My math sucks lol. I would put Howard at 32 to 36 minutes a night. this would keep him at the power forward spot for 14 to 18 minutes
They can afford to put Dmo out there with a real shot blocker now. Dmo has to improve defensively, but not as much as before.
I agree the roster is impressive. Still a hole at the 4 but not a necessity to bring on someone new yet. This board overrates Parsons too much though. Calling him a star or on the cusp of being a star. If Parsons went to a bad team where he was to be their best player, pretty sure that team would lose nearly all their games. Love parsons game, and we are very lucky to have him on this roster, especially on that contract, but let's chill with all the "star" talk.
G Smith had some great games (vs Clippers and Magic) last year. He has the size at 4 and can post on certain matchups. Smith had a better season than TJone or DMo and will most likely play more 4 next season. Sampson worked with Smith throughout last year. He is on a cheap contract and I don't see him going anywhere without knowing if Jone or DMo can take a huge step in their role.
Agreed.... I like Dmo's passing so much, that I think he doesn't even have to improve as much as some others do to have a positive impact. If he can just get close to average as an overall defender... Especially playing next to Howard, I think he'll be a helluva player for us. And if he can get the most of his ability to operate in the post, watch out.
Surprised no one's mentioned Robert Covington in this thread as part of the roster. The Rockets felt strongly enough about him to fully guarantee his rookie year AND partially guarantee his second year. That's the most that Daryl Morey has ever given to an undrafted rookie prior to his rookie season. (They gave Greg Smith slightly more guaranteed money only after he dominated the D-League for half a season.) Sure, I know it's not a ton of money if they have to waive him and that the cap hit won't move the needle on the Rockets' cap situation, but there is a lot to like about Covington. Also, FWIW, the only Rockets players who are not under team control for 2014-15 are Francisco Garcia (player option), Marcus Camby, Aaron Brooks and Greg Smith (contracts over). I think there's a chance that Smith could get dealt for a pick. Pure speculation, though.
I thought that he was more-or-less insurance for the roster. I'll be honest and say that I haven't seen him play beyond a few summer league highlights. I'm guessing that the PF spot strategy is going to be the same post Scola. Keep on rotating the position 4 deep till one hits, we happen to be able to acquire a proper starter, and/or trade one or more should they show some promise for future assets simply because of our time frame. I have my doubts that anyone will develop fast enough to be a starter in a contending team. I'm getting flashes of Maloney/Price/E-Mail depth in an otherwise impressive roster.
Question is, with Dwight howard and Asik as center, is this the end of small ball? highly doubt it, if so asik minutes will even be lower
keep looking at our roster and I really really really think we're trying to combat the "small ball" craze that's going on in the NBA. Not to say we're anything like Indy, but look at what they were able to do against the eventual champions. I don't recall them every going small. If anything, we're gonna go big with Garcia at the SG position. I like us though. We'll get the PF position shored up eventually. I don't see this season or next season as a real title run though. I'm just being realistic. If either one of those guys do turn into a legit threat or a consistent player this season then i'll be singing a different tune of course. Side note: Can't wait until we thrash the Lakers.
The local Biloxi, MS (WLOX) news reporter described Morey's reaction as if he got a draft steal, not necessarily "the steal of the draft": http://www.wlox.com/story/22718932/isaiah-canaan-ready-to-begin-his-pro-basketball-career http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-draft-isaiah-canaan
I'm really itching to watch this group play. As a PnR team and very unselfish players it's hard not to imagine how much ball movement there could be. The skill sets these guys have can potentially leave offenses unpredictable. Last season we got stagnant at times due to iso Harden or endless picks that really didn't get anywhere. True we are weakest at PF but what's important is that these guys have potential AND are hungry to improve. With a full training camp and some camaraderie beforehand, I can see these guys coming together sooner than later.
If T.J would just keep his stomping in the paint area, and leave the side-walk alone, the Rockets will be just fine.
