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Carmelo Anthony, fixing clutchness and defense at the same time?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by meh, Jan 20, 2011.

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  1. meh

    meh Member

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    I think every fan here pretty much sees what Melo brings, which is the ability to shoot at any time from anywhere. Similar to T-Mac back in the days, when we can just give the ball to someone when plays break down, or at the end of games. I like Martin, but having a guy that can just pop the ball when you need him to adds an extra dimension to the offense.

    But what many may not see is that Melo also allows the Rockets to hugely upgrade their defense. How? Take a look at the following lineups.

    Defensive Specialist Center with no offense
    Scola
    Battier or CBud
    Martin
    Lowry or Brooks

    vs.

    Defensive Specialist Center with no offense
    Scola
    Anthony
    Martin
    Lowry or Brooks

    Notice the difference? With Melo, the Rockets have immense firepower DESPITE having a hole at center on offense. A similar team would be the Pistons teams with Ben Wallace. That is a team capable of scoring at or near elite level. And with a defensive anchor, defense would improve a lot.

    Without Melo, if the Rockets insert a defensive specialist, we'd likely suffer on offense, perhaps going from top 10 to average. So any extra defensive benefits becomes instantly negated by the dropoff in offense.

    Now, one thing that's clear is that the Rockets do not currently possess such a defensive specialist. And no, Hayes doesn't count. But such a center is attainable. Dalembert, Camby are just two players that comes to mind. Basically, we're not talking about players we have no shot at. if the right package is offered, I'm sure we can get one.

    So in conclusion, Melo rental could work out. But Morey will have to work damn hard to make that happen.
     
    #1 meh, Jan 20, 2011
  2. Prince

    Prince Member

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    and it's harder to convince him to stay next season, if there's one ;).
     
    #2 Prince, Jan 20, 2011
  3. YaosDirtyStache

    YaosDirtyStache Member

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    NEW and ORIGINAL idea!
     
    #3 YaosDirtyStache, Jan 20, 2011
  4. Thoughtless

    Thoughtless Member

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    Obviously, the best move is Melo + Defensive C. We get an improvement in two key positions than simply getting it in one (Just the Def C). This is overall.

    As for just the defense. Maybe we would be better with Melo and Def C than just the Def C. There are probably stats to back it up and all that but I'll let someone else who is more qualified to bring them to the discussion.
     
    #4 Thoughtless, Jan 20, 2011
  5. AggieRocketsFan

    AggieRocketsFan Member

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    Carmelo does not fix our defense. Major downgrade on D from Battier no matter how you look at it.

    He at leasts has Afflalo to guard the teams best player right now. Martin is not going to like that project.
     
    #5 AggieRocketsFan, Jan 20, 2011
  6. Da Wink

    Da Wink Member

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    if we get Melo, he's surely gonna paired with C. Lee...
     
    #6 Da Wink, Jan 20, 2011
  7. trueroxfan

    trueroxfan Member

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    What??

    First off, Chuck Hayes? He is a defensive specialist. He gets more recognition for his defensive skills each year.

    Second. How does this make our defense better? Or allow us to make our defense better? If we made another trade for a center? And are you sure you want a 36 year old Camby who is about to have knee surgery?

    Personally, I don't like the idea of trading away talent/picks for a guy who is more than likely going to go to NY in just a few months. I think we should focus more on getting players who can contribute defensively to our team, without being a void on O (I no longer consider Hayes an offensive hole).
     
    #7 trueroxfan, Jan 20, 2011
  8. jopatmc

    jopatmc Member

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    The answer is to get Melo and lose Scola. You replace Scola with a defensive minded 5 and you let Chuck and Patterson play the PF. That gets Chuck's D on the floor along with a defensive minded big. Battier and Scola out. Anthony and defensive 5 in.
     
    #8 jopatmc, Jan 20, 2011
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  9. RV6

    RV6 Member

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    You're basically saying Melo fixes the clutchness and defense, if we get a center after he's brought in.

    The idea that melo alone improves our offense enough to make up for the defense isn't realistic. Our offense is high already. We're not scoring 120 a game, hell, 110 would be difficult. All he'd do is take shots from others and maybe we'd score another 2 buckets a game, which is basically the clutch shots he'd make at the end. Might win a game here and there, but not enough. We'd actually become the Nuggets without Nene. they currently lead the league in scoring at 107. Of the top 5 scoring western teams, the two who lack defense have a losing record.
     
    #9 RV6, Jan 20, 2011
  10. Sweet Lou 4 2

    Sweet Lou 4 2 Member

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    Carmelo Anthony can not make us a contender. Nor more than Kobe or anyone player.

    This team has issues that goes beyond any one position or player.
     
    #10 Sweet Lou 4 2, Jan 20, 2011
  11. bratna8

    bratna8 Member

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    But it's a good start.

    Remember Morey has been waiting for this exact moment and has been setting this team up for the last 2-3 years to land franchise player like Melo.

    Our team is full of assets....we just need Denver to bite.
     
    #11 bratna8, Jan 20, 2011
  12. sammy

    sammy Member

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    Not by himself. Even LBJ can't win it all alone. This would put us one major step closer to become legit contenders and without looking at salaries.. We may be able to incite Paul or Howard.
     
    #12 sammy, Jan 20, 2011
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