Woah, funny you mention that I was thinking the exact thing this morning. Just so cagey, not the best athlete but the mental IQ is way more important. DD
You know what they say about great minds...... Seriously though DaDa,I,like you,am really pumped about this team.We could very well tweak things(MAYBE in a major way) before the deadline,but the Rockets aren't even operating on all cylinders yet by a long shot.I think it's great that we've been able to work on the offense,develop chemistry,and get healthy during this run of easier opponents that has folllowed the brutal start of our schedule.This team is already deep with quality talent and I trust DM completely.As far as Adelman goes......He's proving once again why he's one of the best coaches in the world. You can just see the progress in leaps and bounds each week.I look for us to keep stepping up for the big games/and winning on the road...two marks of a championship contender. I hear so many worrying about making the playoffs,our record,and about the sky falling.But what you and I know is that it's all about a team peaking going into the playoffs.I submit our Rockets will be right there at the end barring injuries.
I am still skeptical about Scola's defense, but he is definitely improving. He is a beast on the block, though, and also a very good rebounder. I still love Chucky, though, and would like to keep him in the rotation unless we get a can't-refuse offer for him. He is still the best defender on our team and a great rebounder. He will come in handy when we need someone to guard Boozer or Amare.
When Scola did one of his spin-spin moves to the basket Saturday night, the word "pinball" popped into my head. His spins and moves to the basket are so fast and energetic that that is exactly what it reminded me of. From now on, to me, he is Luis "Pinball" Scola.
Zing! Except...it's been over a month since Scola last played less than 20 min in a game. I wouldn't say Scola has "above" average defense, he gets eaten when matched against star PFs, but he's giving enough effort on that end that you don't have to worry about it (as opposed to Hayes' offense). He's looking very promising, especially as a tandem with Landry. Evan
You mean at a tandem with Landry, Bonzi, and Hayes. Adelman can't stick with a regular rotation. Landry IMO is our most complete PF who is starting to take a back seat to Bonzi and Hayes in the rotation. Landry is a beast, he can't be stopped. Yao, Scola, Landry. Yao, Scola, Landry. Yao, Scola, Landry. 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. Adelman just can't stick with a set rotation even when it's solid.
Everyone can use a Chuck His ability to defend post players like Amare and Boozer (less than 6-9) can become a real asset, especially now that he doesn't have to worry so much about picking fouls as much because we are developing a deeper bench with Landry coming out too. Boy I'm starting to get hyped up like a little girl
He is sure one of the best European players in the world. Cheap shot by the Rockets, remember they gave no playing V-Span and got two potentials altough Jackie Butler isn't with Rockets, isn't in NBA, I think for that matter.
Scola is a very complete offensive player. Scola is very slick around the paint and he also has a mid-range jumper and can pass. Turnovers of offensive 3 seconds are down because Scola's making better decision of the ball in shooting or passing recently. Scola is also more decisive with his moves recently. Maybe the starting job really puts more confidence in Scola. Landry is more athletic and the best finisher of the Rockets around the rim. Landry also has a mid-range jumper. Other than that, advantages are all Scola's. Now, other teams actually give a damn when Scola or Landry is in the game and put a body on them. And their shots are more contested than before. Interestingly, after a few tries, Adelman prefers Landry or Bonzi to finish the game. Maybe it's just the match-up or Adelman just wants Landry or Bonzi to get enough play time.
Seven and OH baby....and Chuck Hayes was pitiful tonight.... I am sure he is having a hard time getting into it, he was a stop gap measure, and the gap has closed. DD
One more win to match the 8 straight wins we had with Rafer, healthy T-Mac, Yao, Battier, and Chuck. Keep it going Luis, you're almost there!
I think the old Chuckwagon will come in handy against some big 4's down the road, but Scola is the real deal just like we hoped. He keeps getting better and it's great that we let him play under the basket offensively...we were trying to use him as a straight up Juwan-style open jumpshooter earlier this year
Is it just me or did the Rockets seem to struggle tonight when they didn't get Scola rolling quickly? The last two games before this, and against GS, he established himself as somebody the other team had to guard immediately and it really opened up the rest of the floor for T-Mac and Yao. Tonight he wasn't nearly as dominant in the first quarter and it seemed like the Rockets struggled a little more.
Portland was really clogging the paint and the Rockets were not taking advantage of the open FT line jumper. They figured it out and Scola started contributing. It is such a pleasure to have 5 players who can score on the floor at one time. DD
After tonight's game, still skeptical. On at least three occasions I saw him get utterly lost and confused on a pick and roll, leaving his man wide open for an easy basket. Also picked up a couple of unnecessary fouls late in the game. He's getting there, though. Looks like Chuck is teaching him well. The team as a whole has just been absolutely dominant defensively during this 11-1 stretch.
