The thing is, I don't think it's all chemistry, because Dwight isn't a new player to the team. Obviously they added new players, but I think the team just isn't playing the same. Basically what I take it as you're saying is that DMo or whatever lineup they were running before Dwight returned should have stayed the same and they'd still be winning. I really think their style of play has caught up and they're in a major slump (too many mins /too many 3s/ relying on Harden too much) And don't get me wrong, I don't think you're always wrong or something just we disagree a lot. Which I guess is probably good to see both sides.
The difference is that when Dwight was out, DMo constantly set picks and rolled to the basket creating looks for the defense to prepare for. Right now, we have completely stagnated on offense. Dwight only posts up, JSmith also wants to post up, but it is crowded with Dwight and he is terrible off the ball, Harden is awesome, Bev is slumping, Ariza is slumping. And we basically have no one moving on offense anymore. And when that used to happen our guys still played hard D, now they are not even doing that. DD
Our offense has BEEN trash. I'm afraid to look at where we're ranked defensively now, but for most of the season, we were 2nd in defense and vacillating between 20-21 in offense. The difference I see now is that we used to be able to rely on our defense when we couldn't score. That hasn't been the case since the end of November/very early December.
There is value in not making mistakes. A few bone-headed decisions by a player affects the team (aka chemistry). Brewer is a plus player--I like that acquisition.
For the sake of Josh Smith's production, it'd be better if he comes off the bench. He's better with the ball in his hands, and if he really wants to win a championship he should understand this. Also, I don't care that we offered him a starting job, if you don't produce you sit. We should not cater to a player's demands that probably won't even be here next year. We are trying to win a championship, and McHale/Morey need to put our best lineups and rotations on the floor.
The Josh Smith experiment should be over. No spacing. Teams are begging for him to take outside shots. That means automatic double teams on DH with no shooting threat from the PF position. He can't draw anyone away from the paint. He should come off the bench unless he can prove otherwise with effective play. If we don't make some changes soon, we may not see the playoffs. The West is too stacked. We're squandering our season record and playoffs for Josh Smith's feelings? That better not be the case. Also, what seemed to work best for our offense was using Dmo as our focal point and post up guy. (of course James is our real playmaker) When Dwight was out, Dmo was our go-to guy in the paint and quite effective. He is good at P&R, and getting a shot with his post play. I hate to say it, but Dwight needs to play the Asik role to Dmo for awhile. Just like Dwight had Asik to clean the glass, Dwight should do the same. Dmo creates havoc in the lane with his posting and spin moves. NOT a great rebounder, but doesn't have to be with #12 in there with him. I would move for Dmo in the starting rotation along with Brewer to get Ariza out of his funk. At least Brewer has had some hot flashes. Ariza has just been laying bricks. Maybe against a 2nd unit he can get some confidence back. Dwight Dmo Brewer Harden Bev
There must be a Cause and Effect. We didn't have this problem from the beginning of the season till about 2 weeks ago. I like McHale's tactic tough benching the starters. If Dwight and Harden want Josh to start along side them, they have to make it work. Watch film together. Show Josh what is a bad shot/good shot, where to be on the floor to be a complementary player. He could be Rodman-like and not hurt the team on offense by not making mistakes and giving the ball up to play makers. Focus on getting 20 boards and the team wins.
DMo have been slumping lately as well. I think this is direct effect because of all the rosters changes. People knew there roles and whats expected of them and now they dont. With DMo and Black on the court it was give ball to DMo and let him work, now with JS, players arent so sure. Whole chemistry is off and will need time to adjust.
I have no problem with him starting if he deserves to start. But it's clear that that isn't the case right now. Until he beats D-Mo out, he should step back and learn our system. But that said, maybe Dwight should have had to take his spot back from Tarik Black too. Because I really think he's the problem. Our offense basically hasn't looked good since he's been back.
Josh Smith's on the court antics tonight were unforgivable. I can almost understand picking up a T, but attempting an off the backboard allyoop when down 30 and than walking off the court before time expired made me want to puke. I started watching the Rockets in 1982 and haven't been this disgusted with a Rocket since Mad Max punched a fan in the stands in Portland. JSmoove is a lost cause and a basketball bufoon who can't get out of his own way.
You have no point as usual. Just a lot of noise as always. Morey messed up. Smith was not necessary for this team. Definitely not as a starter. It's not my fault you tried to references +/- to say that Smith is contributing less to us losing than D-Mo. That was just too Lolz.
Look, we had to get Smith to try him out on our team. We all said the team as is is still not enough to get us over the hump. Now if Smith isn't going to contribute, we can ask him to play with the bench or ask him to stay home. Meanwhile because we had to give up Black, might as well ask Capela up to be part of the rotation. All he has to do is defend and rebound. We had such a good run with the reserves because they're eager to play. Dwight and Smith have lost their desire to play. Maybe there's an ongoing feud between the Ariza-Harden camp vs the Dwight-Josh camp. Of course, I'll side with Harden.
Damn, this is scary. We need to figure this thing out quick. Josh Smith needs to be used on the move, going towards the rim. EXACTLY how Dwight should be used as well. Is it impossible to get both of these guys good, efficient shots? The ONLY isolation post up I want to see is from either Donatas Motiejunas or James Harden. Josh Smith and Dwight Howard have proven to be inconsistent game to game in these situations, so no dice. And JESUSCHRIST, IF Beverly and Ariza are sucking, put in Canaan and Papa! Give me some shooting and ball movement PLEASE...
