Sources: Dwight isn't "thrilled" with PG situation.

According to the OP, who is an insider, the players and coaches feel the same way. So how is it possible that a fan who also agrees could be trolling?

 

In a final inbound play situation, it's a chess match between defensive coverage and offensive screens.

The better offensive coaches (D'Antoni is a very good offensive coach) will design inbound plays with multiple picks/screens to create the space required to attempt a shot.

The better defensive coaches (like Thibs) will prepare their players for those switches both in terms of how to best approach those screens (over vs under) but more importantly what to do when the initial person doing the coverage gets picked or screened (rotation/switches).

So, assuming that Lin was supposed to initially cover Blake, a good defensive scheme *assumes* that he may be single/double screened or picked long enough to prevent him from contesting the shot in a timely manner. It is then the responsibility of the defense to follow the "5 men on a string" philosophy.

"5 men on a string" operates under the idea that all 5 defenders are attached on a string, and as each person is forced to switch coverage, the next player in the "string" slides over to compensate for the coverage.

Ideally, Lin would stay with Blake, however once it's clear that he's being screened/picked/held, Beverley would slide over to cover, and if he's picked/screened then it falls upon the next man (in this case Howard).

A well schooled defensive unit would not be reactionary (waiting until the person was picked/screened), but proactive (see that a screen/pick play was developing and pre-emptively move to fill the gap in coverage).

So, imagine you're Dwight... if you were an elite Team defender, you would see that Nash was moving to grab Lin, notice Pau and Bev close to each other and Blake on the move and immediately move to close out *before* the inbound since you *know* that the only way they win is a 3 point shot.

At a minimum, you would react as soon as you see Nash screening/holding Lin and make the leap to understanding that Bev would be unavailable or potentially delayed and act to close on Blake.

What happened on the last play was not a failure of an individual defender so much as a break down in a team defensive scheme. Yes, in an ideal world people would fight through the screens, but in reality it's going to happen especially near the end of the game when they are much less willing to call fouls on players who are holding or doing moving screens.

If there is anyone to blame in terms of the loss it would be McHale (if his defensive scheme was inadequate), but more than anything it's more likely a lack of reps. End of game defensive schemes are the result of hundreds of hours of practice and in-game repetition.

Defenses are notoriously poor at the beginning of the season except for the most experienced teams. Players aren't always in good shape, and roster turnover means you're often trying to integrate new people into those defensive schemes.

While the break down in that last play was not good, it's not unusual this early in the season, especially for younger teams or teams with significant roster changes.

Now if we're still seeing these sort of defensive breakdowns in January, then there maybe be something to worry about.

Personally, I'm more worried about other things than a single defensive breakdown at the end of the game, no matter how dramatic.

 

So the Rockets should trade Lin.

Everyone be happy then, don't you agree? *thumbs up*

 

Wow. Great post.

Please do let us know what 'other things' that are more worrying; would love to hear it with your famed in-depth analysis!

 

What a stupid post

 

Thx for that explanation, torocan.

 

yes, he's been looking for his own shots a lot more this year then last year.

but the difference is, last year, his role was that of a pg. he said it early in the year, that his job was to get everyone involved and as the pg, he looks for his shots LAST. This was in an interview he did with friedman last year. how do you think an offensively r****ded guy like asik could average double digits last year? lin can get people involved - he was asked to do that last year and did. almost every single game, without fail, he comes out distributing and looking to pass rather than shoot, and people label that as being passive. it's not till 2nd quarter and 3rd when he starts to get himself warmed up. that's how he played all year last year. and all without the ball as much as your typical pg.

now, you take this starting pg, whom everyone knows is NOT on rocket's long term plan, and you tell him "ok you're coming off the bench, and your minutes are gonna get cut, and you're going to lead the second team and provide an offensive spark", what do you think he's going to do? especially someone who clearly is more comfortable with the ball in his hands and is a talented scorer? he's gonna try to score.

and when he's in the game with the starters? well the balls really not in his hand by then. it's mostly in harden's hands. so what do you expect him to do?

 

First you don't have to use the word r****d on a guy who has a higher salary then you.
Second I agree. Lin was made 6th man to have more time with the ball and he is delivering nicely while playing his role as a 3rd go to option.

 

Can we just trade Asik to Atlanta for Milsap and Brand?

 

bring in Steve Francis

 

Makes sense for both teams, as Horford can slide back to his more natural PF spot.

 

Someone tell Dwight to put his big-boy pants on.

 

I get the most lulz when I see a post it must have taken a dude 30 minutes to write...

Carry on.

 

I trust you aren't going to make this one opening post, cyberx, and then go on vacation for a month. You know the kind of reaction an OP like this would engender, so how about a bit more elaboration, OK? I'm skeptical. This is like walking into a crowded threater and yelling "Fire!!"

 

ok you're right. got me there. offensively challenged is a more fitting word.

 

ahh man I hope this is false. Howard needs to check him self. I.E missing what should be easy passes over and over again not being aware (not lobs). Free throws. Post game.

 

Bev is an overrated defender in the past two games, not sure if it has anything to do with the injure. Lin played better in every category than Bev and McFail still give Bev the most minutes. And we all know Harden's defence... Look at how many threes hit by one of the worest backcourt in the league in an aged Nash and Steve Blake.

 

The thing everyone needs to know with Dwight is....

What he says now is not what he will say later on... he is very emotional and impulsive most of the time... you guys need to be acquainted with his character now...

 

Ppl actually believe this guy? Posting on ClutchFans after the game? Ya like an insider would waste his time. Sure.... Btw.... This thread is blowing up,.... Coincidence? No

 

You can't have stars at every position. I'm sure Morey would love upgrade the point, same with the four, but who do you give up and who do you get back? The one thing we know about Morey, he wants to maximize every asset, and he won't make a trade until he feels he can get the better end of it.

And how many NBA trades happen the first two weeks of the season? Almost none, so it could be a few more months before anything happens, but I'd be shocked if this roster is the same roster the Rockets have going into the playoffs.