i've been one of the few (possibly) that liked Tracy Mcgrady for his dribbling skills and his court vision due to his height. Well, I thought he would continue to be our playmaker until he had surgery and then we decided to trade him. So I figured Brooks would be able to be that "go-to" guy down the stretch late in games, but as everyone has pointed out, his height hurts him as well as his size, so he gets double teamed and can't pass over defenders and sometimes can't even see where his teammates are. That left just Ariza, Landry and Scola. Scola doesn't have good ball handling so he was taken out of the race (in my mind). Landry doesn't have a 3-point shot (or never attempted 3's) as well as not being able to handle the ball out on the 3-point line. Ariza, shockingly to me, doesn't have great ball handling that a star player general has in order to create his own shot. (which, IMO, would really help him develop into a much better NBA player, of course, if he gets his shooting percentages up as well) So after me thinking we weren't going to do a trade at the deadline, then finding out we got Kevin Martin, I felt, and still feel, that he's something we desperately needed for late-game situations, mainly. He has good ball handling, has height, and is very quick, not to forget that he's a great jumpshooter and can draw fouls when he attacks the rack. So in my opinion, he's like a better Aaron Brooks (taller, draws fouls, etc.). Am I the only one that was waiting for a guy that was tall and could create his own shots with good/great ball handling? Do you guys think he'll be able to be the go-to guy down the stretch for this team in the last few games? We all know his defense lacks which is the only true downfall about him, besides, maybe his size, but do you guys think he can make up for that at the offensive end and help this team nab a few more wins? (regardless if we finish in the playoffs or head to the lottery)
I hold out this hope as well. Martin certainly has the ball handling and height in his list of attributes. However, I am unfamiliar with his court vision. The majority of opinions that I have read indicate that Martin is a pure scorer who has not been asked to take the role of facilitator until recently.
Didn't he break someones ankles on a crossover last night? Dude is going to be a highlight reel nightly just needs time to adjust like DD mentioned above.
I like his sneakiness on offense and on defense. I know people say he can't defend but he sure can jump the passing lane and steal.
Yeah he has shown that he plays the passing lane; Martin and Ariza will work well together once we get Yao Ming back.
He's not a great dribbler, but he uses the dribble with purpose to get his shot off. He's good enough to put the ball down and do what he needs to do, but not the type that will set guys up and make plays off the dribble that way. Its a skill that alot of players should use and get good at. Its basically one on one in the gym against air. Von was good at it also. Tracy is in a different class when it comes to that. Martin will be good in houston as long as he stays on the court. I've always liked his game and is a very effecient scorer. He will be fine as soon as adelman decides to sit trevor or shane down.
He doesn't have handles like Kobe or T-Mac but he has ball control. Meaning he can make moves with the ball without losing it. He's able to make quick moves like that crossover to beat his man off the dribble. Decent passer but not exactly a play maker but its ok.
As far as I have seen, his defense is quite servicable. He is quick enough to keep his man in front of him. He plays the passing lanes well. Closes out on perimeter shooters. The only knock on his defense, as a Rocket up till now, is his team/help defense. His defensive rotation is a little slow and is sometimes out of position. Nothing that can't be corrected. I can chalk that up to having no practice time.
Are you talking about McGrady circa '03? Cause Martin like McGrady did have some good years (not as good as him though), and they have similar games. Martin is more a shooter, T-mac (when younger) was more of a slasher. But yeah on the thread topic Martin is the 2nd or 3rd best handles but accels above Brooks and Lowry as he's much larger than his opponents. Some are noticeably shorter SG's he'll face are D-wade 6'4, allen 6'5, Hamilton 6'6, VC 6'6 ( but old) so generally that extra inch does help.
I think he's a better defender than most say... he seemed to do alright in his debut, I think it's a matter of motivation. Being on the Kings held him back mentally I think.
he can get to hole, but he pulls up for that jumper. That's my only concern with him and his defense.
watch his highlight reels on youtube--he can score any which way, including dunking, which was a pleasant surprise. i like his ability to hang in the air when he's shooting jumpshots or at the rim. check out his buzzer-beaters and game winners. he can definitely play. i think he's still shaking off the effects of his wrist surgery late last year. people who have broken their wrists say it usually takes 6 months to get the wrist back to full strength so maybe that's why his shots have been either short or without spin. he'll be in fine form soon
If he can stay focused on the defensive end I think he can be a very serviceable defender. Hopefully Battier can help him with that.
