Mike D'Antoni says James Harden is 'ready,' Rockets all-in with small ball

The Houston Rockets’ Best 5 Man Line Up

James Harden, Danuel House, Ben McLemore, PJ Tucker, Russell Westbrook

Minutes Played: 46:29
+/- per 100 poss. : +40.5

Tyson Chandler, James Harden, Ben McLemore, PJ Tucker, Russell Westbrook

Minutes Played: 30:41
+/- per 100 poss. : +37.2

It should be noted that the Rockets’ micro-ball starting lineup of Robert Covington, Harden, Westbrook, Tucker, and House, in 163 minutes, has outscored opponents by 12.2 points per 100 possessions.

https://spacecityscoop.com/2020/07/11/best-worst-houston-rockets-lineups/

 

“It was the typical Rockets practice — same old same. We came in and did all the things we normally do like watch film to look at what we need to improve on. Like coach said, ‘It’s all what we put into it.’ We just have to get our momentum back going.” — P.J. Tucker

“We’re looking good today. It’s not shocking. I know a lot of our guys stayed in shape and found ways to stay active. Everybody looked good today for sure.” — D’Antoni.

“The way we play defense, we gotta have communication and know our language when we’re making switches, when we’re staying, when we’re getting crack backs. Every single term we have, we need everybody to know it and be able to speak out and say it. A big focus.” — Tucker.

“It should not be difficult for us to pick up where he left off. That’s why we are here now. To practice and to get as much repetition as we can in order to get that same momentum we had during the first half of the season.” — Ben McLemore

https://www.thedreamshake.com/2020/...t-it-almost-like-starting-training-camp-again

 

If EGo not 100%, House would be a great 6th man.



Or BMac.

 

Russ response is great!

I hope everyone keeps doubting Russ and Rockets. He is going to rip apart all the guys listed ahead of him on this list.



Sans Harden of course.

 

Facts

 

McLemore is in a sticky situation as part of the deep rotation of wings and is fighting for minutes against Eric Gordon and Danuel House.

There’s an argument that McLemore deserves more minutes based on the team’s net rating while he’s on the floor over Gordon and House.



McLemore is also one of the fastest Rockets on the court, which helps them run their 5-out, small-ball system even more effectively.

There are weaknesses in his game on the defensive end, but if he’s placed out there with Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker, his defensive woes can be shielded and forgiven by an all-out offensive attack.

https://www.thedreamshake.com/2020/...-rockets-restart-player-previews-ben-mclemore

 

PJ is the people's champ!

 

Should retire as a Rocket.

https://houseofhouston.com/2020/07/...ors-pj-tucker-expressed-interest-retire-team/

 

“Today we had our first day of practice and it was amazing,” McLemore said, via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “Everybody is ready to get back out there on the court.

“We’re looking good today. It’s not shocking. I know … all our guys stayed in shape and made sure … they stayed active.”

https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-houstons-first-practice-amazing-without-harden-westbrook/

 

EGo is still the X-Factor.

Needs to rebound back to 36% 3ball and ace on defense.

https://www.thedreamshake.com/2020/7/12/21321876/rockets-restart-player-previews-eric-gordon

Eric Gordon is probably THE hidden key to Rockets success. If he can punish defenses which overplay Harden or Westbrook, if a lineup with the three of them in it can hold up defensively, if his shot returns, the Rockets are terrifying. No one in the NBA has as much scoring punch when James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon are all clicking. Let’s hope we see it.

 

https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/20...gordon-already-stands-out-to-dantoni-rockets/

 

Given the short-term timetable, Harden and Westbrook should be with the Rockets well before the team’s first of three scrimmages at the Disney complex on Friday, July 24. A week later, Houston’s 2019-20 regular season will finally resume on July 31 versus Dallas.

https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/20...e-of-the-week-timetable-for-harden-westbrook/

 

Dupe

 

D'antoni has a running bet to out last popovich.

D'antoni is not about winning!

 

Mike d'antoni is no longer under contract so I guess he has nothing to lose playing nine or ten players.

Mike d'antoni is no longer under contract so he has nothing to lose by telling the world his team strategy as a public relations media plug!

This strategy is small ball meets "the more, the merrier"!

 

Covington is currently a top-20 player in blocks for the entire year (18th), but his Rockets-only numbers would technically put him second overall. It’s been really impressive.


https://www.thedreamshake.com/2020/...kets-restart-player-previews-robert-covington