I think Reed will gets minutes again. But man, Holdiay shooting 39% three and 48% from the 3pt corners is very much needed in this playoff push … not to mention his positive impact on developing our split-action, which he seems very much at home with … but I can totally see Reed replacing him, like what seemed about ready to happen when the injury hit.
I don't know if he is or isn't - I am not taking calls for the Rockets. I can say that Sam Vecenie recently said that there is still really strong interest in Reed around the league and that his rookie struggles haven't impacted his value as much as fans would think. I respect Sam - and I know that he does have genuine connections in front offices around the NBA, he has been the guest of GM's at Summer Leagues for example, and Sam has hosted some when they have been in AU. So take it for what it is worth. Personally, I would just love for him to break out and become the starting point guard for the next decade as a perfect balance to Amen Thompson and Jalen Green.
Outside of his first shot air ball, Reed finally looked relaxed in the game. He is a good decision maker with the ball, and when he is a knock down shooter from a couple feet beyond the arc, it’s going to create space for everyone — Alpi, Amen, Jalen.
It’s rough shooting an airball when Coach calls a Reggie/Rip Hamilton style double stagger for you. He didn’t let it bother him though … good sign. Also liked how Aaron fed him both makes with pitch backs … no petty jealousy …
Around the time Fox was being mentioned as available and a potential Houston trade target there were a lot of Sacramento insiders who were saying that the Kings’ front office covets Reed a lot….for what it’s worth. I think we need a point guard skill set and long range shooting on this team. I’m excited to watch Reed break through in year 2!
The thing about Tari to me has been minutes. He has not played more than 25 mpg in any season. And his impact is largely predicated on energy burst. I need to see him being able to maintain a high level of energy playing starter minutes night in and night out. Another thing I am in the wait-and-see mode about Tari is how effective he can play in a structured environment. He is great at creating chaos. Can he be a steady cog in a system as well as a wild card in broken plays? These are the things I want to see him prove his worth. I hope the injury thing won't keep him from being used in a more extensive way.
Maybe RS will come into this nationally televised TNT game with the Lakers and look competent tonight: make a few shots, stay connected, be smart on defense, etc. If he's playing, it's a good sign for the Rockets. Ime only trusts him with a 20+ point lead.
The only way to know is to play him. So far, Tari as a starter has been amazing, and playing a few extra minutes has not mattered. On him just being energy, he's shooting about as well as Jabari though his shot isn't as quick, drives better, dishes passes better, and cuts better. The cutting has worked very well with Sengun and Amen. Besides for 3 shooting, he seems to do better with the starters as they can create opportunities for him. I think the 3 point shooting woes as a starter is likely a small sample size anomaly and not something that will continue. On his energy plays, his defense and offensive rebounding likely help the starters more than the bench. Amen and Green can help turn his defense into offense. Adams....he doesn't really share offensive rebounds well. Also, starters are more likely to convert an offensive rebound into points. On the injury side, he had one injury and is still within the timeframe of recovery from the surgery to fix that injury (i.e., it takes about a year for bone to heal). Maybe there is something else going on, but the last 20 games he's looked better outside a couple of stinkers.
I'm not sure who is more dispensable at this point. Tari has more impact when he's on the floor. But Jabari is more steady and reliable. If Tari didn't have this injury management thing, we'd have a clearer picture on whether he fits well as a full-time starter. For now, we can only speculate.
It’s the Jazz… but Reed was a killer out there tonight. After he got beat on defense by Collier, he came back with a deep step back. Great confidence builder.
