Cam did not play well into the ASB and maybe his head isn't screwed on tight right now. Regardless, I expect Udoka to focus less on development and more on winning individual games. We'll see where Cam fits in.
This is where a GM should step in for the good of the org, Cam should be playing Tate should not, we aren't winning a ring this year, it is about getting guys ready to win a ring.... Tate is not ever going to win you anything, Cam might. DD
This isn't all about Cam. It is about developing the team! The Rockets need to focus on the youngsters that are ready to contribute right now. Cam's mood swings and boneheaded nonsense on the court probably annoy the other players too. If Cam is a mental midget (in more ways than one), Rockets will move on from him. On the other hand, if he sucks it up, screws his head on, plays within the team concept and also within his own limited abilities, he'll get rotation minutes. The fact Tate is ahead of Cam this late in the season isn't a reflection of the Rockets, it's a reflection of Cam. I just don't understand the "play Cam at all costs" mentality. There is clearly something up with the guy. He is not a martyr being misused or mistreated by the team.
I would give him 7 or so in the first half and depending upon how he played similar in the 2nd.....and extend them when he plays well. But to put in Tate, who is a waste of a roster spot, is a joke, the guy is possibly the worst player on the team - sure he hustles, but so did Ryan Bowen and he never played. Tate is worse than Corey Brewer, he is bad, and he doesn't know he is bad.... DD
Ime has to stay consistent and if his mantra is that all players play team ball and have a defense-first mindset and move the ball on offense (not selfish hero ball) then: Cam either learns to do that or he shouldn't play. Playing Cam while he defies the Rockets culture being cultivated kills the whole team.
I guarantee he's not going to be happy being glued to the bench. I was surprised that he didn't get any minutes last night. Hopefully that changes in Utah.
i find it weird that after not trading him probably while his value is the highest we immediately bench him right after the break.
Tate played 7 minutes. Smith played 38 minutes. So, it seems like Smith took up most of the bench minutes. Tate has had some very good games this season, so I’m not going to second guess Ime on this one. I thought it a bit odd that Cam didn’t play, but it could be that Ime felt Tate was a better fit against this particular opponent.
If we still have our back-to-back rules in play, Eason will be out tonight, and Cam will get a chance in Utah.
this. We just don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes and at practice. I’m going to assume it’s not good if Cam is sitting out. I trust Ime would be giving him an opportunity if he was working hard and being a good teammate; actually I’m positive of it. I’m as high on Cam's talent as anyone, but we are heading down the stretch towards the playoffs. We may not be contenders but we have something to prove. I suspect that Cam isn’t a positive with the team dynamic. Assuming that’s true Ime is doing the right thing. Stone’s job isn’t to force ime to play anyone. Stone’s job is to keep improving the team. i predict Cam is gone in the offseason (and probably at lower value because it’s obvious to all other 29 teams that he has a poor attitude).
Problem is Tari and Tate will pull some selfish stuff on fast breaks and still get time, even tho I do think Ime benched Tate after he refused to pass ahead to JG for a open 3 and ended up turning ball over
I agree with most of what you're saying, but Cam is still just 20 years old. He's definitely got some maturing to do and this is where I'm hoping guys like Jeff Green and Steven Adams can help mentor the young man and help him understand his best path forward.
maybe, perhaps, possibly Cam is immature and can mature ‘spiritually’ and maximize his on-court experiences.
Looks like Cam is in the doghouse again. I'm okay with benching him when his head isn't screwed on right. Last night, I was wondering if Udoka would pull Tate when he was obviously playing poorly. I'm glad Tate only played 7 minutes. But Cam still sat. I guess with both Bari and Tari healthy, we could afford to shift Amen to the backcourt and with Jalen's hot shooting, there was no need for Cam to play. But Holiday playing 18 minutes? Hmm...
