ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Jazz 10/7/2024 (Preseason)

Guys, don't invest too much in this game. There was good stuff, bad stuff and middling stuff.

My suggestion: Celebrate the good things, let most of the bad things go (specifically the 2nd half) and look forward to OKC on Wednesday.

Rockets had no juice in the 2nd half because the outcome didn't count. Also keep in mind training camp bodies earn floor time early in the preseason. It's their small reward.

 

Anyway my main takeaways:
1. Sengun is already an all star level talent
-Brooo, I havent been this hyped since the Harden trade from OKC. Sengun showed everything this game, had the low post. rebounding, threes, middies, passes and also stifling Defense.

2. JG is much improved
- Jalen Green is so much better now after a year of Ime. Better at defense, better at court awareness, and being able to finish at a god tier level. He shot well also thanks to Adams giving him open looks. At least he isnt bricking those unlike last season.

3. Amen is gonna be a max guy
-Amen is crazy good for only his second year. Literally gonna be seen as a franchise player if the Rox were starting from scratch.

4. Jabari is getting left behind
Out of the core players, seems like Jabari is the one who is lagging. He had decent defense on Markannen and played his role adequately, but right now he is a role player level guy in my eyes. I dunno if it is a lack of confidence or what but he needs to be more aggressive on offense. He had that one sequence he tore thru the lance for the slam and got fouled, I need to see more of that and less camping at the 3 pt line. Mcveigh can do that.

5. Steven Adams is the perfect complement to Sengun
Rox got their enforcer and someone who plays a different style from Sengun.

6. Whitmore improved on Offense but still bad at D

7. RS needs to lose the moustache

 

To be a shooter or playmaker? Reed looks confused.

To be a shooter, just take damn wide open shots.

To be a playmaker, just handle the ball.

Stop playing like scrubs.

 

He should eb able to do both since he is being groomed as the heir to FVV.

 

Missed the 1st quarter but Jalen looked very good.

Alpi looks as great as ever.

Amen is a joy to watch.

 

Shepherd was like most rookie PG's tonight he looked like he was thinking too much.

 

He will get used to it I think just like Amen he got shell shocked at the increase in competition level from pre NBA to the NBA.

 

Takeaways:

1) Jalen second quarter looked awesome. Came down to earth in the 3rd and I feel like it coincided with Adams being there. Something to monitor. Best +/- on the team. Great start. Turnovers I'll chalk up to rust as they happened early. All in all can't ask for much more. Keep going.

2) Sengun looks like he studied Jokic' over the head shot form from 3 and overall distance. If he has a genuine midrange/outside game go ahead and pencil us for 48 wins at the minimum.

3) Amen is Mr. Fix It. Does everything. Didn't shoot the ball tonight except for the airball. He needs to get over it but holy hell is he a dynamo.

4) Jabari a mixed bag. At this point offensively he just looks like a second class citizen on this team. He had a nice little spurt in the 3rd though. Lost his man on defense a few times.

5) Cam. Looked like Cam. Is either bodying someone, drilling a three or dribbling the ball off his knee.

6) Reed. Had a bad game but first game jitters against real NBA opponents. Not worried and frankly need him up to speed sooner rather than later because....

7) Holiday sucks. Looked like Josh Christopher out there.

 

He has to do one thing good at least.

 

He was a SG who could pass at Kentucky. He should concentrate on shooting pointers right now. His passing will improve with time.

 

Dont worry he is a better Steph Curry with hops according to CF members who scouted him predraft.

 

I think thats gonna be his role since JG and Amen are on this team. I'm honestly not worried kid jas a great work ethic he will prob be shooting 3s like a demon before the next game.

 

Reed Sheppard needs to go ALL IN on that horrible mustache. He must never shave!

 

They didn't even play Josh Christopher.

 

Not gonna get too spun up on the first preseason game but:

Jalen and Sengun both looked good to me.
Amen picked up where he left off last yr, but unfortunately that includes shooting. He’s the ultimate utility guy but badly needs to develop a mid-range shot. I was disappointed in what I saw from Bari; he still doesn’t look like he’s processing the game fast enough to overcome the lack of athleticism. Was disappointed not to see Tari. Adams can’t move; he’s not close to game-ready. Would have liked to see more Cam. Cocaine Curry had some nice passes but looked a bit jittery and uncomfortable out there.

overall the rockets showing was a mixed bag for me.

 

The team destroyed the Jazz by 19 pts without Tari and Brooks before Udoka put in the scrubs. Jazz oth played their game rotation already.

 

Yes and yes. Plus we rested our bench superstars in Uncle Jeff, Jock Ramsdale, Tari and Dillon the Villain.

The real task is distribution of minutes with so many legit players.......

 

Hey ClutchFans!

I just wanted to say hi and let you all know how pumped I am to be part of this community! I’m Richard, a big Rockets fan, and I've been following the team for years.

It's hard not to feel excited about this upcoming season. JG is a player I’m really rooting for. I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop. And of course, Sengun has such a unique game...he makes watching basketball a fun thing.

I’m also really interested in how our other prospects will mesh with the team. It’s always a journey seeing how they fit into the system. Here’s hoping for a fun and competitive season.

I’m looking forward to diving into the discussions here. Let’s share our thoughts on games and players. Let’s make this season one to remember.

Go Rockets!

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Thank you