There are only a couple of guys that can create their own shot. I wouldn't put Artest in that category. He has the same "shot creating" problem as Ariza, but is declining offensively. Kobe Tmac Iverson Pierce Arenas Dwade Melo LeBron BDavis CButler JJohnson Artest's is only purpose is as a defensive specialist against bigger SFs in the playoffs for this year and next year(maybe). Rockets lack points. They need somebody to hit the open three, get out on the fast break(Artest is slow and getting slower) and finish the basket. Artest couldn't handle that, even with T-Mac out. It was even worse when both Yao and T-Mac were out during the playoffs. He's perfect as the 5th option for the Lakers. With Kobe, Gasol, Odom and Bynum, his shots will be very limited. Artest can handle Melo, LeBron, and Pierce. Guys that the Lakers will see in the playoffs. It's doubtful that the Rockets will make it to the playoffs, let alone the Finals to need Artest for Lebron or Pierce. Artest really struggled in the Laker series as the 1st option.
Better how about.. Deron Williams Hedo Turkeyglue Kevin Martin Derick Rose Manu Gino Tony Parker Vince Carter off the top of my head.
I'm liking Ariza a lot. I'm liking him so much that I'm wondering if it would be better to stick with our current SG/SF rotation and trade McGrady for a power foward/center upgrade.
Half of this output, so only 12 ppg(rounding up)?? I see him easily averaging 15ppg in this offense. That's shooting T-Mac 08-09 percentages. He also gives us steals, rebounds, and hustle. With Brooks increased play-making ability, we dont need #1 to be the dime factory that McGrady was. He is hustling and playing within the offense and moving without the ball like he is supposed to do.
see I would trade for a great swingman for T-mac to stay with miss matches. You want the other team to guard Trev with their 3 guard. That will be a mis -match most nights.
I see that too, but I'm also starting to see a lot of potential in the SG/SF rotation of Ariza/Battier/Budinger - namely solid perimeter shooting and defense. There's the obvious lack of a swingman who can create for others, but couldn't that be compensated by Brooks/Lowry and a dominant frontcourt of Yao and a star power forward?
Budinger can create, he has that skill just needs to play some and get comfortable for it to come out. DD
Gotta be more positive man! What a great Halloween. Rockets won and Oregon trounced USC. AB just broke down the entire Blazer's defense by himself@ and who would've thought Ariza would be able to be to score 20+ two games in a row. Let's hope it keeps up!!
There are people overrating Ariza and certainly underrating Artest's value to this team last year, but you're being a little harsh on Trevor here. I think the reasonable rocket's fans expected 10-12ppg from Ariza with solid defense and I think those goals are something we can agree he'll easily reach. Management and overzealous bbsers' have praised his potential and he's delivered on it so far, but only a fool would expect him to continue shooting this well. A 5 year midlevel deal for a good defender, with a solid 3-point shot and above average athleticism, is quite good. Morey gave him that deal on what he knows he can get from him. Anything else is gravy and so far we're getting a little extra.
First of all, people need to get over the Ariza/Artest "swap" comparisons. I will say that both have struggled in our defensive system, but that's the only thing I think they have in common. I'd still rather have Ariza's wheels and youth, but this bbs seems to get obsessed with strengh and that's not Ariza's game. I've said this before, but around 14.5 ppg (with near 44% shooting) is great for the MLE money. I find it ludricous that I have to preach patience after the last two games, but even the strongest detractors must kind of think that he has the potential to learn and grow. I think it's funny because I watch Ariza and think: "What are you doing?" especially on defense, but he seems hesitant on offensive plays when he doesn't even touch the ball. Lots of room for improvement, but give the man his due.
To a limited degree, but you'd have to agree that he wouldn't come close to McGrady. But definitely someone who can open things up for the second unit in the coming seasons. I guess I'm wondering if it's possible to build a championship-caliber team without an elite playmaker a la Bryant, Wade, Billups, etc.
I'm not changing the subject. I addressed your post. And if you actually read my original comment about the 3rd/4th option you would understand I am speaking of Lakers Artest, not Rockets Artest. Anyway, stop comparing 3 games (Ariza) to a whole season (Artest). As I said, I don't give a damn what one player does. I don't care if Ariza scores 40ppg if this team doesn't win in the playoffs. It's not the parts, but the whole that counts and the Rockets were better overall than they have been in years with Artest on the roster. Will the same be said of Ariza? Maybe.....time will tell. I think you know my stance.
This shows me you know jack about this team, past and present. Artest was more than just defense. He played great off of Yao, opening up alot for the big man. Artest was never meant to the the 1st option here. But you just want to focus on the performance of the single player rather than the what he did for the team off the ball. We'll see how much you are loving Ariza when he comes back to earth shooting ~30-31% from 3-point range.
Ariza is NOT a solid 3-point shooter!!! Yeah, he's shooting out of his mind right now, but I am not buying. I hope that he somehow found a touch from downtown, but he have never shot a consistent 3 ball. He is athletic and a decent defender. However as I have stated for months, I think 5 years for someone that had a few good playoff games was too much. Hopefully I am wrong.
Strange year so far....Ariza and Frye are nailing from 3....sometimes players develop....let's hope so in Trevor's case. DD
Well if Ariza can continue playing like this, I will take back every bad word I said about signing him for 5 years and letting Artest walk.
