The lack of basketball IQ on this team is staggering

Portland is exrtremely good at playground basketball, especially at the guard position. Add in LA, and they are about as good as it gets.

Our statistics based shot selection algorithm only works macroscopically, and that's why we have struggled at the end of the game against playground basketball.

I think the dominating factor between the two opposing styles has been the defensive stopper at the wing in Matthews. If we can get a pit bull type wing player like Matthews / Aflalo, that could be the turning point. Parsons is highly skilled but he's not a pit bull type defensive player

 

It's lack of identity. They tried to go early on to Howard first but Hoard wasn't very good early in the season frankly. The lack of coaching is also a major reason but I think it takes time. Just like OKC. They weren't very smart early on either.

 

That's the thing about these big time establishments. People think too much of these a-holes. Let me tell you there's many a-holes coming out of the Ivy League that were given all the support and opportunity. Most are just people you can break down and embarrass.

 

BTW, we need to separate discipline from IQ.

You can cover for the lack of IQ by being disciplined. Some of it, not all.

As of right now, the Rockets lack both.

 

They still aren't.

 

My biggest concern is how there is always someone open for 3. It's ridiculous, every play.

 

This X1000. You had two season to drill your team philosophy into the heads of one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Young players especially in their beginning years require a coach that teaches and instills smart play. Mchale is not that coach.

 

The biggest one for me was Parsons 3 in transition with a few minutes left. There were 20 seconds left in the shot clock and we didn't even have numbers. So stupid.

 

i think the balls been sticky for 2 years

 

basketball iq is instinct. it can't be taught. players either get it or don't.

 

anon reps are great

anyone who thinks the offensive system is fine needs their head examined. there is no sophistication to this basic offense. full court run and gun is great in the regular season, but you need a half court offense in the playoffs. you need set plays to fall back on to some extent.

 

Tony Allen
Zach Randolph
Lamar Odom

 

don't know you'd want to bring up allen

randolph's game didn't changed, just his coaches and situation.

odom was always highly regarded for his smart point forward abilities. that's why he was a 4th pick.

 

It's mostly due to coaching. Mchale wants these group of young inexperienced guys to run his read and react offense, and dumb mistakes are the results.