I noticed that Cat is not getting the same FG percentage, and is a lot less effective this year. I know he has been injured for a good part of the year, but I also noticed that he shoots a lot more from the outside, and rarely goes to the hole as much. I think this is the primary reason that his percentage is down, and also the reason he is a lot less effective. The other teams have recognized what his moves are, and are quicker to react to it, not allowing him to get to the charity stripe as often as in the past. I think all that needs to happen is that Mobes take his game to the next level and start setting up teamates, this will get him more open looks. Thoughts? DaDakota
I think the reasons are zone defenses, weak fast break, and playing alot as a SF. Our fast break is a joke, I think we turn the ball over alot on fast breaks so there are less easy layups were Cat excells at. Last year Hakeem was doing a great job of rebounding and starting the fast break. This year we haven't gotten Steve and Cat playing together with the great outlets passes so Cat doesn't have the padding of fast break FG. The soft double team and zones have caused problems for Cat. He doesn't want to pass so he shots the ball when he gets his chances. Bad shots equals bad FG%. Playing the 3 is a real problem for him since he can't shoot over the real SF so his FG% has suffered.
I think his hurt ankles probably make it harder for him to drive, thus, he settles on the outside shot (similar to when players lose their wind and settle, since they don't think they have enought energy to take it inside). Even if they are healing, he probably still does not trust them fully. Defenders know this, so they also can probably play a little more up on him.
All of this is true, his ankles are slowing him down a bit, defenses have adjusted, we aren't running so well. I think all this points to Cat and the others playing smarter and utilizing their teamates more. If Cat would pass the ball more often I think he would benefit from it, as would the rest of the team. Actually, I think if OT was starting instead of "Stand at the 3 point line" Walt, then Cat could hit OT when he cuts. This team needs more players like OT and Griffin who move without the ball. DD
Thing is, the way Cat plays, sometimes it doesn't matter if you know what he's gonna do, it's gonna happen anyway. His first step is his biggest asset. He doesn't have it right now. It's like if you took 100lbs off Shaq. He wouldn't be Shaq.
Yeah, but he's even shooting better from 3pt! He's become one of the best 3pt shooters in the league. One thing I've noticed is that Cuttino's set shot has improved a lot. When he gets the ball wide open at the 3pt line and takes the shot before he does any dribbling he's been very good. I think the Rockets should use this more by doing letting Cuttino run the baseline dragging his man through a couple picks to try and get him open. Kind of like Reggie. But Cuttino's jumper with a man in his face has been worse than ever, which is one reason his FG% is less than his 3pt%.
Why OT is playing about 10-less minutes the last games? Is he injured? I think if Cuttino is being bothered by his ankles, we should use OT to rest Mobley in some parts of the games.
Jack is taking the same dumb shots he took last year. Last year more of them fell. Maybe his ankles are making it more difficult for him to drive to the basket. Maybe he is effected by the new zone. Either way, he should be encouraged not to jack it up as often. And if it is true that is telling players on the other team that he is taking the last shot in the game, he should be benched. Personally, I would trade Mobely in a heartbeat if the right players were available.
I think you guys are right about Mobley possibly being injured and not trusting his ankle. He's also getting others involved and letting Francis be the main option, though I'd like to see Francis' assist go up a tad. The worst thing you can do with a shooter or a scorer when they're in a slump is put them on the bench. You have to let them work their way out of it. I think it speaks volumes that Mobley is in a slump and others are stepping up. Basically this team is going to be Francis, Mobley and Griffin with the "role" players stepping in and filling holes. I think a lot of teams would kill to have Mobley as their 3rd option on offense. Once this team heals physically they'll be fine.
Rocks2k, You mean it is going to be Francis & Griffin, with Mobley being the "B" level 3rd option. DaDakota
Still not quite sure Griffin is ready to be the second option yet. Sure he scores camped out on the 3-point line or on a dunk. But I have yet to see him consistently get his own shot. I also would like to see him work in the post as well. Don't get me wrong, I think his game is straight smooth, especially for a 19 year old. But we need an inside presence.
I haven't seen any games in a while, but have seen many treads complaining about a lack of shots by Francis. Is he spreading the ball more, but not getting the assist?
I think it's better to rest Cat, Steve or any other players that are injured right now. This season doesn't seem like the season to risk playing through injury. The Playoffs are very long shot, and near impossibility. Why not let our players get healthy, get some more minutes learn the game more, and as a by-product we get more ping pong balls in the lottery for top picks next year. Just so everyone knows, I'm not suggesting tanking games for more ping pong balls that would only be a by-product of resting are hurting stars, and getting the young guys more accustomed to the NBA.
I don't personally believe that Mobley is hurting at all, I think Rudy and the Rockets are giving him an out. The reason he is playing poorly is that he is not getting to the rack and it is not because of his ankles, but because teams are zoning the ISO play with another defender, so he essentially has to beat 2 men to the hole. Too often, he settles for the fade away jumper, which he shoots about 25% on. I think the problem is purely mental, he needs to adjust to how teams are playing him. DD
I read somewhere on this board that OT is tired out. He plays professionaly in Venezvuela (sp.?) during the offseason. I think its just like a baseball pitcher who plays winter ball in his home country and then it tired out during the MLB season.
