I know Jim Jackson had really been struggling with his shot in preseason - and to some extent he still is - but I've been completely impressed watching this guy play the last two games. I think that a lot of people are taking Van Gundy's obligatory "we need complementary players to Steve & Yao" comments too literally, but I was surprised JJ didn't merit a thread here after the Spurs game, but he and Cato were the only ones I would have graded out an "A" from me last night (SF solid B+). The guy has such a solid game: hustling, physical defence, he runs the court well and makes few mistakes. And we know he can shoot, but we haven't seen much of that yet. His performance in the 3rd quarter of the Spurs game (with Yao on the floor was dominant. He wreaked so much havok that even Cat was looking for him on offense. I know that he has a role on this team and seems quite content with it, but he looks like a more talented Mario Elie (I love Mario too) to me. And with Yao looking like he's about to go all 2nd-year-Hulk on the NBA's face (where have we seen that before?) I think the most complementary player to Yao on the team is JJ. Not coincedentally, he's more fundamentally sound than anyone else on the team. Bash me at will, because it is easy to say that Yao's on the verge of making everyone look better, but I don't think JJ's game's being properly appreciated now and I'll wager Yao starts looking for him the way he sometimes overtly looks for Boki (Yao's human). The first time JJ hits four or five treys in a quarter this new and greatly improved site will probably go nuts. And it will happen. But I think his performance last night was better than any of the few games that Rice "won" for us last year with big quarters. I realize almost everone knew that JJ was a solid acquisition, and I understand why Van Gundy/Yao/Steve/Cat is a fixation but JJ's really surprised me. Am I alone?
I agree. I like JJ a lot. Second to Yao, he's the single most important part of our defense. He shut 'melo down yesterday in the first half. He also just has a good head on his shoulders and is a good team player on both ends of the court. As far as I'm concerned, he's our starting SF (or SG) for as long as he has game. The only thing I'm waiting to see is if JJ can consistently hit the open 3.
JJ is rising fast to become one of my favorite Rockets. Exactly the kind of players we need on this team. Knows his role and plays on both ends of the floor with equal aptitude. In other words, solid. Too bad JJ is a couple of years older than desired, but nothing is perfect.
hey boki played awesome defense... But, yes he is very crutial to our succes, atleast untill A.griff and Piatkowski get back. 1. because we arent that deep with all these injuries 2. because with all the attention payed to Yao, Steve, and Cat, IT leaves one of 2 players open, JJ, or CATO so i really am happy with the JJ signing and with his play too. esp when he went off on Turkugklo
I never doubt JJ can play like this. I watched him a lot last year being a Kings fan so I know what he's capable. Pre-season means nothing to some players, maybe that's why he didn't give it his best. But JJ can do it all and a fundamental sound player. I think he's the most fundamental player on the Rockets' team beside Yao.
I thought signing J. Jackson was a good move when the Rockets did it, and I think he's done a job. I think he'll be a solid part of the rotation, regardless of who is healthy. He pretty much gave Carmelo an NBA welcome. Everybody gets one sooner or later, and I thought JJ did a good job giving Carmelo his first. Anthony ended up with pretty good numbers, but you could tell JJ was giving him fits.
JJ was an "All-Star" caliber player in the past... Anyone remember the 3 J's in Dallas? J. Kidd, J. Mashburn, and J. Jackson. They were going to be the "team!" But because JJ picked up on Kidd's "girl friend" Toni Braxton, Kidd flipped! No more passes to JJ from Kidd from then on...heh... JJ was a playa in more than just one way!
I loved the pick up from the get go and i'm still loving it. However, he is a role player on this team. He plays a very large role, but if your name isn't Yao or Steve then you're just here to play a complimentary role on this team.