So is Carmelo. Not criticizing, but criticizing the board. You guys expect ten year ago versions of these guys
People (including myself) seem to be upset more with 1) Him not taking open shots - nothing to do with his age 2) MDA playing him over a younger, more springy Gerald Green (who does make defensive mistakes, but also hustles his ass off...and takes open and sometimes covered shots)
We have nothing against old people.. We have issues with old people on the court playing for the Rockets that cant play because like you said, they are old and washed up..especially when there is a better option on the bench but wont get the time because the coach loves the old fart for personal reasons. What dont you understand??
I was expecting someone that could impact the game as much as Vince Carter can.. and if not I fully expected at the very least to impact it as much as Jason Terry can. This dude isn't even impacting it at a Bobby Brown level. He is hurting the team. I'm sick and tired of people saying 'Oh sometimes Gerald Green makes a defensive mistake' Joe Johnson has made more defensive mistakes in his handful of games then Gerald Green has in all of his games here so far.
His sluggish, slow, indifferent demeanor on the court is the antithesis to Gerald Green's high energy, live-wire, "playing with my heart out for my hometown" demeanor. I know he's been like that most of his career but it's rubbing the wrong way.
But not Harden Capella and Gordon has injuries but he isn't old. Paul really is just moving past prime
Ha No one is expecting them to play like they did 10 years ago. With Joe Johnson they expected him to play like a 36 year old veteran and contribute like a 36 year old veteran could. There are plenty of guys in the league who were great players and can contribute at JJ's age. Vince Carter is 41 and can still contribute, and he definitely could contribute from 36+. As far as Carmelo goes, he is 33, he is nearly the same age as Lebron and CP3. Both of those guys can still play at a high level. Carmelo is essentially Dwight in Houston, he is very capable but does not want to play to his strengths, does not want to make sacrifices and overall does not fit the team dynamic.
Honestly I have no issue with Joe. The problem here is MDA. Some nights Joe is going to look bad, well...most nights. On those nights, realize it, and sit him. That's all. I'm pretty much counting on Joe to play better in the playoffs. He came here midseason to win a ring. He probably gives no ____s right now
All you people worrying about who is getting minutes... Don't you see Pringles is just experimenting with lineups during the regular season so he knows who he can rely on in the playoffs? Don't freak out if player A is getting minutes over player B at this point.
You gotta get a good, long look at Joe, because his upside as a defender against the Warriors is enormous. Not only that, but D'Antoni wants the second unit focused on getting Gordon/Ryno tandem going with CP3. I think he is hoping that Joe can play a supplemental role there. That said, it is not looking good right now. Gerald Green's confidence alone puts the fear of death in opposing teams, and I much prefer that. Still, neither will be playing in the playoffs If we are healthy. CP3 Beard Ariza Tucker Clint -------------------- Gordon Luc Ryno Nene -------------------- Joe/Wright/Green are all situational guys, and I would be very surprised If a single one of them made an impact. We need to get them more minutes now though, so we are heavily rested going into the playoffs.
Green is better than Joe. Green is young and can shoot 3. Joe is for 3rd or 4th choice in case of someone injury. If ryno comes back we can put him as backup. Maybe we can use Wright. I afraid capela injuried and no one can use
I think he's still getting used to the system. MDA seems to be giving him playing time in order to get him comfortable. You never know when we'll need him in the playoffs
