Here's an interesting split for Rafer. First 8 games of the season, Rafer played less than 30 minutes each time. He shot 30% from the field, 21% from 3, and had a 39.1 TS%. In the 23 games since, he's averaged 33 mpg. He's shot 42.6% from the field, 35% from 3, and has had a 51.9 TS%. That's closer to what I expected before the season. Next, I wanted to see if Rafer ever had a better offensive stretch of 23 games as a Rocket. In previous years, he's certainly had better stretches shooting behind the arc. Last year, there was about month long stretch where he was shooting over 40%. However, his FG% has never been this high for a stretch of 23 games in the previous two seasons (never better than 40.7%). So, the clip at which he's converting inside the 3-point line is basically unprecedented since he's been in Houston.
layups, yes. But jumpers, Rafer was a streak shooter. He'd have one game where he'd shoot 60%. Then the next 5 games he's shoot 2-9. Then he'd have another game where he'd hit 4 tre's. Then next 5 games he disappears again. It was a REALLY bad ratio of streakiness. So sometimes, Rafer could shoot. But he NEVER hit layups or floaters which is why his 2pt FG% was lower than his 3pt FG%. This season he's pretty damn reliable with layups and floaters. Either this new system is doing him well or he practiced some freaking layups at some point.
Rafer's minutes should be determined by how well he plays. He still shot 4 - 14 last night, which is hobbile. Still dribbles too much in the half court set. Let his play decide his minutes, not automatic.
Sometimes players start cold, but by the end of the game they put together some streaks and they've really contributed. You can't just assume that if a player is missing some shots during a stretch that he won't help at the end. You can't be that frenetic with your substitutions. A coach has to trust his players.
