All we've heard from the beginning of training camp is that the Rockets will make a concerted effort this season to be a running team. I haven't seen it from anybody else, but I myself have questioned if this is a particularly smart strategy considering their talent. Specifically, the athletic ability of the guards is probably the team's biggest weakness. That is, if you don't consider inexperience much of a weakness, which I don't. If the Rockets try to get into running contests with most teams in the nba, it could seriously backfire on them. Most opposing teams guards will have more speed and quickness, and also go to the basket stronger, than Lin and Martin. They will beat them up and down the court and off the dribble, creating open shots, in fast pace games. They will be happy to see the Rockets increase the tempo.
This is just incorrect. Stop underrating your own team's guards. Rockets have looked good running and gunning by my eye test, though maybe someone else has some stats to back it up. Lin makes great decisions in transition and as good a quarterback pass as I've seen in the NBA.
Luis Scola is far from being a quick fellow, but he always managed to be one of the first down the court. We don't have to have the quickest team in the league to be a quick scoring team. It isn't who runs the court the fastest, but who makes quick decisions, smart decisions, and sharp passes. There's no reason we can't be an efficient fast break team if we manage to do that.
Yes. They also do other things. Whatever you see them do on the court is what they are. I know for a fact that they play basketball. . . . . right?
We are an opportunistic team... meaning run and gun whenever possible. With Lin stealing the ball and Martin and Parsons hauling down court, there is no reason not to fastbreak. I don't see why you act like our guys aren't able to handle this? It's going to literally be one of the reasons to watch games this year. On top of that, we are a pick and roll team. It's McHale's only play.
Lol. Yeah, what is it about those guys who think Lin is not quick? Does he penetrate and get by his man so easily or have one of the fastest recorded speed numbers in the draft combines through deception? Is he a ninja?
Lin is quick but he is not as quick as he was last year. He doesn't have that quick first step. Hopefully he regains his explosiveness as the season progresses.
Ummmm, you guys don't see it? Chill out man, Lin's an underdog in highschool, college, and NBA, even now(very surprising), that's just his style, if he was a flash it would have shown. He is a champ, don't worry bout him.
Any team can be a running team when you think about the fact that the opposing team is running backwards LOL
The Rockets guards (and forwards and centers) have plenty of athletic ability to get out on the break. More to the point, the team has guys who are willing anf able to push the ball up the court or get out and run the break without the ball. Remember, the point man for the best known fast-playing team recently is Steve Nash, who is not the most athletic PG by a long shot. On the other hand, super athletic Steve Francis would rather slow it down and play half-court iso. His backcourt partner Mobley was the same way. On the current Rockets team, Lin has been pushing the ball fast every chance he gets. Martin will run for either a layup or a transition 3. Parsons will also handle the ball and push when he gets a rebound. Jones, White and Machado, if they play, are good ball handlers in transition. Pat, Motie and even Big Ömer will get out in transition for either a finish on the break or early deep post position.
Lin has been waiting on the rest of the team in the first few preason games when there was a break. Much better last game
