I agree with giving Budinger some of Ariza's minutes because 8-10 minutes just isn't enough for Chase. Even though the playoff picture is grim, 15 games is plenty to make some sort of run and hope for one of the teams in the 7 or 8 spot to slip up a bit. We could maybe consider this when there is less than 8 or so games left.
I really don't know much about tanking because I never experienced by team doing it because the Rockets it seems like, every year make the playoffs, but if we do "develop" the young guys, wouldn't it leave a bad taste in the veterens, such as Scola, Battier, and Hayes, mouth? I admit, I would much rather have Hill get more PT than Hayes, but thats because of his height and athleticism. Budinger, it continues to puzzle me only gets like 8 mins, but should infact get 20 mins, at the least. We are talking about 15 games left, thats a whole lotta season left and I can see us probably knocking the Spurs out. Even if we do get to the lottery, our position will only go up like 1 or 2 picks. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't we have the 14th Pick in the Draft?
Developmental focus points(CB & JH) There is a growing senitment on the board to shift gears and beging playing our younger guys more. This idea comes along with the idea that it is a concession of the (slim) playoff hopes we have. While Shane may be better overall than Chase, and Chuck better than Jordan, I don't think taking minutes from the vets and giving to the young dogs is a huge difference. Shane and Chuck both have severe flaws that limit what the team can do offensively. I just want to say that IMO, we can still chase the playoffs and play the young guys a bit more. In fact, I believe we would be a BETTER team for it. But regardless, I was thinking about what we would like to specifically see from these guys. Obviously we want them to get "reps" but what would you like to see from Chase and Jordan as far as working on their games the last few weeks. Chase 1. I think this guy has the speed, hops and handles to beat his man and create his own shot (more than he has been doing) I would like to see Adelman run plays similar to the ones he runs for AB and KM, where they come away from an off the ball screen and isolate. Chase played great throughout his career at Arizona, but he didn't ever improve tremendously after his first couple years and I do wonder if he will bring his game to the next level or plateau. 2. I would like to see Chase play a little backup PG, I know its crazy but he seems very fluid and steady with the ball in his hands. He would not be able to guard the opposing PG, or penetrate around him, but he could initiate the offense and shoot over him. 3. More Chase, AB, and Martin!- As much as you could say Aaron and Kevin don't fit together, they do. You have to give up some points, but they work well together and I think you can say they definetly raise each others game. If we have Yao/Hill or Yao/Bosh or Yao/shot blocker, we can probably run Chase, AB, and Martin together for stretches next year. There will be no one to double off of. Jordan Hill- 1. Continue to work on the pick and roll, Jordan is doing a good job on the "roll". I do believe he will develop a solid jumper at some point for the pick and pop. 2. Post moves- Feed Jordan Hill like you feed David Andersen (maybe Hill will pass occasionally) I don't see Andersen on this team next year. I think we will trade him or sit on the bench, he is just to old to be worth developing and is too one-dimensional. But I would like to see Hill get the ball and get the greenlight to work at that little baby hook he has been showing. 3. Offense from the elbow- Whether its the jumpshot (Clyde and Bill say he is automatic in practice) or taking 2-3 dribbles and going toward the basket, I want to see what this guy has to offer down the road. At least see if that potential to be a dominant OFFENSIVE force is there. Man, Morey really did a great job with snagging those two for about nothing. That can't be said enough. Cheers to them being better next year.
You have to ask Scola if he is comfortable with that. The guy wants to win every game he plays, playoff or not. And he earned his rights.
quick question DD....how many minutes per game has bud averaged this year? anyhow...i really wish we could sit lowry for the next 10 games. the guy isn't healthy right now. i think the only reason we are playing him is because we don't have any other options to give brooks a rest. it's too bad we can't keep a guy like temple with going over the lux tax threshold, but oh well. and fwiw DD you do know we just got another swingman back from injury. chase has been the odd man out since ariza came back. rick looks like he is trying to move ariza back to his traditional less prominent role. i think he will address bud's declining minutes since ariza's return. so just relax for a second and think about the question i asked.
It's a lot better for young player development to play 8 minutes in a playoff-atmosphere game, where everyone on the court is fighting for dear life towards the slim hope of making the playoffs, then to play 20 minutes on a tanking team that could care less. These young players are humans with emotions and ambitions, not just statistics or video game avatars, where you just increase the playing time stat and magically it equals better development.
Yeah, I hate it when the Rockets win! Lose the rest of the games you idiots! ..... ..... ....disgusting....
I disagree Shane is limited offensively; and agree Houston needs to evaluate (or develop) the young players. I see CB part of the second unit next yr (and the yrs after that). Starters YM new PF TA KM AB Second Unit new backup C LS SB CB KL
Budinger and Hill are athletic, toolsy freaks, they just need to display that aggression and want-to more often. (Especially Chase.)
I don't know, DaDakota... You make a decent point about the Rockets giving development time to the rookies since the chance of getting into the playoffs is a longshot for the team... But on my part, I think it would be better, for the development of our rookies, if the Rockets actually go all out to get into the playoffs. Reason being if the Rockets do get in, the playoffs will be the best development eye-opener for Chase and Hill ever. Playoffs are a whole different ballgame compared to the regular season, and it would be great if our rookies can get a taste / experience of it while they are still in their first year. So my humble opinion on the best development route to take for the Rockets rookies - push hard for the playoffs.
That is reasonable, and I can see your point. I just happen to think this year is over, and we need to get some playing time for our younger players. DD
The rockets never gave AB and Landry extra playing time in their rookie season. They still develop into good players.
And more importantly (or is it more intangibly?), I think the experience AB and Landry got from playing in that first round playoff series against Utah did wonders for their development, outlook and confidence. Hence, why I think a round (or two, or four :grin: ) in the playoffs will do wonders as well for our current rookies.
And this is one of the reasons why he dropped in the draft. He was doing fine until K-mart showed up. IMO, Chase will develop fully with Martin on the team taking the guard spot and the bulk of the shots.
Actually Landry was in the lineup in the 2nd half of his rookie season. Brooks was not so much, though he did play some. And the situations were not equal, the team was still in the playoff hunt. Of course the players will still develop, but my point is that they need time on an NBA court to get to their potential. Just my opinion, the org will do whatever it needs to do....glad to see Hill playing more, but Chase at 5-8 minutes is just not enough. DD
