to pick up options on Scola (and Lowry, but that's for a diff't discussion), its apparent that Carl is the future...and the now. Imo, we need to further his development by putting him in the starting lineup. For some guys, it doesn't matter if they start or not. As long as they're getting a good share of minutes, you're going to get maximum effort and production from them. I don't know if Carl is one of those guys. The excitement he was exuding behind being able to (possibly) start when Luis was considering summoning his own inner Rambis/Worthy/Jabbar was hard to ignore. I wonder what kind of production we would've seen from Carl...amped up Carl, that is. Maybe he fouls out in 6 minutes and his head explodes or spontaneously combusts (thus proving all cynics wrong that it can indeed happen) from sheer over-exhuberance. Or maybe he drops 35/10 and takes a step forward as "temporary paint protector". Either way, it's time for the rubber to meet the road. We're not going to hang onto Carluis forever and Carl's ceiling is unquestionably higher than Scola's. Why not use this year to develop Carl as a star and starter? Isn't that this year's theme? Doesn't Carl play hard, too? Come on, Rox. Fish or cut bait...
Watching Landry play this season it doesn't appear that he misses much when he attempts a jump shot. Has he expanded his game or is he saving his knees? There have been a few times where he didn't have the lift under the rim to explode up like he did in his rookie year but that was only on two or three occasions. Surprisingly, he doesn't have much of a midrange game. I previously thought he'd been hitting from there. Landry's filling in the temporary void in the offense in the post. What will happen when Yao returns? I had thought if Landry had played himself into an untouchable position? Is he the Rockets's future at PF? Is Luis gone after this season? Now I'm thinking is he more valuable to another team (eg Raptors) who badly needs his offense in the post?
To me, this whole "best player" discussion is kind of moot, given that this team operates on pure team effort. But, the fact that he's out there in crunch time in the 4th quarter tells me all I need to know about where he falls on the totem pole.
But naturally your best player should start, right? Aldeman sticks with Luis to start 4 at this point, what's the logic? I personally think Luis and Landry are all-around solid and borderline stars. They can be lethal for different types of situations.
It comes down to this. Luis Scola was tied for 11th during the 08-09 season in double doubles over the likes of Dirk, Kevin Garnett, Durant, Aldridge and other "Star" level players. This season he has the fifth spot above Dirk, Tim Duncan, Aldridge and etc. You don't send a guy to the bench for playing very good ball. It sucks for Carl in a way but the Rockets may only have Luis for this last season, so they are going to use him and he is at his best when starting games. Landry is doing his best to make the case for the Rockets not fighting so hard to retain Scola, but it would nuts to just give up on Scola to see how far Carl can go right now. Landry is great where he is at right now. Given everything Luis brings, energy, experience, height/length, dribble ability and solid defense, Carl scoring great off the bench, when Luis does similar numbers and more isn't going to earn him a starters spot.
Finally someone lists it. It's because his defense isn't great. His rotation and judgment is slow. I'm not sure if you guys know, but his basketball IQ isn't high. If it was, $10 million per year easily with his talent.
If Mandry was the best player on the Rox, he'd be starting. Great offensive player, just bad at defense... Love him off the bench along with Lowry. Great finishers.
Landry has always been a great finisher, now he's added to his game the ability to create for himself, and with that he has the ability to become a allstar.
Dude, I think for carl to start over Scola, he has to perform better than he is performing now to convince Adelman. I am sure Adelman has said that there are still flaws in his game where he can improve and that's why he is not starting. His midrange jump shot is not so good, defense has been inconsistent, still a very talented offensive weapon, but also still a work in progress.
You could write this for brooks and that the reason why lowry will probably be gone also. I happen to agree that you go with the young buck if its close. I probably wouldn't start landry just because luis has done nothing to lose his job. Scola is playing pretty good, but i think the choice will become clear. If someone offers scola mle money, let him walk or try a sign and trade and resign landry. Worzell, who cares about yao and how someone fits. You field the best players and the best team and don't worry about yao.
The best players together don't necessarily make the best team. If Morey is still building the team with Yao in mind I think to speculate about the Rocket's future or future moves we have to take that into consideration.
