1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Rockets sign Isaiah Canaan to a 3-year deal

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by rocketpower2, Jul 11, 2013.

  1. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    26,377
    Likes Received:
    16,719
    Huh? He had flashes of himself in the playoffs, but that is all. He had more FGAs than points which is bad for a defensive player. For a player that relies on his offense...that is horrible. He had less FTAs per FGA than in the past. He shoot 11% from behind the 3pt arc. He destroyed Derrick Fisher in the past. Derek Fisher outplayed him.
     
  2. Shroopy2

    Shroopy2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2003
    Messages:
    16,233
    Likes Received:
    2,012
    Sacramento isnt the best indicator of a player's value but Brooks had a decent year shooting last year. I dont think he came to Rockets and all of a sudden declined to below Derek Fisher level. Most people with the "eye test" saw that Brooks lent a spark to the team in playoffs beyond the numbers.

    Still I was very disappointed in Rockets D against Fisher. He ate up Beverley too.

    I dont think Brooks is a starter anymore and he himself seems to be realizing that. Though Brooks is still more starting caliber than Caanan now.
     
  3. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    25,711
    Likes Received:
    22,469
    First of all, I didn't go dissect his stats from last year's playoffs... Even though I admit it doesn't look pretty, I dont think we really need to completely dissect who Aaron Brooks is right now as a player from the stats from those 2 or 3 games to tell us anything we couldn't see with our own two eyes.

    -Brooks obviously still is in good shape
    -He is still as quick as a cat,
    -He hasn't forgotten how to play the game of basketball
    -He is still very bad on defense
    -Even though it looked rusty... his shot will probably come back around to his career average at some point.

    Go back and watch those couple of games when Lin was injured, and tell me he's still not a capable impact player based on the impact he had on the game at breaking down the defense. I forget who the color analyst was, but I specifically remember them bringing up the point that they actually thought Brooks did a better job of penetrating and sucking in the defense than Lin does.

    He was out-scored by Derek Fisher, sure. He didn't shoot nearly close to his career average from 3 point range in a small sample size sure...

    However, he was an invaluable perimeter play-maker in a crucial time when Jeremy Lin was out of commission, and did a very good job of breaking down the defense with his dribble penetration. That's really what I'm referring to here.

    If you want to say that Aaron Brooks is done, or declined...what are we saying then...??? that he cannot do what he did best for the Rockets a couple of years ago.... Use his spread to break down the defense and get in the paint, and shoot the 3 right???

    I have no reason to believe that he is not able to do those things anymore at least in some sort of fashion in some type of role. As I said before he looks perfectly healthy, still has the quickness, the shot will likely still be at his career average, his defense will still suck, and he is probably even smarter & more seasoned by having more experienced.

    I just don't see how Aaron Brooks could be that much worse of a player, and declined that much just because he has 2 very non relevant NBA years given randomly placed circumstances. (Lockout, bad situation in Sacramento, and free agency situation in Phoenix).

    I'm not saying he will average 20PPG once again, but I am saying that folks on here might be surprised at the role he ends up with as the season progresses. I could very much see him coming into the games in a 6th man scoring guard type of role off the bench alongside another PG, and giving the team 15 points in certain games.... obviously not an average, but I think from time to time he can do that for this team..... just my opinion.
     
  4. BimaThug

    BimaThug Resident Capologist
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 1999
    Messages:
    8,437
    Likes Received:
    5,244
    Given that many mock drafts had Canaan being selected anywhere from #18 to #24, but he slid all the way to the Rockets at #34 due to the apparent depth at PG in the 2013 NBA Draft, I thought I'd take a look at the PGs selected within the range of #18 to #35 in the prior 10 drafts to get at least some level of clarity on the caliber of player Canaan could potentially become. (Of course, this is not meant to be indicative of what Canaan will be or any definitive measure of success whatsoever; but it's at least somewhat illuminating.)

    2012:
    #24 - Jared Cunningham (drafted primarily for his defensive abilities)
    #25 - Tony Wroten (terrible shooter drafted on spec as a super-athlete)
    #29 - Marquis Teague (very young prospect with potential)

    2011:
    #21 - Nolan Smith (combo guard with Duke pedigree)
    #24 - Reggie Jackson (solid prospect coming off pre-draft injury)
    #28 - Norris Cole (small school scoring dynamo, but not same caliber SHOOTER as Canaan)
    #29 - Cory Joseph (young prospect with defensive potential)
    #34 - Shelvin Mack (scoring guard out of Butler with successful college career)

    2010:
    #18 - Eric Bledsoe (defensive ace, looking to take "next step" with Suns now)
    #19 - Avery Bradley (another strong defender with high ceiling coming out of UT)
    #28 - Greivis Vasquez (tall PG with good college career but questions on how his game might translate to NBA)
    #34 - Armon Johnson (combo guard with some size, but not very efficient)

