Definitely the co-MVP along with Harden this year. There's no question he's as important as Harden is. For every miss or mistake on defense Asik cleans it up and where Omer cannot handle a pass or misses a layup, Harden is there to show him how it's done
Excellent player, worth every single dime we're paying him and more. He has refined his game tremendously over the season, which shows that he actually wants to improve by learning. Here are some of the things I've noticed: - Rebounding positioning improved. - Less foul prone. - Post game still mechanical, but improved. - Seems to be developing a jumper. - In better physical shape than he's ever been. - FT shooting has jumped 10% despite being tired from the big jump in minutes. - Dunks more than before. To me his small improvements in all these areas is incredible. It's rare to see someone develop this much within a single season. All he needs to work on this offseason is post game and shooting mechanics. Obviously, he needs to not get too out of shape either. I wonder if he's free this summer or if he has international commitments? If he has the summer to put in some intensive work, we may yet see him bump his FT% up as well as either develop his post game or his jumper. Exciting times. It's not easy to find a consistent and productive C in the NBA. To have someone who is relatively young, locked into a good contract, extremely willing to learn... have to say well done Asik, McHale, CD and Morey.
So what you are saying is that he is the "WHITE" Hakeem Olajuwon. I would call you a racist if not for the fact that you are a good observer and a great fan of the game. Most people never see the game even when they watch it. You Sir seem to see the live game with an inspirational eye. Or maybe not. Anyway I say...... Thank you zzpot
There was 10 sec left on the shot-clock on that 18ft jumper ... Omer actually could do well to get some coaching from Yao in the summer. Not Hakeem. Omer could never pick up Hakeem's footwork. But Yao could teach Omer how to be somewhat clumsy and yet still deadly around the basket, and hit the occasional mid-range jumper.
He is to the team what Scola was; the consistent, hard hat player that shows up every game. He is very young and this is his first starting role in the NBA. I expect that he will just get better. Don't look now but his numbers aren't that different from Yao, at least defensively. Pretty good offensively as well.
Asik is the most important player on your team. He rebounds, defends pnr, defends the post, sets screens, catches and finishes. Everything that the Rockets don't have without him. As good as Harden is, without Asik the Rockets would be way out of the playoffs.
Love and Omer would be deadly. He's my favorite player this season. No center in history could do a layup like Asik can.
I was about to make a thread like this. It's a shame that he flies under the radar like he does. Omer Asik for Team MVP?
He and Harden are pretty much irreplaceable. Morey made a brilliant basketball pickup and a shrewd financial move in getting him. Props.