FWIW, that thing that Alpi is now struggling with is the thing that Jalen has been struggling with for years - when an offense flows throw you on the NBA level(because you can't just score over multiple NBA defenders like you could in lower levels), you are now responsible for unlocking other players so there are far reaching consequences to when you make the wrong decisions.
Yes, and in Alpi's mind, the "safe zone" is wait and look around. That has to change. First off, I'm not saying he should attack every time he's singled up. Some defenders are more difficult than others. However, particularly after last season, he's seen enough of the NBA to know when he has the advantage. The "unlocking other players" is something he's too concerned about, which is the opposite of most young NBA players. He's on the opposite side of the ideal middle ground.
Sadly, we don’t have the tech to clone Bari yet, but I can throw in another FVV for you. Seriously, that midget brings some crazy energy to the court—only Ime seems to get it. One minor issue is that he can’t seem to stop missing those 15 threes per game, though.
I think my point there is let's look at how Jalen has responded well to tough but fair criticism and has raised his game as a result. He's maybe still not as consistent as we want him to be - but I think most will agree he has improved significantly since Ime took over with greater accountability to all aspects of his play on a basketball court. I think Alpi will do the same - we just have to give the space to fail - even several times if need be...and stop roasting every player when they are reaching hard to take themselves up another level. Getting benched is okay - let's just make sure there is a culture of accountability and reflection so it can be a learning lesson and not a place where anger and resentment fester. ...and this goes for Udoka as well - his offense is ass, but let's give him a little grace given this is still a VERY young team and the pieces here don't necessarily "match" but he is making it work as best he can.
And (again) my point is Alpi is a far more seasoned basketball player than Jalen in every way, including being the prime option on a Udoka-coached team. He should be AHEAD of Jalen in that regard, not behind. We are only 6 games into the Long 82 and things won't continue like this indefinitely. I believe Alpi's efficiency will return and he'll eventually earn an "A" in decisive aggression.
I'm still not over missing out on certain players in the draft. So this is the lineup I'd like to see: FVV Jalen Wemby Paolo Sengun
As much dislike goes for the Rockets starting lineup, it is the 5th best lineup (net Rating) in the NBA with a 50 minute min. Also, the starting lineup is doing better than when the Rockets don't have all 5 starters. I expect that to change as Adams and Landale have just been bad on defense.
