Everyone's favorite basketball writer with his favorite line-ups, featuring the Houston Rockets and its starting line-up. http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8823509/the-houston-rockets-indiana-pacers-golden-state-warriors-more-nba-best-lineup
It's always nice to see some good analysis on a national level. Personally, I think the only reason this offense isn't a top-3 offense(efficiency wise) is that our 3 point shooters aren't that good. Parsons has been off and on, and generally been below average since playing with a bum shoulder. Lin's 3pt% woes is well documented. And Morris/Patterson are off and on. IMO, it's the reason why you see Delfino and Douglas sometimes play extended minutes. Because they are more reliable 3pt shooters. I think they're playing the correct way to maximize their offensive firepower, but they lack the personnel to make it elite like the Thunder or the Spurs.
I find it interesting that the Rockets are a better starting unit with Morris or PPAT in the lineup. I actually don't mind that because Pat has been coming on strong with the second unit as of late and its good to have some added scoring ability there. "Omer Asik is a genius." lol...I like Asik but what makes him a genius? Nothing qualified there...
It's so nice to be able to read national columns about the Rockets again. I feel like anytime during the previous two years anyone wrote anything about us, it was just some generic piece about Morey liking stats and constantly trying to make a big trade. It's cool that our play on the court is relevant nationally.
PPat has been a ball stopper this season, although he's been less of one ever since he's come off the bench. Being a ball stopper hurts Harden and Lin because it takes away from them getting into a rhythm and takes away the opportunities for them to make their teammates else better. PPat is a better scorer than Morris, but have him come off the bench so Lin and Harden can be maximized.
Lin's defense has always been his calling card. When Linsanity started it was the Knicks defense that stole the show. We are seeing a common theme here now on the Rockets.
He scored 800/800 on his SAT2 advanced math test. J/K. Asik just has genius-level understanding of defense. He also does his homework. He lets 25% 3-point shooters shoot the 3 and 33% long-jumper shooter shoot the long jumper. It's an Asian thing.
Math has to do with everything, but it isn't the only thing that's required for success. Asik will have to work on his 3 muscle memory, and make the 3 a part of his game instinct if he wants to stretch the floor with his 3.
Impressive article in understanding/analyzing the role players more in-depth. Not much on Lin though, as someone mentioned. Surprised that we give up a points per 100 possessions that is "rivaling league's best defense".. what is the ranking though? Interesting about the minimize fouls philosophy.. that would make more sense on why we seem to not contest many close to the basket shots. Have noticed that commentators of opposing teams have been very complimentary of the Rockets. Guess Harden draws that praise, but same with Parsons and Asik (and usually Lin). Don't think people are as familiar with Morris and Patterson yet, but they're continually improving/developing their game. Agree that Morris's size is not ideal at PF, though not sure who you'll find with 3 point range and mobility with bigger interior presence as well.
