The Rockets defense is going to be NASTY. They're selling out for that. If KD stays healthy and Reed is dramatically improved it's honestly probably their best strategy for matching up with a potential dynasty in OKC. I don't know if it will work, and my hunch is that it probably won't, but I can see the logic behind it.
They waived Jeenathan Williams. There's still one open roster spot and two 2 way spots. Cam Matthews is an Exhibit 10 contract.
Bingo. Thats why i was all for getting kd. You get a premier scorer while still giving the young guys runway to step up. KD isnt going to be in anyones way and he can literally play with any lineup the Rockets want to throw out there.
As an Aggie, I saw Buzz fill his team with guys that fit his system I feel a defensive minded coach should be able to incorporate a scorer into the system. I would rather add a scorer, shooter and fit them in on D as opposed to a defensive player. Much like A&M, the Rockets had too many game where we could not score. Wish we would have let Whitmore score.
Based on the last playoffs, Sengun and FVV would be the ones to step it up. But I'd love to see Amen take another leap into an offensive star. I could picture Amen's ceiling as an athletic downhill scorer. Maybe like a longer more athletic Jimmy Butler... or a smaller, weaker Giannis. But this is his ceiling, and there's no way he could be that type of offensive player next year. That's something I could see in 3 years time.
I think its this simple, Green took 18 shots a game at incredibly poor efficiency. You never add a player and add his points to your total. It is always an exchange. Udoka said it in his end of season interview. Rockets can't shoot. Give Jalen's 18 shots to Durant, Smith, and Amen. I think Durant gets his 25-27, Jabari gets 15-17 and Amen bumps up to around 20. The ball gets moved around more with less TOs and more opens shots with spacing. No more heaving 30 foot TO 3P shots from FVV and Green. Reed needs to torch the other team if he gets minutes. He can't be a dead stick out there.
Pacers were able to take them to 7 and prob win without biased officiating and injury to Hali so I dont think the gap is that big. Rockets have KD the great equalizer and a bunch of nasty defenders on the wings and more importantly Sengun and Adams who will dominate Hartenstein and Holmgren.
Looks like Okogie's averaged about 15 minutes last season and a bit more in previous ones. I can't see him choosing the Rockets just to be a bench-warmer as the 14th man, especially since he had several other offers.
Odds are all of these comments are going to age like milk. There's a reason the Rockets couldn't even get a first rounder for him. (Most) NBA front offices aren't stupid.
I think Josh will have an inconsistent 8th - 10th man role on this team. We know that KD is unlikely to play every game. We don't know if Tari Eason will be on the same schedule as last year regarding back to backs. So even though they may not be consistent minutes, he will likely play himself into a role. I've always liked Josh, long defender, cuts well to the basket, great athleticism. It's good to have depth. I'm always disappointed that the Rockets don't seem to care about bringing shooters in, but I guess I'm resigned to the fact that we are going to rely heavily on our defense to give us another successful season. I imagine the Rockets will have different line ups that they will be throwing out all season, they really do have a ton of roster flexibility and can make adjustments as needed.
Don’t know if you saw that Amen workout video floating around, but he’s been working with some guy called “the guard whisperer” who’s supposed to be really good at improving NBA players and he was working with Amen on his shot mechanics & handling. Amen’s growth may come quicker than we think.
