Last night early in the 3rd period RA inserted Chase into the line up with AB and Kevin Martin. At that point the Rockets ran their offense better than they had all night long. When the ball made it to Chase he made things happen regardless if by scoring or just making the right decision with the ball. He made some great moves with the ball after he recieved the pass and some great shots. I just like the chemistry that was on the floor when AB, Kevin and Chase were in the game at the same time. Both Battier and Ariza are good players but they both have holes in their games. Chase seems to have the complete package. Athleticism, nice developing defense, good ball handler, good outside shot, high BBIQ. In his last 5 games Chase is hitting over 50% of his field goal attempts, over 50% of his treys, with 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes of play. That's solid for a rookie 2nd round pick. I have thought most of the year that Chase would eventually be the starter at the small forward position. Maybe not this year but it will happen IMO. Watching how well Chase worked with AB and Martin in the 3rd period certainly gives me something to look forward to. I especially like the fact that Kevin Martin seemed to wake up when he was paired with Chase in the back court during the 3rd quarter. Hoping to get a lot more of that trio in the game together in the future. I'm looking forward to next season as well when we can put a starting line-up on the court of: AB Martin Chase Bosh (keeping fingers crossed!) Yao
Finally an intelligent basketball discussion. Yes, you are correct, and having Chase, KMart and Brooks in there with a stretch 4, adding Yao Ming and you have a championship contender. The Rockets are not that far off, and personally, I would like to see them play Chase a LOT more minutes. Hill too.....he looked very quick for a PF....let's find out whom to keep for next year. This year is pretty much done. DD
I think in your startingline-up, A. Brook should be replaced by K. Lowry. AB and Martin don't match. think about their style.
Crash, How do you think we go about getting a stretch 4, ala Robert Horry? I think we need one of those to compliment Yao... a guy that can shoot the long ball on offense, attack the basket and block some shots from the weakside on defense. To me, once we add Yao, that is all we are lacking. I think he is here because his contract expires at the same time as Yao's does and the Rockets are hedging their bets in case Yao can't come back or gets injured again. That way they have more expiring contracts next season, but I agree, one of Trevor or Shane needs to go.... DD
1. This lineup will be among the worst defensive teams in the league. 2. There is no chance to get Bosh.
No way, not as a PF, Ariza is a SF, I am talking about a PF that can hit the 3 ball as well. Horry could play both SF and PF, I am not sure Ariza has enough sand in his britches to play PF....and his 3pt shot is VERY suspect as you well know. DD
Cant make that assessment in 2 games. Plus, adding Yao is a huge change in the game plan, obviously. With Yao, you want 3pt shooters, which Lowry is not.
Well you better get Bosh because Rashard Lewis is taken. Ariza's 3's will be deadly once he gets open spot shots. He's continued to show improvement in his 3's the last 6 games.
With Yao/Bosh/Cbud/Martin, you don't need another 3 point shooter or scorer, but somebody who can get those guys the ball, attach basket when Yao/Bosh drawed all attentions from oppoenents big mem and play defense.
And while you knock Ariza about his threes, Horry never shot better than .379% from 3 while he was a Rocket. Ariza would fit that role.
Chase isn't strong enough to play NBA defense to start (it seems to be the only reason why we are playing this starting lineup) but, like Reeko said he would be a good 6th man edition next year. Bosh looks out of the question. After reading that draft class thread the Rockets are looking to replace Landry through there. A lot of big men with plenty of potential.
I think we have enough assets (without touching AB, Chase, Martin or Yao) that if Bosh wants to leave we could make a very tempting offer. IMO Bosh would be the perfect 4 next to Yao. In the event we don't think we can land Bosh then I think this year is a very strong draft for Power Forwards. Obviously we need to continue to develope Hill with a strong off-season program but we also need to see what is available to us in the draft. There could be some potential superstars at the PF spot. Obviously I think we could certainly move up a few spots by offering this years pick and next years pick (swapped with the knicks) if we wanted to get someone like Derrick Favors.
Regardless of role, Chase is becoming a player. His shooting form is pure. Notice how often he swishes a 3 or when he curls around a pick and drains the 18 footer? Also, he has good handles for a player of his size. I'd say he dribbles better than Ariza. Either that or he knows his limitations and does not get himself out of control or in trouble by trying to create too much. He is decisive on the bounce - either dribble once or twice to free up a jumper, go to the basket, or move the ball along. Offensive grease for the system. The last area he needs to develop is going to the hole stronger and creating contact. He has the physical tools to do this, but I'm not sure if he has the physical mentality. I believe that is something innate, not taught. With Chase, it could be more about him expanding his view of his role or capabilities, rather than a lack of physical mentality. Time will tell and Adelman should give Chase every chance to develop this part of his game. Damn he has a sweet jumper.
