Hear, hear! As for Posey, I hope for his own sake that he develops a consistent shooting stroke, but I'm a little nervous that, based on a little improvement in his shot, the Rockets come off-season might give Posey a significant contract that they might later come to regret. In other words, what Haven said. I haven't seen enough games this season to warrant a serious opinion, but I'd rather see the Rocks ink TMo over Posey this offseason, simply because TMO would be cheaper, and more appropriately priced a role-player. Obviously, TMo would first have to warrant a contract by, for example, display a convincingly consistent shot.
It really won't matter. What are the chances that a guy who's been in the league 4 years now will SUDDENLY develop a shot that was previously regressing? Posey will ask for too much, and what he brings is simply not that important. Anythign more than a starting salary of 4M and NO guarantee of starting is a waste.
Something to consider: In the last 12 games, James Posey has been shooting 51% from the field, 39% from behind the arc and 85% from the foul line. He is scoring almost 10 PPG on only 7 shots per game. THAT is what I call an effective role player. Obviously whatever Boylen is doing with Posey is working b/c he has not had a sustained shooting stretch like this at any other point in his career. Whether its as a backup off the bench or a starter, I would like this team to keep Posey if the price is not too high. James is finally developing into the Mario Elie type role player this team wanted when they acquired him and is essential for a team that wants to win big one day.
Posey may be the X-Factor for this team. In games that he's scored 12 or more points the team is 10-2. I think it would be good to get Posey involved early in games from now on. Get his confidence up. He seems to play a much more relaxed game after he makes his first basket.
Maybe Posey has never had many open shots and now he can begin to hit the consistently. I don't see many bad shooters going 5 for 6 from 3 point land, even if it is on rare occasions. He may be average, but he's not bad. Although he probably will ask too much, I think the Rockets need the fast breaking and slashing he provides, as well as his gambling defense. Those have been huge holes in the team for a long time.
Great research MManal! Did not know that his good play (FG%) extended for the last 12 games! Pretty nice numbers there! Hope to see it continue.
I think the same could be said for Griffin as well. If Posey and Griffin get off to a good start then they play good games. I am still amazed that in the Clipper win Posey and Griffin were the two top scorers in the game for the Rockets. Who would have ever predicted that!?
I think Posey developed some bad habits on shot selection during his Denver days. He was their leading scorer and he had to shoot many difficult shots. But he's not a talented shooter. He can only shoot well when he is open and set. That's why I've always hoped that he would break out of that rush-a-shot habit.
If Posey can shoot like that every game, it would be wonderful. His shooting did look different. He didn't think or anything. He shot right away. And it went right in. Usually...he is like reluctant to shoot. He like fakes and then tries to drive in and usually gets no where. And then the defender eventually finds out that he never shoots so they leave him completely open. If Posey can shoot...that would help our team greatly. I think he can improve his shooting gradually like Eddie. I hope the Rockets resign him...but not for too much money. He brings a lot of energy and fast break opportunities. And dunks. He just needs to be confident and shoot when he's open...and make them. He can become like Lamar Odom!
