Ime Udoka press conference after loss to Hawks 12/20/2023

I’m wondering about the balance the coaches are trying to strike between “win at all costs” and player development. FVV is being asked to do so much. Should we try to give Amen Thompson some more time leading at point, even if it means losing more games?

 

what are you talking about? we have 7 of them in our roster

 

not the narrative. reported.

 

this guy gets it

 

I didnt have Nook turning into one of us on my bingo card!

 

Rockets are trying to make the playoffs so unless Amen can contribute to that right away his minutes will be limited...as long as FVV is healthy and can keep playing about 40 min/game.

 

Around Gotham. He would not be on time if he were 80 days around the globe.

 

I would've been throwing chairs after Green missed some of those shots in the 4th Q amongst other mistakes

 

But when Pop does it he’s regarded as a disciplinarian and great leader. Lol

 

The balance is fine. Fred has been asked to do too much because he’s the most consistent at being able to create a shot when needed. For himself or others.

I’ll repeat what I stated early in the season - Udoka is installing a system and youthful tendencies will challenge that until the muscle memory is ingrained.

his Celtics team loaded with more developed talent took half a season to gel.

society has become so impatient that they criticize process while development is occurring before their eyes. Step back and appreciate the beauty and commitment to a team process. We arent making the finals this year and all our players hold more value to us than other teams.

 

I am suspecting it would be really bad if Fred would merely play 28-30 mpg ......and it would result in Silas led games.....

It already seems like the team is playing Defense one half and Offense the other half but not quite at the same time in these last weeks.

 

we play fred 42mpg because we cant play him 48mpg.

if we could we would. Hes our only reliable ball handler and facilitator.

 

This. The Rockets don't have anyone like Giannis, Trae Young, Dame, or Mitchell who have just broken the Rockets defense the past 3 games. Sengun may become this. Still have hopes for Amen and Cam as potential 1A offensive options.

 

When Thompson shows that he can contribute - he will get minutes.

With Thompson, they are going to give him what he can handle. He has been hurt twice now, his conditioning isn't great either.

If they were only interested in winning games, Jalen Green wouldn't be starting - they appear serious about the long term ability of the team IMO.

 

Do better.

 

I'm just glad you're okay

 

Very true. Look at Jabari starting to step up to the plate. This team has 25 total games of chemistry. There's a lot to look forward to, we can't possibly be at our peak for the season.

 

Has anyone ever asked Udoka about giving Cam a try? Clearly, the Rockets have lapses, like they did last night, where they can't score and can't defend, usually when FVV is off the court. Does he look so bad in practice that the coach has zero confidence in him? The Rockets badly need an option when no one can score, which is often enough given how streaky Jalen is and how Sengun sometimes goes into shell mode.