Griffen that is. I'm not sure. Reading snippets here and there the last 2 years, I see that he never wanted to play the 3, which requires more ball handling...most big men would have loved the opportunity to handle the rock at the wing, so I wonder why he didnt' jump at the chance. I know Kevin Garnett, who has similar height and weight, would have at least tried. When critics say to put arc in your shot, I can see a player defiantly not wanting to. There have been players that have been successful with a flat shot. Many people believe an arch would help his shot, but he has to be comfortable with it. But as quick a leaper he is, many of his shots were blocked. This is because he hasn't mastered the art of creating space or separation between he and his man and he also has a late release that allows defenders to close in on him. If you know how to create space, then it's ok to have a late release like Hakeem. If not, then a quick release like Rasheed Wallace would help. I actually like his help defense and rebounding. We just need to work on the weaknesses. I have noticed progress, but more could be made. I've seen Eddie have great quarters or even games. But what makes a player exceptional is having the physical, mental, and emotional aptitude to bring it every game, not just some games, but EVERY game. This could be said of our other players as well. Every player needs to ask themselves, in order to win this game, what do I need to do?
I think that Griffin might become a good player, just not on the Rockets. I think he is going to get traded this year.
I'm not sure we will really end up trading him any time soon. At least untill he shows some type of improvement. Atlanta offered us Griffin for Shareef. I found it very interesting that the Rockets shot down the offer so quickly. Shareef would have helped us enough to win us a few more games.
The only player that I know that had that flat of a shot was Rodney McCray and I wouldn't say he was successful in the O category. Yes he will improve, but he will never be what most here think he will become.
EG is an enigma right now. I don't think anyone can honestly say that he doesn't have the tools. His one big problem, IMO, is motivation. He has shown, in spurts, that he can be a good rebounder. He has shown, in spurts, that he can block a ton of shots. He has shown, in spurts, that he can put the ball on the floor. He has shown, in spurts, that he can make some solid moves in the post, get free and take a quality shot. We all know EG is quiet and all, but the guy looks flat out unhappy. Something is eating him up inside. Personally, I think he is fighting some inner demons. I mean, you just look at him sometimes and it looks like he is going to just break down and start crying.
Griffin is young and vunerable! He needs a Coach who is also a Mentor. Griffin needs help as his transition into the NBA style of playing has been slow. His agression and positioning need someone like Moses Malone to take him under his wing and we should see what we have been waiting for. The Rockets 'Mom and Pop' operation suggests that there might not be many changes to the Team this year. " This is one of the greatest Teams ever assembled". " I believe in stability". Sounds like LES doesnt like to prove himself to be in error!!
I don't know if you can necessarily gauge a player's feelings by his facial expressions. Remember Sam Perkins? I think he is just painfully shy, and not yet comfortable being on such a big stage. If he had demons, we would see some Ron Artest/Rasheed/Rodman type behavior out of him. He may just need some confidence, and to come out of his shell.
codell, i agree with you. it probably all started with the loss of his brohter. drugs and bball probably became a way to cope with the loss. now, that he's got all the money and fame, he probably realizes that he still isn't very happy, but doesn't know what to do. can someone get this kid some help?!
I see what you are saying. However, Big Smooth just had no expression at all. Eggie, to me, has a very depressed expression. I could very well be over-reacting. After all, some people just look like that and are perfectly happy. I just don't have that feeling with Eggie though. Something is wrong.
Eddie's (Eggie, that's better, actually) up times will be when he's traded to Knicks in a few weeks (if lotto does not favor NYK).
I think the stars are alined right -- Dice's injury, the Knicks wanting to swap their lotto pick (if not in top three), Knicks reportedly enamored with EG, Rox looking for veteran help (Kurt Thomas), Knix looking to get longer (Cato). The stars, or would be stars, are lined up in the right places.
xiki, No way. The Rockets don't want a pick, and besides a pick, the Knicks can't offer anything valuable. Maybe in a 3-way, but I really doubt it.
I agreed with you guys that Griffin looks like he has depression and he's got some personal issues to sort out. He's a shy person that probably don't unleash his furor like ARtest, he kept it inside, I know people like that. What EG needs a good mentor, or a really good friend.
people like that are much more dangerous than artest. artest is looney tunes and the whole world knows it. but people that are introverted like griff tend to turn into landmines. you never know what step is the wrong step that will set them off. and when they blow, well, just ask ty shine. Doc Rocket, if you're reading this (and if you can speak to this subject), is anyone in the organization properly trained to counsel a problem like this? psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.? and is this an issue with eddie? i truly believe it is...
Here is my opinion What im seeing is.. Griffin's foot work seems kind of weak and not overly quick or quick for the least. His shot is flat and he can not jump as high or athletically talented. From my point, i think Griffin is only good for defense with his good timing in blocking shots and also have a sense for running for the rebound. I don't think the potential will be high unless Griffin starts bulking up and give some attitude on the court to intimidate the other players! It's all about confidence. Griffin needs to bulk up, get a strong attitude, and show some confidence out there... The coaching staff needs to help Griffin out if they want to improve.
