Trust me, I realize what Shane does, and the effort he gives every night. I know his impact game goes far beyond numbers(his help D is amazing). But does that mean we can't expect some tangibles? I cant remember the last time he had a monster board night, or came close to 20 points. I think he definitly has the skill set to score more. What do you guys think?
His offensive game is primarily an efficient spot up shooter, so its not often that we should expect high scoring from him.
He can score more but he is what he is and won't change. I'm satisfied with his aggression on offense. He was much too deferential early in the season. Now, he always takes the unguarded 3 unless Yao is open.
Lol good point. I think the reason is because Luther tends to be more aggressive than Shane on offense, takes more 2 pt shots and 3pt shots from more places on the floor. Shane on the other hand sticks mostly to his corner 3. You shouldn't expect more from Shane. He knows his limitations and thats one reason why he is a smart efficient, player-he won't put up bad shots.
I think your fundamental premise is wrong: Shane Battier does not have the skill set to score more...efficiently.
Shane is decent in the post. I think we should go to him more when Yao is not on the court, depending on the matchup, of course. Shane should not pass up an open 3 to Rafer, like he seems to do sometimes.
Yea I guess I am over-rating him. We need someone else to consistently step-up besides Yao and Mac. Beginning of the season, the prospect of Bonzi doing it had me psyched. Now since that won't happen, I am looking for another candidate. Guess it won't be shane; altough when Yao went down against the clips, he went off for 28 points...
yep, and I would agree that being a rocketshopeful is akin to being being a bonzihopeful. sigh. I still have hope dntrwl...Battier is not a good enough dribbler to get into position often enough to shoot that hook shot. Plus, it seems he only wants to use it when he is at a height advantage. Although it is technically a hook shot, it's pretty blockable. He tends to shoot it while leaning forward such that the release point is pretty close to the release point of a face-up jumper...which we all know is pretty blockable unless you have a super-quick release or a height advantage.
rocketshopeful, it's tanGibles. Shane just needs to be more aggressive. He is selfless to a fault. We would be so much better if he would just shoot more, because the other team would have to watch out for him more too, and they couldn't just double anyone they wanted. You can do it, Shane!
Defense doesn't count as a tangible. That doesn't mean Bruce Bowen, James Posey, and Shane Battier are worthless.
well, for starters (wrt when Yao was out), TMac is a huge difference. TMac is much better this year. But I guess you're asking my opinion on why do the role players look better, too. Yes, I would say the intangible of chemistry is a big factor. The players know each other so well that JVG is able to install more offense, making TMac's reads much easier...making him a better passer. The prime example of this is TMac and Hayes being on the same page resulting in those passes to Hayes. I also think that the versatility of Battier to guard the best player at either the 2 or 3, helps our defense so much. It keeps TMac fresher for the offensive side of the ball. btw: is it just me or are JVG's inbounds plays top notch! I can't recall a time in Rockets history where our inbounds plays were so successful.
I guess you answered my question somewhat. Battier's tangible is his defense, which I agree is good. I have long wondered if JVG was that good of a defensive coach. Anyone could be a better defensive coach if they had players whose forte was defense. I lose track of the years, but T Mac is definitely better than his last year, though I don't know aboutbetter than his first year as a Rocket. I don't know about the inbounds plays. I hadn't noticed.
imo, what makes someone a great defense coach is scouting and preparing a game plan for every opponent, to go with the ability to teach/install a defensive scheme that is flexible enough to tweak each game based on the opponent.