    2009 (another VERY deep draft for PGs):
    (#17 - Jrue Holiday)
    #18 - Ty Lawson (undersized PG who could shoot and pass; has developed into very good NBA PG)
    #19 - Jeff Teague (heralded Wake Forest prospect; has carved out a nice career as good starting PG)
    #20 - Eric Maynor (solid PG prospect; injuries knocked him off course of a promising career as top-notch backup PG)
    #21 - Darren Collison (fantastic college career; seen as very good defensively)
    #25 - Roddy Beaubois (seen as potential Rondo clone who could shoot; injuries derailed his career)
    #29 - Toney Douglas (seen as shooter off the bench; not a bad comp for Canaan, actually, although Canaan's a better shooter)
    #34 - Sergio Llull (has developed into one of Europe's best combo guards)

    2008:
    #26 - George Hill (long-armed IUPUI prospect drafted for defense; turned into solid starting PG)
    #34 - Mario Chalmers (championship Kansas pedigree; solid scoring PG)

    2007:
    #19 - Javaris Crittenton (super athlete drafted on spec; flamed out after "gunfight" with Arenas)
    #26 - Aaron Brooks (lighting bug scoring PG; excellent shooter with speed; concerns about his size)
    #30 - Petteri Koponen (Finnish prodigy; has had successful career overseas)
    #32 - Gabe Pruitt (tall PG with good defensive skills; never caught on in NBA)
    #33 - Marcus Williams (VERY tall Arizona PG; had several cups of coffee in NBA but never panned out)

    2006:
    #21 - Rajon Rondo (lanky PG with long arms; couldn't shoot but was great athlete with defensive skills)
    #22 - Marcus Williams (UConn product was a bit chunky but had solid PG skills)
    #24 - Kyle Lowry (gutsy bowling ball out of Villanova; lack of height not seen as too big a red flag)
    #26 - Jordan Farmar (heralded UCLA product with good PG skills but a bit over-hyped)
    #27 - Sergio Rodriguez (flashy Spanish PG; rarely got the chance to show his skills in the NBA before heading back to Europe)
    #29 - Mardy Collins (solid defensive backup PG with size; couldn't shoot a lick)

    2005:
    #20 - Julius Hodge (6-7 guy with some PG skills but not a true point)
    #21 - Nate Robinson (diminutive 5-9 uber-scorer built like a football player)
    #22 - Jarrett Jack (solid PG prospect with size, high floor)
    #31 - Salim Stoudamire (undersized SG; tried to make transition to NBA as PG but failed)

    2004:
    #20 - Jameer Nelson (among best Canaan comps; great college scorer/shooter)
    #24 - Delonte West (Nelson's backcourt partner at St. Joe's; made successful transition as defensive PG in NBA)
    #28 - Beno Udrih (solid European PG; developed into quality backup PG)
    #34 - Lionel Chalmers (Xavier product; one season in NBA before heading over to Europe)

    2003:
    #22 - Zoran Planinic (tall European combo guard; played a few seasons before heading back to Europe)
    #28 - Leandro Barbosa (lightning-quick Brazilian combo guard; excellent scorer)


    So, while the list of names above is certainly a mixed bag, there are plenty of quality NBA point guards among this group. There is no certainty that Canaan will become a very good (or even decent) NBA guard; but given the Rockets' track record in this segment of the NBA Draft, and given the skills that Canaan possesses (namely, ELITE shooting), I'd give Canaan pretty good odds of at least carving out a respectable NBA career as a bench scorer.
     
  5. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    26,377
    Likes Received:
    16,719
    I guess my eye test must be off. I saw some flashes from Brooks, but I also saw a lot of inconsistency. He didn't have the grace,timing on drives to finish efficiently. He wasn't as good a shooter as he was (looking at Sacramento stats, his three point shoot appears to still be there). Every GMs' eye test must also be off as Brooks was forced to resort to sign a minimum deal to be the third PG for the Rockets.

    I don't deny that Brooks probably is more NBA ready than Canaan, but I don't see how this has much bearing on whether Brooks has demonstrated he is starter quality. I liked the Brooks signing. He offers the Rockets a lot of flexibility especially if he can turn the flashes into consistency.

    Beverley played worse than I expected him to play in the series.
     
    #145 Joe Joe, Aug 19, 2013
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2013
  6. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    26,377
    Likes Received:
    16,719
    I'm not saying he can't help...only that he can't start (or I should say hasn't demonstrated he can start). He isn't as quick as he was even though he is still very quick. He has never seemed the same to me since he got hurt a few years back. Missing an NBA season also seems to have caused him to lose his timing.

