Casspi: I still keeps McHale's voice message from the summer and listen to it once a while

What are you talking about? Of course it's worth it. That was the nastiest dunk of the entire season and even made it to the highlight reel for every game at the Toyota Center.

 

Players enjoy playing for McHale. He is demanding and can be tough on them, but lets them know he fights for them and wants them to have success. It is one of his strengths as a head coach.

 

Coaches should not be telling players that he loves them. It's crossing the line.

 

Here is the audio from McHale's phone message:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ0WpdTin4c

 

He could be most improved if keeps scoring and has a set rotation every game.

 

Very nice thread. First let's give McHale a lot of credit. That's the way to bring in a player who will be there to return the trust. Casspi will play his a** off to show that.

A lot of people still don't seem to understand the whole picture here. Casspi came to the league as a EuroLeague bench player so he had preciously little experience. Nothing like a college starter has (including learning correct basketball). He fell on two bottom teams with very ball dominant PGs, Tyreke Evans and Kyrie Irving. The only time when Casspi got his run was when Evans had not yet grown his ego and Casspi utilized it.

Casspi is still a late rookie season player in progress but with a lot of experience. Now he is getting better all the time because of the confidence McHale (and Sampson I must add) is building in him. Casspi was a horrific free throw shooter because of confidence issues. What a leap he has taken this year. By the way, it is something in this team, because the same is happening to Dwight as well.

Some other traits that people don't seem to notice: Casspi is, contrary to the claims, one of the Houstons best defensive players. First of all, he is always there (never sluggish to run back) and he works hard. Secondly, he does not give up real estate in contradiction to the predictions even with really big men. He still makes mistakes in swiching etc., but he is becoming very good. He is getting better also in steals.

Casspi is also not a ball hog. Check his shot attempt number. Lately he has given some beautiful passes, which is great from a guy who is basically there for the 3pt shooting. He sees the floor. He is becoming more active under the rim because he is not afraid anymore to go to the line.

Casspi is playing without money (in NBA standards!!). He will do it next year again, but next year he will be a much better player. I think he will play at his present preseason level in the regular season next year. Its a confidence issue, but he has the pieces. This is the first year ever that he plays highly organized top level BB and he is learning every day. We regularly dismiss the +/- column here. Casspi is probably the Rockets' leader in it (haven't checked it lately). I still think it sends a message.

After all, who would not want to have a guy playing at that level for free and is not disgruntled. I'm comparing Casspi and Asik and it is a difference of night and day. After all, when you are a pro, you do what you are asked to do and do it the best way possible. It's not only personal. It affects the team as well. At this point Asik is probably a better player than Casspi, but you still got to put the team before anything else. We'll see what the situation is at the end of the campaign.

 

A very well-put, emphasis-on-positive review of Casspi. A breath of fresh air in the GARM. Nice post.

 

McHale told Casspi that... he loves him?

 

Oh, Man. Let's not go to that level. I don't think you will find anything there however deep you dig. Just messing with words. McHale right now is mourning his mother right after his daughter. A little respect would not hurt.

I enjoy talking BB. Don't you?