I really hate how we don't seem to move or penetrate when the game is on the line. I like the way we generally play the first 2 quarters of a game though
I like....... The coaching staff The way Gordon is playing Harrelll over NeNe Beverley's gritty play Dekker's rise Ariza finally passing better Brewer not going 1 on five I don't like....... Harden shoe release party in LA instead of resting after a 5 game road trip. Capela's nice guy attitude. Should be a killer Anderson being so 1 dimensional Nene's gray beard Toyota Center atmosphere
Like: Harden at the point Harden-Capela chemistry Clint Capela Eric Gordon off the bench Having shooters Ariza's all-around game and fit Dislike: Lack of defenders Lack of rebounding Need another playmaker
I like the chemistry, and feel we're playing beyond our potential. So in that sense I'm 99% happy with the team. The things I dislike are more issues with limitations in our personnel. I mean yeah defense and all that but we all know we didn't have the people for a great defensive team anyway. That said, if we don't improve at least somewhat over time with better chemistry, younger players getting better, etc. then I will complain about the defense. It doesn't have to be great. But it should be able to improve.
Scoring a lot of points is what I like in the regular season. Hard nosed Defense and just flat out tenacity is what I like to watch in the playoffs!
Like: *Harden taking advantage of spacing from preseason on, with points/rebounds/assists. *3-point shooters that actually convert on catch n shoot (it takes 2 to tango & get a basketball assist) *Capela developing quickly after the slow beginning of the season *Nene providing edge of toughness w/o dumb offensive/flagrant/technical fouls (unlike Roxx last yr) *Capela/Nene/Harrell accepting the dirty job "role" of setting picks and rolling without squawking *Rockets trying to win every game from the get-go (building winning habits). Not waiting x Dec. *Easily having better coaches than recent years. D'Antoni/Bzdelik making a difference *Rockets 13-7 record in first 20 games(uphill climb w/14 on the road, Bev injury, new coaches, new players...Nene/Ryno/Gordon/ incorp Dekker/Capela/..Tyler Ennis & KJ(some), new def/off schemes Dislike: *NBA schedulers setting up the Rockets to fail with 14 of the first 20 games on the road *Lack of shot blocking behind Capela. Harrell is 6'8" with long arms that can swat the moon into the stands.....but he is still only about 6'8" (small for major mins at Center) *Too much "Just" Harden. Straw that Stirs the Roxx drink. Need 1 more creator w/ E.G. & Bev *Brewer is still in the rotation. Rockets need an upgrade at the wing position. Brewer gives you little to no defense or offense in the half court *Defense. Stats tend to be poorer on the road vs home games. I expect the defense to improve since Bev return and finally the team playing some home games *Rockets need upgrades of additional 1) wing (or wings to replace KJ/Brewer) & 2) shot blocking Center/(taller) PF if they are serious about winning the title this year. Capela just built his endurance up to 26 minutes. 3rd yr with little playing time in previous yrs. Not realistic to think Capela can increase his mins to 36 mins & still play consistently well. If Caps gets hurt or in foul trouble.....the Rockets may be in trouble.
