I've recently been thinking about the sheer number of players Harden has had around him since becoming a Rocket. The thought crossed my mind that he's become such a heavy ISO player in part because there's just never been any real roster consistency. Teammates will come and go, chemistry will become hard to come by so he he controls what he can: His ISO game. But that's a different thread. I also wondered what a team comprised of the best Rockets teammates he's had would look like, and I'd love to see your takes! No real stipulations, so feel free to add your own whether it be based on their Rockets tenure, their primes or how they'd fit currently. (Figured this could be a fun distraction whilst the team gets its act together). ** These are based off BBall Ref rosters for each season, which may or may not have taken midseason trades into account. So if I've forgotten someone important let me know and I'll update. ***If I've forgotten a player or gotten position wrong that's a little scrubby. Oh well. ****If you can recognise all of these players that's damn impressive.
Based on this.. C: Capela - Howard PF: Tucker - Harrell - Patterson SF: Covington - Ariza - Parsons - Delfino SG - Harden - Gordon - T Daniels PG - Paul - Beverley - L Williams I know some will boo the Howard and Parsons inclusions, but if money and attitude is no issue, I think this is the most versatile roster that I'd like to manage if I were coach. Plenty of defensive / offensive / big / small / rebounding / speed lineups. If attitude is an issue, swap Parsons for Anderson and Howard for 2016 or earlier Nene. Also - Prigs is not a wing! And I'd definitely include Joe Johnson over most of the wings/guards if we're talking primes. But I'm guessing we're not.
Ugh you're right about Pablo. Will update when I get the chance. Like your lineups though. I'd have Green over Troy only because he's a fave of mine but I've mostly got the same guys. (How nice would Cov be on the squad this season. Sigh).
Rockets Morey trades Nikola Mirotic for Donatas Motiejunas Traded the 14th pick from Kyle Lowry trade to trade for Harden The 14th pick could've been Giannis Antetenkounpo Marcus Morris over Kawhi Leonard Joey Dorsey over Deandre Jordan Nikola Jokic in the 2nd Rd Draymond Green in the 2nd Rd Marc Gasol in the 2nd Rd Traded away a 1st Rd for Lou Williams, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart fell down to that pick Rio Grande Valley Cuts Hassan Whiteside James Johnson Daryl needs to be Accountable for messing up constantly, being negligent in Draft, sets you back and always makes talent level weaker
I think the frustrating part for me is that he freely uses draft picks and/or assets to acquire veterans with known strengths and weaknesses but when it comes to signing players to the veterans minimum (players that are more integral to this team than other teams in the league) he gambles on high risk players. Maybe it's recency bias...
I'm starting with J.R. Smith and working out from there . . . none of this Jim Harden fanboyism for me
13 man roster, if injuries and cap space aren't issues (e.g. ideal world) Centers: Capela Chuck Hayes Harrell Capela has been the best center in a Rockets uniform this decade. I would love to see Chuck Hayes at his best in today's NBA. His versatility on defense would be magnified. Harrell needs to be on this team. Forwards: Tucker Ariza Mbah Moute Parsons Covington I don't think any explanation is needed except for maybe Parsons. He's a Grade A douche but before his injuries (we're thinking in an ideal world here) he's a very good role player. These 5 guys is like an elite 3&D group Guards: Harden Paul Gordon Beverley Lou Williams I would go with this depth chart Capela/Hayes Tucker/Harrell Covington/Ariza/Parsons/MBah Moute Harden/Gordon/Williams Paul/Beverley The last two roster spots are saved for potential buy out players
CP3/Pat Bev/ Lou Harden/ Gordon / Delfino Parsons/ Ariza/ Morris JSmoove/ Tucker/ Jones Dwight/ Capela/ Asik
Starters: Chris Paul James Harden Trevor Ariza PJ Tucker Clint Capela Role Players: Patrick Beverley Jeremy Lin Eric Gordon Chandler Parsons Dwight Howard Reserves: Terrence Jones Ryan Anderson Omer Asik Bench: Donatas Motiejunas Nene
This is the craziest post ever. The chances the rockets did these moves woulda been as good as you winning the lottery. Mirotic for Motiejunas - This was actually a good deal for us. DMO was a monster for the season before he got hurt. You can't predict injuries and up until the injury DMO was the better player. Who is not trading the 14th and Lowry for a future MVP? 13 teams passed on Giannis, not just us. 14 teams passed on Kawhi, not just us. Every team in the league passed on DJ, Jokic, Draymond, Gasol. Lou Williams is a better player than Kyle Kuzma or Josh Hart......... Hindsight is 20/20 but no one can predict the future. Morey has made questionable moves buts hes never really had assets to make the big moves and he has hit on some late round picks just as much as he has missed. You are never gonna get all your picks right. Not like he had the number 1 overall pick and drafted Fultz or Anthony Bennett.
C: Thon Maker PF: Jarrod Uthoff SF: Justise Win Slow SG: James Harden, but only if we pair him with... PG: The One-and-Only Most Amazing Point Guard of All Time, Ricky Rubio!
