Really happy with the rapid development of JG and Jabari within a system. Now imagine an entire season, and off-season under Udoka. My goodness. I am so pleased with the unselfishness of the group, and the overall effort on defense. WE GOT A SQUAD!
Smith has looked much improved. I would like him to have a little bit more freedom on offense. I would like to see 1-2 times a game where he steps into a three pointer off the dribble from the top of the key. And I would like a couple times where he is allowed to drive from the elbow. He can always stop his dribble turns and shoot the fadeaway.
I am still low on Jabari being much more than a utility big due to the well-discussed gaps in his game. That being said, when his shot is falling, the Rockets need to feed him more touches other than the elbow 3 that always seems to be available. Last night, I found myself wondering why we didn’t play him more while Alpi was off the floor - a simple play to get him switched on to a smaller defender would have likely generated quality looks via his midrange turnaround Js.
I am still very high on Jabari becoming a more dominant force over the years. He’s currently limited due to size/bulk, a weak dribble and bouts of self doubt. I see each of those weakness fading over time and he’s already showing the ability to average 18 & 9 now.
Not really. Not his play style. But you’d like to see him get a few more easy points on the board. Sengun and Brooks, however, should be averaging more for sure.
Not when you consider what was always clearly noted as his main weakness coming in (taking it to the rack.) It was troubling when he was throwing bricks all day every day because he was supposed to be the sharpshooter who shot better than KD from deep in college. I'd say we've already seen clear improvement on his driving abilities, give him a couple more years and a bit more muscle and he'll get a lot more calls just because it'll be tough not to foul him once he's a physical presence inside.
Alperen was a foul merchant in Europe. Be nice to see him and JG relentlessly attack the rim a little bit more to get those FTAs.
feels like the refs have been hating the Rockets in general. Rockets opponents have ben +10 on fts for like 4 games now. How Rockets get outshot at home too? it's getting ridiculous. I'm starting to think refs hate Dillion and Fred.
I think the NBA hates Dillion because he stands up to their “king”. I do think we actually do foul more than the average team, because of our extremely aggressive defense. I think Ime is alright with that. We also do not have guys that have the muscle to attack the rim yet. That will change. I do think any team playing the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers on their home court are going to get screwed by the refs. It’s just a given. The West Coast teams attract the highest number of fans on TV and that translates into money for the NBA.
Slowly but surely Smith is going to improve. He is almost 7 feet tall with skills. I just can't forget those silky smooth threes in college.
Almost 7 feet? I can’t put him above 6’10”. JJJ is listed at 6’10” I believe and he easily looks taller than Smith
He is listed at 6'11" in the Rocket's Roster published by CBS sports. Same in the roster posted by Fox Sports.
i just want bari to stop bring the ball down so low when he trying to make a move. Turn around and shoot the ball.
That’s fine, but does he look as tall to you as JJJ? (Who’s listed at 6’10”). Maybe JJj is taller than 6’10”, not sure. I just don’t really trust some of the listing heights. To me if I had to take a guess based on seeing him compared to other bigs I’d say he’s 6’10”.
