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The Most Flexible/Versatile Team Wins

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Sen89, Jul 12, 2013.

  1. Sen89

    Sen89 Member

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    Remember the Kobe-Gasol teams which were such a pain in the *** to us a few years back? Think about some of the teams they had to beat in the playoffs in route to their two titles: the fast paced and explosive Nash-led Suns, our gritty and physical Yao-led Rockets, and the perimeter oriented Melo-led Nuggets. All of these teams had very strong identities, but what did the Lakers have over them? They were simply more flexible (though we were the most flexible of those three and would’ve had a good shot to win without Yao’s injury, as I'm sure you all would agree :)). They outgunned the Suns, they banged inside with us (until injuries inevitably took us apart) and they outlasted the Nuggets.

    Now flash forward a year. The Mavericks caught fire from three, but also managed to defend and consistently outscore the much bigger Lakers, the young and explosive Thunder, and the more talented (but newly assembled and overly dribble-drive dependent) Heat. They adjusted to each of these very different opponents, and simply beat them on both ends.

    The Heat, whose offense was exposed a year earlier, changed their lineup for maximum malleability and versatility the next year. Playing LeBron more inside gave them a more reliable “easy buckets” option, and also adding more 3-point shooters who can also defend (Battier) helped them on both ends. This new Heat team, which could defend, grind it out in the half-court, run and gun, as well as light it up from three, has beaten a variety of opponents in the past two years, adjusting their style in each series.

    There are plenty of other examples. San Antonio has always been great inside and out on offense, and has played smart, effective defense in their title runs. Boston had a variety of different options offensively, and a stout D as well.

    Now look at the teams that played in a very specific manner, with a defined identity:
    - The Nash-led Suns lit many teams up during the regular season, but couldn’t adjust to the Spurs'/Lakers' half-court games and superior physicality.
    - The LeBron-led Cavs were unstoppable in the regular season, but folded when the multi-faceted Celtics focused on him and forced his teammates to hit shots.
    - The Dwight-led Magic were a classic inside-out team reliant on threes, but stumbled when Dwight was swarmed and the shooters couldn't create for themselves.
    - The Grizzlies just this past year looked formidable after bullying the Clippers and Thunder with inside play and tough defense, but simply couldn’t adjust when San Antonio’s multi-faceted attack exposed their one-dimensionality.

    So how does this apply to our Rockets team?

    1) I don’t think we should trade for Ryan Anderson. With him being one of our top-4 players, we’d be sacrificing much of our flexibility just to spread the floor. This might work in the regular season, but in the playoffs we’d get exposed against both athletic teams with hybrid 4s (Miami) and physical teams with post-up 4s (Memphis). He’s a good player, but he’s a specialty player. Having him as a primary piece would severely limit our 2-way flexibility.

    2) Terrence Jones has the skillset and versatility to be that guy. He’d give us an Odom-lite who has the body to bang with 4s, finish inside, as well as faceup and stay with more athletic 4s.

    3) Target guys who can play and defend multiple positions. We have our top two options, and now we have high-level inside and outside offensive threats. I’m not a Josh Smith fan (due to his inefficiency), but I think he would’ve helped our versatility due to his unique skillset. A guy like Jeff Green might be one to target.
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. TC777JLIN168

    TC777JLIN168 Member

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    Thanks. Nice analysis. Repp'ed.
     

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