[CHRONIC] Rockets notes: Battier, McGrady rehab on track

I hope our offense in these uppoming games isn't quite the train wreck I'm expecting it to be. That would put us well ahead of schedule.

 

the chron reports that ariza has been shooting extremely well off screens, so i will look specifically at that (b/c ariza rarely/never did that with the lakerse). if he can do that v. the starters of these teams, i'll be very happy.

also, i will look to see if any other players besides our PGs can create off the dribble.

 

I've followed Ariza since his UCLA days. He cannot create his own shot in the NBA level. He plays his best in the open court/fastbreak.

 

Guess you know more than daryl morey and the rockets coaches and the other guys that have followed Ariza since his UCLA days that say he can creat his own shot in the NBA level.

 

Actually, FFz....

...I think Daryl Morey and Rick Adelman are more HOPEFUL that Trevor Ariza can create his own shot eventually, than EXPECTING him to be able to do that. Particularly early on in Ariza's time here.

From what's been reported in the Rockets' practices about Ariza, it would seem to me that he would begin the season as the starting two guard for the Rockets. Ideally, you'd like your backcourt to be interchangeable—similar ball handling, passing, and decision-making skills. But you would like one or the other to be a consistent perimeter shooter.

A two-guard doesn't necessarily need to create his shot with the basketball. He can do that (especially in Rick Adelman's offense) with movement. Hearing and reading about how well Ariza seems to come off screens with a catch-and-shoot mentality. That's absolutely perfect, to me, FFz.

Think Richard Hamilton, without the years and contract.

A guy in the NBA that can CREATE HIS OWN SHOT can get wherever he wants to go and get to whatever spot he wants to on the court with the basketball, no matter how well he's defended. Right now, the Rockets don't have anybody projected to start the season who could even remotely do that at anything approaching a consistent level other than Aaron Brooks.

Assuming that Shane Battier and Trevor Ariza start the season on the court together, Ariza's ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter (at least aggressively, and within the offense and his own limitations), would make him the big guard and Battier the small forward. Despite Battier's words to the contrary, he's not going to be any more reliable offensively than anybody else is. And he's been with the team now longer than any other active player on the roster.

Ariza is young, at 24 years old. The hope should be that Ariza can become competent enough with the basketball that, if another wing player emerges, Ariza can become the type of offensive "facilitator" that most NBA offenses have at the small forward, Ariza's natural position.

But that's a tall order, FFz. You don't all of a sudden, with extended minutes and opportunities, become even a COMPETENT ball handler in this league overnight. And with that ball handling will also come DECISION-MAKING and passing. All of those skills encompass "creating" shots.

It's why McGrady excels at creating shots, to me. His size is an advantage, of course, but it's not why he's a good passer and playmaker (if that were true, Chris Paul or Steve Nash would be as good as they are at passing). McGrady spent a great deal of time handling the basketball in many different situations with defenses focused on him. That's not easy to do or become proficient at, which is why you don't ask your best offensive players to do it all that often. Usually your best offensive player isn't looking to make plays: he's looking to score.

I would like to see what Ariza could turn into over the next few seasons here, FFz. But my guess is (upwardly) Scottie Pippen or even more realistically, the aforementioned Richard Hamilton).

Can't wait to see how it shakes itself out myself.....

 

But, but, mcgrady is finshed...but, but.....

 

very well put. the rockets have also said that Ariza was worth it on his defensive ability alone, not because of his shot creating ability.

 

I think a better comparison would be Tayshaun Prince

 

That is a good comparison but Ariza is much more athletic and not as cerebral. My comparison is to Gerald Wallace. They both play above the rim and are both fearless attackers in the passing lanes and going to the basket.

 

great put. KL also can create his own shot consistently.