I'm not worried about our defense. 3 > 2. So if we take only 3 pointers, we will always win. Amirite?
Our defense is fine we've been in the top 10 for the last 20 games. Top 5 for the last 10+ games. Last night was not good but it was on the road in a b2b and honestly we won by 15+. We played fantastic defense against the Spurs which is an elite team. Our defense is actually good. We struggle on the boards because news flash our biggest best rebounding big is out for a month. When he gets back we'll go back to being a top 10 rebounding team. I like what I'm seeing on D. That's a lame excuse by people why try and down play the rockets. This team is a contender even if you think there the last team in that group there still there and that say a lot about the defense because we knew the O would be great.
In the offseason I heard many a pundit say, "What is Houston doing getting Gordon and Ryno?" They (Rockets) must be doubling down on offense in hopes of beating everyone w/offense. Looks to me like GSW's doubled down on offense by bringing in Durant and letting Bogut/Festus/ Barbosa/Barnes leave for other teams.....possibly thinning depth (they hope MeGee steps up by the playoffs, cheaply). The Cavs doubled down by bringing in Dunleavy & letting go of Mozgov. I thought the Rockets we're a smidget beneath the Cavs & Warriors...but I'm beginning to think by playoff time that Dekker & Harrell may improve significantly enough to cause havoc with playoff teams. Unfortunately Capela being out may cause the win total to take a hit (possibly); but it may also force a possible byproduct. Expedite team performance & chemistry. Pressure on coal (Dekker/Harrell) turning them into diamonds. Only time will tell.
My thoughts exactly - last year our defense was worse and couldn't be masked by our offense. We actually improved this year (addition by subtraction).
Assuming no trade: We will not be one of the top 3 defensive teams. We don't have the personnel in the current roster. However, with Bev, Ariza and Clint, we have a pretty good core that can be effective at times. Also lot of our defensive lapses had to do with the style we are playing on the other end. Long rebounds off missed threes can easily lead to a fast break on us, so are the TOs. But we are who we are.
Our defensive four factors: Overall: 16th in defense rating eFG%: 19th TOV%: 11th DRB%: 15th FT/G%: 13th
Put alot of effort into trying to maintain a come back against the Spurs... The Rox got faded a bit.. Live with it. Geez.
Rockets need to get younger and more athletic at wing position. KJ is not a keeper, Dekker and Harrell are offense oriented - even rebounding can be a chore for them in some games. Ariza will decline at some point, or not re-signed, whichever comes first. Trade for Aaron Gordon. He has elite D ability. Still 2 years remaining on his rook contract but may be available because he is inconsistent offensively and still not a natural shooter. But Rockets do not need more shooters, they need role players. Leave the scoring to Point God, Splash and Ryno. A young stud on the perimeter and/or at the 5 spot would be ideal.
Our defense is actually pretty good. My main concern with this team isn't defense - and I can't believe I just said that - it's really with turnovers especially Harden who has a lot of careless and forced ones
Just 1.5 fewer per game would make a huge difference. Rockets mostly get stops when they're trying. Difficult to defend live-balls leading to fast breaks.
