Watching the Lakers-Spurs series further backs up the idea that you can never have too many guys that can get their own shot. After the defense collapse on Duncan, he had no one, other than a young Tony parker that could create a shot. Its no mystery why last yr and this yr, it seems the spurs so called dead eye shooters can't shoot against the lakers. Once the Lakers either collapse on Duncan or just put Shaq on him, the double teams are no longer needed, thus the spurs other players can't get a shot off. Many will ask what does this have to do with the Rockets? Thats the point in that adding a player that can get a good clean look in crunch time can help this team win close ball games. We know Francis and Mobley can do it and when we undersize our team we can add Moochie, but when teams zone up and wait for the little guys to drive in. This goes back to the Odom theory . How much could he add to this team? I think a lot considering our 3 spot. Can Lewis or whomever the Rockets draft be able to do this? Its clear our 3 spot or other spot needs this creation without downsizing small. Watching tonight and seeing how ineffective Duncan was , clearly leads me to believe he will leave after next season.
I'm not sure. They doubled and tripled on Duncan at times. The other SA players just couldn't hit open shots, that they probably hit during a regular season game. I wish the Rockets had a player as ineffective as Duncan, (11-23)34 points and 25 boards ( with a Steve Francis - like 6 turnovers), playing a long time with 5 fouls. He just seemed ineffective because SA pulled ahead with a small lead, then SA and LA were just trading punches back and forth and in the end game, he appeared to be smothered. SA 3-13 from 3 point land, probably much better during regular season, just choked here, DRob and SSmith not used much for some reason.
If you are the Spurs, it doesn't matter how many shooters you have because they will all choke anyway. The Spurs are just as <b>SOFT</b> and just as much <b>CHOKERS</b> as they have been all along... Do you see how they respond to getting down in a game, they all look like they want to go home and cry to momma. It's pathetic. Thank GOD I'm not a Spurs fan... Not only do they have their only championship during a half-season lockout year, they have to watch year in and year out while their team withers during the playoffs.... Oh, I forgot, I'm an Astros fan. I guess I can relate. DOH!
Thats partially true, but didn't it seem in the last 3 losses, once shaq guarded duncan, he couldn't score? Not only could he not score, but the other players would be standing and didn't have the same space that they normally have.
Lee, do not underestimate the "HEART and PASSION" factor. It is not particularly evident in the Spurs.
Good post, leebigez, I totally agree with you. A lot of posters hear seem to think the Rocks have enough shooters\scorers\creators, which I've never understood. Over half the team can't create their own shots consistently, especially with Rice being 'on the wrong side of the hill', otherwise the ISOs and spread offense would be more effective. A lot of people, myself included, would like to see the Rocks use more ball and player movement on offense, but that can be self-defeating if you don't have more than 2-3 players on the court at a time who can actually do anything with the ball.
This is so wrong......the problem is that Duncan HOLDS the ball too long. The Spurs are trying to run the Rockets championship offense. It would work, but Duncan waits for the double team before passing off, thus allowing the entire defense to become entrenched. As soon as a man leaves to double Duncan should pass out, and then the ball should be whipped around as the defense is rotating out of position for an easy shot. It works, but it has to happen quickly. Right now, Duncan is not an adept playmaker and passer, once he masters that, then he enters the DREAM zone. DaDakota
