I understand what he meant, but we're talking offensive possesions where a number of variables determine if you're gonna score or not. Where Free throws are just that! You and the rim. Phoenix went 32-35 for 91%. Rockets on the other hand were 20-29 for a very pedestrian 69%. I mean is 75% too much to ask for? Oh I know, they do that to the rest of the league too. This is something that due to our lack of size is going to be the norm with just about everybody. Rockets can't really control that, but FT shooting they can or should.
Uhhh idk if he should stay aggresive or not cuz I don't want him 2 jack shots up..but if the Team wants him aggresive and they think that's better,then I'm koo with that too
He didn't say the missed FTs weren't a factor. He even acknowledged that they were a factor. He just felt that other mistakes down the stretch were bigger factors. I have trouble disagreeing with him. Plus, if we made a few of the FTs we missed in the 1st half and earlier in the game, there is no telling how the Suns would have responded differently to different scores. You can't change one element of the past and assume other things wouldn't have changed as well. I agree with Ariza that our offensive execution down the stretch was a bigger factor in this loss than the missed FTs. I also think our inability to defend the pick and roll and the interior were bigger factors than the missed FTs. By my count, we only missed 2 FTs unintentionally between the 4th quarter and overtime and those misses occurred before the 5 min mark of the 4th quarter. The Suns missed the same number of FTs than us during that stretch and we had plenty of time and chances to win the game had we executed better and made some stops. I feel that our inability to defend and execute offensively cost us more in the 4th quarter and OT than our 2 missed FTs.
Hmm... Do we start to tank? Wants Ariza aggressive and if he slashes more than he has done so far this season, I'll be fine with that. And if he shoots more 3s than earlier, oh God, it's gonna be unbearable to watch him play.
Before this home stand i think the the Rockets were optimistic about the season.. after we dropped 4 at home I think we are just in full lets get better for next season mode. I'm frustrated with Ariza too but hey if he can improve this season going into the next I'm all for it..
Maybe I'm oversimplifying the FTs, I see 9 missed FTs a 3 point loss and can't help but to emphasize lack of fundamentals.
Well he can be aggressive in other ways besides shooting... like cutting harder or drawing contact. I'd like to think that Lowry is a great example of being "aggressive".
Maybe it is just me, but almost every dunk in that video Ariza sticks his leg out at the defender, often at their crotch area. Isn't that a foul? I know I've seen that called before.
In terms of priorities, we're looking more at the long-term than the short-term. That's the reason DM continues to wait out on the trade. For a big-name player like Bosh, he's willing to let go of one of our core guys. But not for anyone less than that. That being the case, making it to the play-offs is a bonus this year. What is more important is giving our guys the experience playing together and making the big plays. A good gauge of our level is still making the play-offs so that remains a goal. But even if we don't, the team is looking also at other goals--like growth for each player, including Ariza. I've since adjusted my expectations for this season, so that the losses and our lack of activity on the trade front don't frustrate me as much. Winning is cool, but playing well is a more attainable goal and more within our control. I think by the Rockets talk that they've started to think of this season in these terms, that's why they continue to be positive. And as fans, we should do.
Trevor Ariza will be a better player the moment he stops trying to prove his worth post-LA and stops thinking that he needs to take over on offense to contribute.
If Chuck takes advantage of the guy (not) guarding him and gets a good look in the post, sure. Much better than Ariza jacking up shots (when he consciously knows he's Rafer-ing it up out there) when we see his potential to slash to the rim and either score, get fouled, or most importantly open things up for his teammates.
Funny you should mention this... f you look at points generated per field goal attempted, Hayes is only slightly worse than Ariza. This is using pure PPFGA (points per fg attempted). If you use John Hollinger's version of the calculation that includes free throws (Points/(FGA + (FTA * 0.44)), Hayes is actually slightly more "efficient" than Ariza. Of course I'd rather have Ariza taking just about any shot more than Hayes, but this stat tells me how "inefficient" a scorer Ariza is when he decides to shoot.
I recall Artest taking a lot of bad shots as a Rocket (and he still does as a Laker) but I guess it comes down to everything else he does....I'm not in love with Ariza's defense, and as athletic as he is, you would think he would provide more in the blocks and steals dept. Thats the main problem I have with the guy.
