[The Athletic] The Rockets are rebuilding, but Kevin Porter Jr ahead of schedule

Mon ami, you know college basketball more than me. I think Cade needs to improve on defense, but I don't see it as a major weakness because of his length and IQ. Adjusting to the speed, quickness and wily tricks in the NBA will be a challenge. I do think Cade can develop into a decent to good defender. He is a hard worker. Look at Ariza, he never relied on speed. I think Luka will remain a better scorer than Cade, but he will become a good all round NBA player with some all star experiences.

 

True ... But how many teams even have a big capable of exploiting that?
Maybe Embiid, Jokic ...

That pairing mandates you have a strong, tough post defender off the bench as 3rd big
Can go super cheap here

Pat Peterson would be perfect
Maybe Taj

 

Cade’s biggest weakness is foot speed. That goes for offense and defense. He isn’t terrible or even bad foot speed wise, but the concern is that the quickest guards can beat him off the dribble or off a screen... having said that he should be at least solid and possibly very good because of his instincts and size.

 

Mobley is going to put on weight. He will never be massive but you may end up being surprised by what his weight is in 3-4 years. He will still look thin but he could be 240-255 lbs after adapting. Right now he is listed at 215 lbs from when he entered USC but is more like 220 or so.

 

I think bc there are few bigs, they don't have to be exceptional but currently we are getting killed by mid tier players like jonus

 

The issue with Mobley and Wood wouldn't be their strength, it would be their quickness on the perimeter defending in open space.

Zion and Adams are possibly the two strongest guys in the league, AND THEY SUCK BALLS. In today's NBA it isn't about strength. It ain't the 90s.

All of that said, I am very intrigued by Mobley and his development as a forward.

 

Every time I see Mobley’s name I think of Cat. I’m so confused!

That was a great read in the Athletic, @Sooty. Thanks!

 

Zion sucks? Good to know

 

So do I. The Cat was a great role player for us. I never wanted him to be traded to the Magic.

 

Yes, I've seen Cade switch off of smaller players when probable, and fair ok when not able to switch in time.

I've also watched Nwaba and Sterling asked to guard quicker faster players while protecting Kevin Porter defensively.

Luka has more of a score first role imo. Cade will be outstanding in the NBA almost immediately. Likewise with Jalen Green.

You have a good eye for talent my friend.

 

Shane Battier too. One of the best defenders ever but he was never even close to the quickest or most athletic guy on the floor.

 

I just go for the eye test. Stats are important but if someone has the potential to improve his jumper, I don't worry too much. I like guys who can create shots for themselves and others. I love guys who can knife through good defenses and finish confidently at the rim. I have gotten better at noticing really good defense from discussing basketball with you and many others here. Thanks dear Apache.

 

Did you happen to watch the Gonzaga vs USC matchup? It was the other Mobley that mostly dealt with Timme. The 6'10" brother of Evan.

If it was one on one of Timme vs Evan Mobley.......Timme would have gotten more than 23 points. Evan probably would have been in foul
trouble or fouled out. Just my opinion. Zone defense, can be deceptive.

 

I didn't. There is no doubt that zone defense hides deficits. I don't like it.

 

I’m telling you if we are able to grab Mobley, it pushes Wood back to the 4 stretch position he naturally is and he is quick enough laterally to defend in open space.
Mobley an agile 7 footer led USC to a top ten def.
Wood a 6’10 guy who can play outside and inside
Tate/Nwaba / Martin
Gordan/ Porter/Martin
Wall/ Porter/ Upgrade
Wall/
We just need firepower from the arc...

 

Way ahead of schedule in the horrid body language department.

 

Nahh. Mobley will get destroyed in the paint for years to come. Too light in the pants imo. He won't be effective for a good 5 years. He would have to become deadly from the 3pt line early in his career to change that.

 

Wood needs to sit out the rest of the season. Get a head start on his offseason weight lifting routine. The team is obviously tanking so why play him and risk further damage to those fragile ankles.

Let the guys on the bench play heavy minutes. Dont have the newly acquired vets hog up the minutes. For instance, Lamb needs seasoning. He has no business playing garbage time on a tanking team. Throw him to the wolves. Let him, KPJ, Patton, KMJ and one more have the bulk of the minutes together. Why not?

 

I hate to say this but the Rockets could end up looking like the new look Raptors.

Siakam = Wood
OG = Porter
Vleet = Cade

I would rather take a chance on the development but like i said could be very similar, and rockets will be mediocre.

 

Disagree on the 5 years out prediction, but I do think there would be some diminishing returns if 2/3 core players are 4/5 types, especially with neither being a true rim protector (both Mobley/Wood will get their blocks, but we'd still be vulnerable inside).

Cade is the best pick available. Suggs would seemingly fit with KPJ as well. Those two should be ahead of everyone else for us.

What's most exciting about Cade is that he can play 1/2/3 on O, and switch four positions on defense. He probably won't ever be an on-ball stopper, but I expect him to be above average once he gets his bearings. His A/TO ratio was skewed heavily by the lack of talent around him at OSU, and anyone saying he can't play PG has not properly watched him over the years. He knows when to turn it on and off (Suggs has this ability as well), and that would allow KPJ to play more aggressively on O.