    I think one can count on him being able to hit three pointers (the playoffs was a small sample size). He can still get some points for himself, but no where close to what he was. Lin and Beverley are the better players about creating offense for others. I've said before that I liked the signing, but he is clearly behind Lin and Beverley. He may get some time depending on how much the Rockets play two PGs on the court together.

    Without a pick, Brooks is better at getting into the paint than Lin, but he just didn't seem as effective in the paint once there. Lin is the better passer and is currently the better finisher. With a pick, Lin is miles ahead of Brooks. I think Lin is going to look even better with a guy that can finish the pick and roll.
     
  7. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    25,711
    Likes Received:
    22,469
    I do agree that Lin is the clear starter, hands down, and is a much more effective pick and roll player as far as feeding the rolling big man, and passing to the corner.... not sure though that 2012/13 Lin is necessarily a better finisher than the 09/10 AB, but just a significantly different type of finisher.

    AB really mastered the floater back in his MIP season with the Rockets, but obviously cannot draw contact in the paint. So different offensive skills all-together, but I agree that with the starting unit, Lin is a much better option to get others involved, and facilitate from the P&R.

    -What I was referring to in the analysis that the color analyst provided was that Brooks looked more effective at breaking down the defense. That didn't mean he was better for the Rockets starting unit as he would actually make Howard, Asik, & the outside shooters less effective by looking for his own shot 95% of the time in the P&R while Lin plays off of the big & shooters much better, and gets others involved. All that it means probably is that he's better at getting tough shots... even if they are mostly for himself. Lin probably plays better with a quality big man rolling to the rim, and with shooters.

    What I'm not convinced of, with Brooks Though, is that he has truly declined as much as you are saying or that his stats show. All the physical tools needed for him to play that well still look to be in place. I think his drop in production doesn't have as much to do with what he has proven he can do a couple years ago as it does actually with pure circumstance.

    (Another circumstance not noted before is the increased amount of quality PG's in the league. PG's like Brooks, Lowry, Felton, Nelson, etc. have moved from 2nd class to 3rd class in the span of 2 years just because of the influx of talent at that position).

    I think we are pretty much in agreement though that Brooks can contribute off the bench in a scoring guard type of role possibly playing along-side another PG like Beverley. I think that role could be very, very important to sustaining an offensive attack when Lin & Harden are off the floor.

    If for some reason it happens to where Brooks ends up as the starter over Lin, Beverley, and Canaan, I don't think that bodes well at all for the Rockets, and it most likely signals that A. Injuries have killed their depth B. Lin, Bev, Canaan have disappointed, and C. The Rockets are going to need to look to trade for a quality starting PG in the near future.
     
  8. Aruba77

    Aruba77 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 1999
    Messages:
    15,444
    Likes Received:
    19,031
    Pretty much agree with this. Lin and Bev will get the bulk of the minutes, and rightfully so; they have much higher upside at this point in their careers. Brooks is insurance ...but excellent insurance at that. I suspect that he'll be a factor over the 2nd half of the season, as mounting injuries to the backcourt are more likely, and potentially even a contributor in the playoffs, where his veteran leadership will be a real asset.

    I think Brooks has some really good basketball left in him. He's still got one of the quickest first steps in the NBA and he can still shoot. Signing him to a minimum deal was a no-brainer. I'm betting folks will be thanking Morey come playoff time.
     
  9. basketballholic

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2013
    Messages:
    17,516
    Likes Received:
    4,171

    IF:

    Brooks makes the final roster, he is insurance until Dec. 15 (unless Canaan somehow falls off the planet and FAILS big time at RGV).

    THEN: (provided no injuries to Lin/Bev/Canaan and Canaan is successful at RGV)

    After Dec. 15 he becomes trade bait, a contract and roster spot to use in combination with other contracts to bring in somebody else.

    IF:
    Brooks is still here after the 2014 trade deadline it will be because of one of these:

    1. injury of one of Lin/Bev/Canaan
    2. failure of Canaan
    3. another trade clearing out one or more of Lin/Bev/Canaan with no incoming replacement.


    Brooks does not have a long-term role here.
     
  10. Aruba77

    Aruba77 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 1999
    Messages:
    15,444
    Likes Received:
    19,031
    i think you assume too much. It's far more unlikely than likely that Canaan figures into the rockets plans this year. I think they'll keep him in the D-league, and look to get him NBA court-time next year.
     
  11. basketballholic

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2013
    Messages:
    17,516
    Likes Received:
    4,171

    They can keep Canaan in the d-league the whole season and as long as Lin and Bev are healthy, Brooks won't see a minute of play. If Canaan shows he can play and dominates RGV, then by Dec. 15, he'll be the de facto third point guard. If someone is hurt or traded, he will be given a chance to produce before Brooks sees the floor for extended time. Brooks may get in a game or two if there is an injury but if there is a significant injury to Lin/Bev and Canaan is playing well at RGV, Canaan will become the third point guard if needed. Brooks is trade bait if he makes the final roster. He doesn't have a long-term role here.
     
