[ClutchFans] The numbers are clear: Patrick Beverley deserves to start over Jeremy Lin

When PBev was promoted to replace Lin, it was often thought that he is a better spot up 3pt shooter than Lin. This season, both Lin & Bev are bad in 3s. So who can we get for cheap to be a deadly 3 pt shooter, a pg to play alongside Harden? Jimmer Fredette. His 3pt % for 2013-2014 is now at 51% and he is underutilized at the Kings (what else is new with the Kings) because they try to develop their high pick McLemore. He is a smaller version of Reddick and we all know how Reddick killed us with his 3s. He will be a free agent next season. So Rockets should get him to complement Harden or Howard playing inside out. You can't double Howard if the outlet pass is going to Jimmer. Here are his stats:

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6434/jimmer-fredette

 

I agree with your first opinion but not the second. NO ONE, not Mchale, not Morey stated Lin was going to be the 6th man.

With his current slump, lack of confidence, and the way team's is playing, Lin is like the 8th option.

In the last 4 games Bev came back and started, Bev on average has more FGA than Lin. That is really weird since Lin is better offensively.

 

I like both PBev and Lin., that's why I gave you the team ranking.

But, I'd also call a spade spade.

 

Forget about Lin. Let him lead the 2nd team if that is what helps the team. The problem with Houston now is not Lin, but Bev. Yes, he is an energy defensive guy. But did he really stop every speedy pg out there playing us game after game? Be real, he didn't. Did we win games because one player plays some ball pressure defense to change the outcome?

No. The wins were because the team was clicking on 3s and the big 3s are playing good games. When we lost, all or 2 of the big 3s are playing bad. We had stagnant offense and our 3s failed us because we lack a more consistent 3 pt threat like what we had last year. So if Bev cannot help address this problem with his low scoring and low assist, he doesn't deserve to be a starter on this team. Enough experiment starting Bev. He is a nice guy and an energy defender but he cannot help our offense.

We must find alternatives, trying out other things which had worked before such as starting Lin again to see if he can regain his better form and energize the offense, or if the coaches and management don't like to do this, they must find somebody else who can really complement Harden and Howard. We need someone who can shoot a high % 3 consistently. This will free up Howard particularly from being double teamed when his outlet pass can go to a deadly 3 pt shooter playing inside out with him. Harden can also get a dependable offensive option to go with his drives. At least between Parsons & this offensive minded guard we have two possible deadly 3 pts options and not just on poor Parsons. This will make our offense more potent and harder to defend. Our bench this year is pure garbage (with Casspi the exception). We need to do something before the playoff.

 

The Rockets are currently ranked 6th in offensive efficiency and 9th in defensive efficiency. Going off PPG and PPG allows is amateur stuff.

It's been said countless times before that generally history has shown you need to be top 10 in both these categories to be considered a contender. Although I believe most of the best teams usually were top 3-5 in one or the other.

On with the Bev and Lin bashing... I mean discussion.

 

Really, who cares whether Beverley or Lin starts. Either way the PG is marginalized on the team. Basically, it's less frustrating to watch Beverley start because he's perfectly happy to focus on defense and stand around the perimeter on offense waiting for Harden to dump the ball to him with 2 seconds left on the shot clock. Houston is the graveyard of promising young PGs.

 

Because he isn't. Not saying anyone else on our roster is either but take a step back and ask yourself how many teams you could name that lin would replace their starter

 

Harden's stats when Lin starts (17 games):
Points per game: 25.41
Shooting pct: 47.7%

Harden's stats when Beverly starts (22 games):
Points per game: 22.6
Shooting pct: 41.8%

 

That does not account for any defensive differences.

 

I don't think it is that cut and dried. Lin has shown to be a more than capable starter when functioning as the actual point guard. And the teams' records have been positive.

As a Lin fan, I strongly used to believe that it was how he was used that was causing his game to "decline".

I am definitely starting to lean the other way though. His recent stint as the starter during Bev's absence was lackluster at best. Let's hope that he can get his mojo back and that Bev can start hitting open jumpers with consistency.

If both guys can play at their expected level - I think the Rockets point guard "problem" can become a strength. Heading into the season, I thought that we were solid and deep at point guard (especially with Harden's limited but good playmaking skills). It has unraveled since then though.

 

He started what 80+ games and averaged over 10 points a game around 6 assist. And you say that's not starters material. Lol I say around 5 or 6 teams he could start for.

 

If Lin plays like he was during the beginning of the season, he definitely can start in lots of non contending team.

 

Stop associating Lin with the PG position. A true PG does not pass the ball off at half court and stand in the corner for 3s. Even Parson handles the ball more and plays like a PG more than Lin.

Lin is like a backup Garcia on most plays. I have a hard time believing that this is how he chooses to play though.

 

Great argument! Let's ignore the fact that he started 80+ games last year as a *rookie* averaging 13 and 6. Take a step back and ignore Linsanity and all the hype, these #s are good for a rookie and is starter material.

 

Well, shooting percentage-wise, it's kind of a wash whether he's on the court with Lin or Bev - I don't know how to compare his stats when either of them specifically starts though.

 

Well, the defensive stats would apparently have to make up for 3pts less avg production and 6% less shooting percentage in order for things to be equal.

 

Thanks, this is great info.

 

And I think it confirms the eye test that Harden is more efficient when there are more driving threats on the court and another playmaker.

 

Using FG% in any form of analysis confirms the anti-"using good judgement and making a strong case for something."

 

Huh?? Keep in mind that we're only saying 1 player (Harden) scores more points more efficiently (so far this season) with Lin as a started vs Bev. We'd have to look at the three other starters as well. Not saying anything more than that.