Not just a "dog". He is a very high IQ player like Dreymong. Also his reaction time is much much faster than any other Rocket we have had in a long time. He actually notices when loose balls happen and reacts instantly. He is great off cuts and moving off ball and has some great post moves. He is good at reading defenses too. The thing that stood out for me from day 1 is how alert he is, it as if he knows what is going to happen before it does and is always in the right spots.
I am a big fan. Seems to do everything well but shoot. I think he’s excellent defensively. I think he uses his body and wingspan well; he’s excellent down low -plays big. Does all of the dirty work. Always bings the hustle and BBIQ. Would love to see him become a good long range shooter. I think he’s a rotational player at worst. I agree his ceiling is limited because he’s undersized, but if he can improve his shot....
Name another 25-30 PPG player that played with Harden or CP3. You are basically saying he's a bona fide star. And don't insult my fandom please. I watch every game and watch Tate specifically.
Honestly I feel like Hayes upgraded to Tucker who has upgraded to Tate. A bit early to say that. But that's how I feel. All 3 are maybe the best defenders I've seen perimeter or post. Tucker added a 3pt shot to what Chuck had. Tate added some playmaking to what Tuck had.
Wood Production with Harden who throws lobs vs Wood Production with Dipo who can’t PnR or throw a lob If you watch Tate closely like you say then you see the 2-3 times a game he cuts and is open and Wall or Gordon misses him .. that’s 4-6 points and yea if he was more aggressive he would score more - his skill set isn’t the problem
Right now he is a solid rotation player. His ceiling is likely as an impact player, but not a star and certainly not an AllStar. He needs a better catch and shoot 3. Rockets comps if he continues to round out his game; Tucker, Elie.
Tate is the real deal if the stupid-ass front office can get this man the PT he deserves. Eurostep, finishing at 8 ft with nice footwork and fadeaway, and a 3 pt shooting form that works. This roster demands that Tate develops his offensive game, and he has delivered. We're talking about the return of Linsanity, except the man is twice as strong, and can defend any wing, even some at 4. Lets also not forget, the guy freaking works hard. He doesn't take days off. I have ZERO problems handing this guy money thinking he'll stop improving. He's got a fire in him that doesn't give a **** about anything but the W. And that's fine that he works hard, because he's got a body that can handle it. It's freaking amazing. If I saw Wood playing this way I'd be so freaking worried. I got 0 worries for Tate.
Artest also was not 25 his rookie year. Artest had also showed much more to his game by the time he was 25. Did I mention that Tate is 25?
Did I Mention that Tate just got to the NBA and only now benefiting from NBA Training and direction Rocket River
Did I mention that Tate has never shown the all around ability that Atest did while in college or before 25 years of age. NBA training does not give you different skillsets, it allows you to build on the skills you already have.
Nah. It's like comparing Gerald Wallace to Kawhi Leonard. I like Tate but he is nowhere near peak PJ Tucker. For starters PJ Tucker is an inch taller (yeah its only an inch but for shorties every inch matters) and he is a career 35% from 3 and was hitting 37% as a Rox. Tate so far is 32% so still a long way from Tucker territory. Tate is more versatile but he cant defend and hit 3s at an elite level yet like peak PJ Tucker. It's hard to say what Tate's ceiling is cuz he is already 25 yrs old. Remember House was also already 25 when he got discovered, people back then were saying sky is the limit for House but he has marginally improved and tbh actually regressed since his breakout year. But maybe House is just lazy AF, its pretty clear dude took the wrong lessons from Harden and didnt put in a lot if any work during the offseason ever since he got paid. Unlike House Tate is someone who has experienced the bitterness of leaving everything behind to work pennies (in comparison to NBA) abroad. For most people its too late for regrets when that happens but in Tate's case he experienced it first so maybe he'll take his NBA shot more seriously. I guess we'll see I mean if Wood can go from league dropout at age 24 to All Star level at age 25 there's no reason Tate can't do so as well. If you ask me though who I think has star potential its just Wood and Porter Jr for me right now. Tate and Kmart its just too early to tell.
Well actually Tate was more obvious than Jones in my opinion. Jones is more of a guy that has a lot of potential since he hasn't really played much organized basketball.
Tate is a much better player than House .... he's hungry for success , not content to have a roster spot.. The guy's a smart player who doesn't make many mistakes , create in a pinch and can defend 1-4. He's not a finished product either .... If he develops a consistent 3 ball on top of everything else , he'll be a MLE type guy in the future. House is a horrible defender who's a liability unless his 3 ball is falling.
Tate is a solid player, who i envision should b with alongside wood after we begin rebuilding or attempt to reload into a competitive team.
