Asik has a standing reach of 9'4", far longer than D-Mo. We don't have that number for D-Mo but jugding from his wingspan (6'11"), he probably has a standing reach of about 9'0"-9'1". That difference alone is huge and is the main reason why Omer gets blocks and alters shots without really leaving his feet and thus is usually in excellent position for rebounding. D-Mo's less than spectacular reach has him fouling more, blocking and altering shots less and having difficulties securing the rebounds. Asik's defensive awareness is elite, far and away better than D-Mo's and I would say laterally they are about even. D-Mo is a bit quicker, though. All in all, D-Mo's best defensive position remains the 4. Alongside a true 5 like Howard, he can be really efficient, as his man to man post defense and p&r/perimeter defense seem to be much improved. His problems rebounding the ball are also minimized when he plays with an elite rebounder like Howard.
Has Asik ever had two blocks in one game as did D-Mo last night? I do not know and am just asking. If you look at the SportsVU data from this season D-Mo is every bit equivalent to Asik. D-Mo is an NBA center. Not a power forward. He has the quickness to play either position, but given his height and body mass he probably will be better off at the five. And he quite possibly could be an NBA center with extended shooting range. We will see. It takes longer for centers to develop than any other position. Unless of course one is an athletic freak.
How many Asik's games have you seen? He has 67 games of 2+ blocks in his career: http://bkref.com/tiny/VarzK Over half of D-Mo's minutes this season are with Howard on the floor. Also, small sample size. As said, his height isn't anything special for a center when you consider that he has a less than average reach and wingspan for a 7-footer. Well that is part of the problem. Most undersized centers ARE athletic freaks.
Well, last night versus the Sixers the power forwards were held to 8-26 shooting and D-Mo had floor burns all up and down his body. And the Rockets won down and dirty with defense. Man I miss the JVG years. Except for that offense.
While I'm not as high on D-Mo's defense (overall) as you are, he was terrific defensively and on the boards last night.
Unfortunately Bima, jtr is D-mo's biggest fan and if you say anything negative he will rebuke it... I totally agree with your statement.. T_Man
No offense but truth is you are yet to win one with several members of the board, let alone Bima who is on a completely different level. You assured the board that Rockets would make it far last season with McHale as coach only for you to take a sabbatical once McHale and the Rockrts were embarrassed by Stotts and the Blazers despite HCA.
Really??? I checked out, as I do every year in early April (the third to be exact), because I do not want to hear the whining and the crying. A little early for playoff match ups don't you think? I made no predictions.
I really think Dmo could have used a year training with Scola to learn how to play below the rim a bit more. He needs to jump and try to dunk more often, IMO, but in order to do that, he needs to get more lower body strength.....his center of gravity is a lot like Yao's very high, and it makes him susceptible to being leveraged out. Drop that butt and get stronger legs, and he will be a better player. He does play great position defense and uses his height very well, he really closes down the lane when guards are beaten very well. I like the Tjones and Dmo contrast - we just need TJo to get healthy. DD
One thing that annoys me is that McHale has such a talented post player, yet we are completely contented to just drive and kick to death in dog fights like last night. Once the playoffs roll around we better pray that we are ready to throw the ball in the post. Motiejunas could be a force...
True. We really really need for Jones to come back soon. After D-Mo, Howard and Jones there is nothing on the roster but a black hole.
An interesting observation. I have absolutely no idea how much practice time it takes to perfect the entry pass. I would imagine a lot. It might be worth the investment.
2 parts to the entry pass, one is the pass itself, the 2nd is the player being able to hold his position and gather the pass. Dmo is a lot like Yao was early in his career ATM, he gives up ground too easily because he is not low enough and spread out enough to stop people from going around him easily. He has got to get wider. DD
While D-Mo has gotten much bigger and better than 2 years ago as a 220 pound rookie, I agree. He may have the perfect coach to address that weakness. We Rockets fans can hope.
