You would think that if 3ball is problem for Rockets, they'd sign a 3ball shooter that wasn't a liability on defense. So instead of Lamb, why not sign the best 3ball shooter in G League, who just happens to play on Rockets farm team. Common sense? EDIT: And Armoni fits the style that Silas covets, he has ability to create his own shot. Not just a catch & shooter.
He was given a team of veterans with some younger NBA level talent. Initially given James Harden and it wasn't looking good, I think James quit after he saw they weren't going to be able to even have a chance, but he did give it a shot. After that he was given an in demand two way player in Oladipo. Hes got a veteran former all-star PG in Wall (Wall was looking like a more athletic chris paul when he first got here, now he may not be playing the right way?), had solid vets in PJ, Ego, and other guys like House who has proven he is capable of playing well beyond his contract and being in a short MDA rotation in the playoffs, so he is capable. He was given guys like Tate and Wood who are younger, but still at 25 they are experienced and mature. He was given two very young inexperienced guys who have a ton of raw talent in KPJ and KJ who also have shown that they are more than capable of contributing to an NBA team. This is not a great team, but there is no reason for them to lose 19 straight even with an injury to one of their guys. There is plenty of NBA level talent on this roster (although they aren't good enough for a championship, they are a lot better than they led on), coach was not able to make any adjustments for Wood's absence and I think Harden saw his inability to make adjustments prior and was not happy. A lot of this is game plan and in game adjustments, but a lot of it seems to just be the coach not having the respect of the team. When you have three of the most respected guys in the locker room ask for trades, even as a younger player you aren't going to have much faith in leadership, but you just aren't in a place to say anything. MDA was an OK coach, but I still look back on the playoffs last year being up 1 game on the eventual champions, how after we won the first game in commanding fashion that Lebron said "they are just too fast" we looked like we were a matchup nightmare to them, and they were able to adjust after just one game and completely flip the series. After that MDA was not able to land a head coaching job again. We have not had a great coach in a long time.
Hard to evaluate Silas at all given what’s going on. Whatever’s happening, it is not a normal situation. It’s hard to lose 18 straight (and be completely uncompetitive in the process) unless you’re not trying to win.
As far as improvements; I echo some of the sentiment said. Less iso from Wall and Dipo, replace it with really... of anything else? Outside of them just not being super efficient at it; it's very player dependent and easy to defend against. If so many line up changes and lack of chemistry that I keep hearing in post game interviews is a reason for losing, are there things Silas can add to the system to better future proof it? I think less Wall-a-Dipo ISO should be part of that. Sure there is skill level difference among different guards (court vision, passing...etc). But it should matter less that if it's a starter or a backup PG/SG coming in, running the same plays, the forwards and center should expect their guards to get them the ball at the right place and right time. Wall/DJ A./Sterling/Mason whomever is running point should hit that pass when the play is called. Make it less isolation, more plug n' play be it motion or whatever else. While Silas is a rookie coach, Wall is also new here; and right now has not win over too many Rockets fan base. Wall's contract is cement, so he's not moving, in which case, Silas shouldn't have the pressure to showcase. Just play the other guys more. Side note on Wall. He falls down on the court way too much. Even on minor contact. I know it's an odd thing to criticize. A player "is putting his body on the line". I'll be watching the game and thinking 'bro, if you have knee problems and have to load manage between games; don't fall for the sake of falling'. If the defender didn't really hit you that hard, no need to go down every time. There be plays when he's late to get up, the other team runs back quickly for a 5 on 4, and puts pressure on Rocket's transition D.
I noticed the falling down too...esp on drives. Make or miss ...the other team pushes They will be 5 on 4 He complains cause everything should be an And1 The biggest thing is tunnel vision. Their is generally 1 pass option on his drives If it is cut off .... he shooting. If it is available there is a 60 40 chance he still shooting Rocket River
You!! (twist ending) No, I think Patrick Fertitta and his love of Small-Ball predominantly with guards is the real puppet master of this steaming hot pile of cow dung. Just my opinion.
Silas' offense is the what we saw during the winning streak. Everything was all good till Wood got hurt. Then the strategy changed.
Silas should emphasize defense>offense, transition, early offense and up tempo. Wall is actually built for this but he (and Dipo) inexplicably settle for slowing tempo to play half court iso way too often. THIS is how Rockets should always play, win or lose, play FAST.
Minutes restriction on each of your stars & they've collectively only played a handful of games. You guys do know what tanking means?
Yeah and he just so happened to be the cheapest coaching option out there. Hawks have now won 8 in a row with McMillian. Not saying we would go on a win streak, hell no this team isn’t good, but they certainly aren’t THIS bad where they can’t even lose a game without being blown out night after night.