  12. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    25,711
    Likes Received:
    22,469
    While Brooks is on a very high-value/low risk contract, it doesn't mean that the coaches & front office had no vision of him ever getting playing time this season without some sort of catastrophe taking place.

    Like Aruba said, you are making too many assumptions here, and sound as if you are currently holding Morey's day-planner for him.

    Something tells me you weren't a follower of the Rockets back a few years ago when Brooks was backing up Alston, and then became the starter the season following. Some of the Rockets best offensive lineups in the those years were when Brooks plays alongside another PG like Lowry.

    The lineup of Brooks/Lowry/Budinger/Landry used to kill teams when the Rockets went to their bench, and Landry was often getting wide open dunks or layups with all of the offensive movement creating open looks. Obviously this isn't a lineup that stopped anyone, but as a bench unit... they could always be relied on to go on major runs in the 2nd and the beginning of 4th quarters.

    If you cannot or do not want to envision any whatsoever potential opportunity for Brooks to get playing time off the bench alongside Beverley then you are clearly just not a fan of Aaron Brooks and have a bias opinion.

    Im not saying he's a lock to get a single minute of PT, but I am saying that if you have any assumptions about AB's role with the team right now in August, you might very well be eating crow in 6 months.
     
  13. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 1999
    Messages:
    26,377
    Likes Received:
    16,719
    Morey has already said that he expects McHale will want Canaan on the Rockets at some point this season. I don't think AB0 is in the long term plans for the Rockets, but he will get the opportunity to change their minds if he makes the team.

    If AB0 makes the team, I don't see him getting cut unless there is a big trade that requires a roster spot.
     
  14. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    25,711
    Likes Received:
    22,469
    As far as Canaan's role and any assumptions being made... its hard to see the Rockets giving up on a rookie draft pick (even 2nd round) after just a few disappointing months in the league or D-league.

    They have shown with almost every other draftee that they aren't expecting much production or major league minutes until year 2 regardless. If Jermaine Taylor got picked up for his 2nd season, I'm thinking Canaan will get a spot on the 15 man roster, and spend the majority of the season in RGV.

    Nobody.... knows how Canaan will perform for sure. Good, bad, or indifferent, he most likely will still be on the team throughout the season unless a trade comes down that requires his roster spot, or outgoing (miniscule) salary.

    Canaan would have to be Terrell Bell awful for the Rockets to give up on him that quick.
     
  15. basketballholic

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2013
    Messages:
    17,516
    Likes Received:
    4,171


    Been following the Rockets since before Kermit Washington busted Rudy T's jaw.
     
  16. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Messages:
    25,711
    Likes Received:
    22,469
    Good to hear. Hopefully you recall lineups where Brooks played alongside other PG's then.

    Im not into making definite assumptions. Im going to state that Brooks has a chance to get meaningful minutes, and has just as much (if not more) of a chance to earn a spot in training camp over the likes of a BJ Young, Covington, or even another veteran like Reggie Williams.

    If the coaches see something they know they can use, he's got a real shot at making the roster, & having a meaningful role this coming year playing off the bench in some type of offensively explosive lineup.
     
  17. Skyhoop

    Skyhoop Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    43
    Not really. Brooks isn't really trade bait, because Brooks effectively has veto power over trades due to the fact that it's a 1yr contract that ends in bird rights. So Morey can't just cavalierly toss him into a trade as a trade asset.
     
  18. Bobbythegreat

    Bobbythegreat Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2013
    Messages:
    68,634
    Likes Received:
    32,216
    The only trade value Brooks has is as a small expiring contract. He could easily be tossed into a trade to help make the money work
     
  19. BimaThug

    BimaThug Resident Capologist
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 1999
    Messages:
    8,437
    Likes Received:
    5,244
    THIS.

    Okay, now back to talking about Isaiah Canaan rather than Aaron Brooks.
     
  20. Skyhoop

    Skyhoop Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    43
    No, the point is that Brooks has veto power. He can't be tossed into a trade to make the money work without his permission. According to the CBA, players on a 1 yr contract that ends in bird rights may NOT be traded without their permission. Brooks is on a 1 yr contract, and he will have Larry Bird rights at the end of the contract.

    So Morey can't toss him in as an expiring contract, or to balance out money. Brooks won't authorize it just to help Morey out. It has to be something that appeals to Brooks, like going to a capped out contender who wants his bird rights in order to pay him more after the contract ends.

    The veto power means it can't just be a throwaway trade.
     

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now