I like it so far, but it has taking me a little while to get uesd to it after Rudy ball and all, but that's to be expected, right? I would also like to point out something that I think might be contribuiting to their early offensive struggles this season. It's called Gundy ball. First it's not going to go away anytime soon, but I am not saying that's a bad thing, that's just the way JVG's teams play. Get used to it or it will be a long and drawn out season for you. I believe this team will use up so much energy at times on the defensive end that it will cause the offense to sputter from time to time. But hey, if the victories keep accumulating then I am all for Gundy ball. Go Rockets!! And for those of you who thought tonight's game was ugly, I say this to you. Have you ever seen a NY/Miami game from years past?
My first 8 games on NBALP have had the opposing announcers (only had Calvin and Bill for TOR & PHI). In 5 of the 8 games, the announcers all made reference to the "playoff level" intensity of the Rockets D. Yeah, yeah...it's pretty ugly. But late in the game when the opposing team tries to gain momentum because the Rox O is sputtering, I don't have a sinking feeling like the game is slipping away. If the effectiveness of the D is this obvious to a fan, the players on the court have to feel it as well. The team was nearly last in FB points and PTS of TO's last season and is now middle of the pack. For all of the defensive intensity, the Rox are one of only 4 teams (CLE, MIL, SEA) to not have a player foul out! Yao averaged 2.4 ORebs/game in his rookie season. He started this seasons' first 5 games with only 7 total ORebs. In the next 5 games (MIA, DAL, PHX, TOR, PHI), Yao has grabbed 20 ORebs. IMO, this comes from the coaching staff. Let's hope it's sustainable.
I think with Mo back, with Pike returning, this team could become superb. MoT is a better defender AND scorer than Braggs, while Pike is a better scorer, defender, passer than Moochie. Basically, our team will get much better at 2 positions. Also, it will reduce Mobley, Francis, Cato and Yao's minutes, meaning we can have these guys a bit fresher. The only thing this team lacks is an effective TALL and athletic F. If Boki develops, his size, range, and rebounding will be a very valuable asset off the bench. Also, if Griffin surprises us, that would be great too. JJ, Cato and Braggs are working VERY hard, but just aren't the athletic type with leaping ability. It's not a major issue, but an issue to be addressed eventually nonetheless. Aside from those things, EVERYTHING looks great. This team's defense is best or second best in the league. If the offense gets clicking, we can challenge for 5th seed.
I am completely satisfied w/Van Gundy as a coach. He has done the little things to help a team start to turn the corner. There have already been a few wins this year that we would have lost last year. I am stoked
This year will be alot of ups and downs with experimentations with the players. The defense is awesome but offense is still a question mark. After this season, there will be player changes to fit what Van Gundy wants on offense. I think he wants more role players with long distance range which our team is lacking.
There's only been one game this year that we haven't had a chance to win. The fact that he has Mobley and Francis playing defense like they are is a testament to the job Van Gundy's done. I'm more than pumped to see how AGriff and PIke fit in, not to mention the return of Taylor tomorrow. Honestly, I think the lack of passing to Yao in the post the last few games is a direct result of his play. Had he been hitting his buckets, more passes would've gone his way. Once he masters a little jump hook like Taylor or gets used to the pounds he put on, you'll see him receiving the ball in the low post a lot more. BTW, my favorite player of the year so far as to be Cato. What a beast!
Personally, I think he has that already. Jackson is a good shooter while Boki and Padgett have both shown signs of being that player. Don't forget we have a sharpshooter on the IL that should be back soon. Not to mention, we have the role player to end all role players in Cat. He seems to be accepting and settling into that role very nicely.
I like the character of the team. Defense wins games because if you work hard you never have and off night defensively. Until we get some bench guys that can come in and shoot well (Pike, A.G,, MoT) we are gonna struggle on O a lot. Right now if the starters are strugling JVG has no options that are going to turn the scoring around. But the defense can get us through. Damn sure ain't pretty though.
First of all I love the new emphasis on hard work and defense. We are a much better team because of the defensive intensity we are giving, when last year we played good defense but had too many breakdowns. We won the Philly game and others not because we played great on the offensive in, but we kept the defensive intensity throughout the game, keeping us in it with a chance to win. This is a big difference from last few seasons. Jeff Van Gundy has made a huge difference getting more passing, at least at times and more defined roles, and much greater defensive intensity. Also it seems we have run the basic offense more, with fewer breakdowns. Even though the execution has be sporadic. I look for a continued imporvement all the way to the playoffs. And if that happens we will be very tough in the playoffs. (If we are injury free in April and May. Go Jeff Van Gundy
i'd say between #1 and #2. it'll be awesome if we really play jvg style, good d, inside out, and good ball movement all the time. but we are not there yet. improvement is definitely happening and it's a good sign.
I am very excited about JVG. I love the emphasis on hard work, system, structure, timing, motion, defense. This is playoff basketball. It is ugly, but I believe by the break the team will be more in sync. The team is winning on hardcore defense right now. By playoff time this team could be really rugged. He is developing discipline and toughness. JVG knows basketball, in and out. I love everything about him. He has a challenge on his hands with this group, but he is up to it. I give him a A++.
It's not pretty and I think the offense needs to improve, but the defensive transformation has been impressive. I think Van Gundy will ultimately be judged though by the progress Yao makes during his years as coach. Without a doubt, Van Gundy will be expected to instill more of a killer instinct in Yao and so far that has not happen. And until that happens, Van Gundy will have to resort to letting Francis and Mobley do their thing and that just doesn't give this team their best chance to win.
Is Van Gundy an early pick for coach of the year candidate? I think he is the Coach of the Year so far. Biggest Surprise in NBA are the Rockets.
I like that JVG is a no sheet guy. You can see the intensity in his face. That is what these "young" Rockets need some one to light a fire underneath them to D-up.
I can't help but wonder (hope) that the offensive woes are partly a conditioning issue. The guys are expending WAY more energy on the defensive end than last year, and I wonder if the increased effort wears them out on the other end a little faster. Maybe after they get used to running this way, they'll get their legs under themselves and the shooting percentages will climb. I hope.
Maybe it just me but i really don't see that much difference between VanGundy ball and Rudy T ball. Specifically on the offensive end, maybe it will change once they get more comfortable. The defense seems to have improved if only by effort alone. But i seem to recall last season the Rockets started out decent last year in defense but quickly faded by mid season.
