I was at the Rockets-Celtics game Wednesday in Hidalgo. Here's a bit of what I was able to see: - The Valley people ADORE Aaron Brooks. He spoke prior to the game and drew a huge ovation. He embraces the Valley as well, or atleast it seems that way. - Dorsey was impressive. Got some huge rebounds off the glass, some key putbacks. Was very aggressive underneath. - Andersen did not play much, but was HUGE. He made some key, clutch jumpers and shot with confidence. Very nice to see him thrive under the pressure. - Taylor didn't do much of anything. Seemed a little timid. Off this game, I choose him to go to the D-league, not Chase. - Speaking of Chase, he does not hesitate to shoot and has good driving ability. Had a nice up-and-under baseline scoop shot. More athletic and quick than what he looks. - Ariza is really pressing hard, but I don't see him as a lead player. He's a No. 2 or no.3 guy on a really good team, but I don't see him in a go-to role. - The Rockets didn't push the tempo a lot. Seems like they don't know when to push and when to pull back and set up. They are horrific in halfcourt sets. - The defense was horrible. Poor rotation to shooters, and there were a couple of times the Celtics got some wide open layups (including on an inbounds play). Boston consistently got nice looks the whole game. - Lowry had a nice drive, but didn't do much else. Not sure I like him starting alongside Brooks. - Really nice crowd at the game. Very passionate and loud, and I really hope the Rockets can own the Valley. I'm sick of the Spurs owning pretty much all of South Texas. EDIT: The officiating was horrendous. To really know how bad it was, you had to be there. Way too many 3-second defensive violations, moving screens and fouls called when there weren't, and fouls not called when there were. Amazingly bad.
ariza defintely isnt a go 2 scorer right now. our best go 2 play would probably be a Lowry/Andersen pick n roll which is kinda sad. i dont trust Brooks with the ball late in games just yet.
Brooks is out best option late though, unfortunately. He's the only Rocket who can create for himself and others, as well as shoot and drive with equal efficiency.
Didn't Brooks only play 2 games for the Vipers? It's kind of interesting how he is so embraced by them. I don't quite understand that unless it's based on the hype he received during the playoffs last season.
What are your thoughts on KG? He seemed like he is still trying way too hard. I bet he has no friends. Hitting his head on the post pre-game. I mean c'mon man seriously. Chill out.
wth? Brooks hit a lot of clutch shots last season.. he is the person i want with the ball. Remember his clutch shot versus the Mavs? His game winning layup vs. the Suns? His pass to Von Wafer off the pick and roll vs. the Celtics? Those are the ones that came to my head.
Yes Brooks played only 2 games but with Novak(played more games for the Vipers) not with the Rockets anymore Brooks is the man. Plus he has been down here prior to the preseason doing promos for the Rockets.
he closed out game 6 against the lakers with 2 ridiculous jumpers. he's hit weird, somewhat off-balance shots to close out a couple of things if i remember right. theres been a couple of times where he drove hard and just elevated for a mid range jumper.
Haha. He's a very eccentric dude, but you can tell he keeps the team focused. He's very intense, and he didn't seem to try and do too much. Initiated the offense sometimes from the high post and hit a few jumpers on pick and pops, but that was it. The Rockets didn't make him work enough defensively to where I could tell what he could and could not do.
He does do a lot of promos and is VERY fan friendly, always signing autographs and taking pictures. He stayed long after the Celtics game to chat with fans, take pictures and sign autographs and he was very personable. Plus, in the papers here, he credits the Valley for helping him grow as a player and person, so I'm sure that's a huge plus for the locals.
Something else I noticed ... The Rockets now basically run their half court sets with a post on each elbow, with the guard either initiating the play through a post or a dribble handoff with a wing. The only thing is, that post is often either Chuck Hayes or Joey Dorsey, and NEITHER can shoot, be effective from the triple threat position or pass and locate the ball to slicing cutters. I don't know why they choose to put either of those two so far out on the court. Cook can atleast shoot if his defender leaves to follow a cutter, but I would have also have liked to see Budinger or even Landry assume the same roles since both can catch and shoot, drive and pass some. In that set, Hayes turned the ball over quite a few times, especially when he was forced to put the ball on the floor (which any smart defensive team would do). Just really odd that Adelman is using the high post set with such unfitting personnel.
You're kidding right. Lowry creats nothing while Aaron can at least creat for himself. You might want to revisit the playoff series vs Lakers, especially game 6.
Phil Jackson's triangle offense comes to mind. You know it's the pre-season when coaches give everyone a look. There's one versatile big that will fit perfectly in this system, Chris Bosh. Git 'r done, Morey!
Eh, it's the preseason. It's the time for all kinds of wacky experimentation... kinda like right after a messy breakup. Er, never mind that last bit.
I guess it's preseason - and it's "the offence". Adelman is going to use it with Hayes/Dorsey anyway, so they've got to find their spot in it. OR - Hayes/ Dorsey are NOT going to be major minute players, so they're getting their "pre-season shot" to prove themselves - and either they work in the system or not!
Their defenders have to be within arms length in the paint, so putting them at the top of the elbow puts the defenders out of position to protect the hoop. At least, that's how it theoretically works. Hayes has had several nice passes to cutters from the elbow. Dorsey also pulled it off during this past summer league.
The way the Rockets run the offense, when Chuck (or Joey) get the ball in the high post they don't have to be triple-threats (though of course that's always ideal). It's mainly just a way to put the ball at rest while the guards/wings circle around and get in motion. If the backdoor isn't there, then they'll hand off to a guard on the strong side or weak side, which will usually be followed by a pick and roll. If either of them take a shot or dribble from the high post, that's pretty much a last resort and the offense did not run as it was supposed to. I think it's up to the other guys to make sure that doesn't happen.
