The 12-13 were great in transition because whenever a transition opportunity started Harden could run towards the basket because Chandler and Lin could run/control the fast break. Now when there's fast break. They immediately pick up the ball and pass it to Harden to run the fast break. Sonharden cant even run down the floor. He has to pull up and wait for the Ball and create the scoring opportunity. Ariza can't handle the ball on a fast break and make the pass that's why the 2015 team was successful because we had Brewer and Smith who can successfully run fast break
We are currently 17th in the league in transition defense and 26th in the league in opponent points off turnovers. If we patch these two problems up - either through chemistry or improved effort or maybe a deadline fa acquisition - that would make us ready to win it all.
To go back to these points, I'd say point 3 so far so good. Our shooting efficiency has increased for some players and as a team. Small evidence that Harden and CP3 together can work tremendously. I do think that defense will be seriously tested with Mbah out and playing Spurs, Bucks, Clippers, Jazz & Warriors again, Celtics and Thunder in the next weeks. We are giving up too many points, let guys shoot at a high clip (we are average in opponent 3p% and FG%), have no-name guys going off on us still like in recent years and that has been against so-so teams. If we are still top 5 on defense come January, have our shooting still up and Harden & CP3 working even better, we have proven we can maintain this high-level play.
I have been saying this stuff about Capela repeatedly. He doesn't have the skill set to do this, my opinion is that he hasn't put enough effort to rectify his offensive limitations in the off season. We need another 5 to replace Black, the best choice may be Tyson Chandler after a buyout, even though he is old, and isn't a offensive upgrade. Nene can move back to the 4 spot to decrease some of the pressure from Anderson. Houston unfortunately doesn't have the cap room for anything else, without a trade, involving Ariza or Tucker.That will undoubtedly mess up with the team chemistry and weaken our defense and offense too.
I’d generally agree... Except the caveat that no matter what happens in the regular season... if the team finishes with 65 wins and a top 5 DRtg, we’re still riding with two superstars with playoff question marks and a coach that has been out coached against the best in deep series where coaching starts to matter. OF course talent is talent and system is system. And DM May have just outroster the team past those issues. If I have to choose one spot to focus on it’d probably be PF. Home Away Ryno is really crazy and a real thing.
True that. Nene and Capela may not good enough to give us a decisive edge in the physical playoffs against the Warriors. Hence, the suggestion to add Tyson despite his age. Nene can hit the mid-range shot, unlike Tyson, and give spacing plus P/R. A decent alternative to Ryan when he is down.
A traditional 5 isn't as high of importance as someone like a PJ tucker at the 5 against the GS bc that's likely what were going to see much of that series. Bc small ball will be played significantly For the limited time of a traditional 5, Nene and Capela should be good enough especially if both are playing well.
once we can win most of our games without our best player or once we beat weak teams with 3 of our starters out
