I have yet to see a game or three where this has happened, he is usually one of the most engaged players on the court. And he never behaves like a 3-year-old on the court, it's crazy how some try to keep that narrative alive.
Huge chunks of the thread you’re in right now involve discussion regarding specific examples (including video proof) of exactly what you are saying has never happened, so I don’t really know what to do with this. The most recent incident was less than two weeks ago, at the 3/20 game where he had horrible body language on the court, chose not to come back on defense on two consecutive plays (instead pouting under the opposing basket), checked himself out of the game, walked at a snails pace across the court interupting play and drawing complaints from the MEM players, ignored coaches and teammates attempting to give him daps, and brushed past everyone to go straight to the locker room. I was at this game sitting behind the Rockets bench and saw the whole thing unfold up close. It’s discussed on pages 17-19 of this thread, including video of it happening, and another video of the MEM announcer torching KPJ for the astonishing unprofessionalism displayed on the court. The Rockets fans sitting around me were loudly booing KPJ for this on court tantrum while it was happening. All of the above is precisely the behavior of a pouting 3 year old (especially the passive aggressive slow walk part of it, I’ve definitely seen my kids do that a time or two, lol).
They have been isolated incidents that have been overblown by people who just don't like Porter. I can go back and find clips of Green, Tate or any other rockets' player doing the same thing. Let me break the news to you, NBA players sometimes pout even the greatest ones so to act like what KPJ has done is some kind of huge red flag is disingenuous. Astonishing unprofessionalism? The pearl clutching is hilarious with the anti KPJ crowd. This "astonishing unprofessionalism" happens several times in most every NBA game. I can't believe you are basing your argument on this incident because you happened to be at the game. LOL.
The only player you can find a video of doing something remotely comparable is Wood. it is not a red flag. Red flags were long time ago. It is proof that he still has not matured. Yes the greatest may pout, just because they know it will be tolerated to some extent. Even then it is not appreciated. Kpj can do it when he becomes great. he has improved his game and I think with better coaching he still can grow. But this behavior is not defendable (especially on a rebuilding team) and shows that he will keep doing it.
The fact that I happened to be at the game, sitting where I happened to be sitting (not my regular seats) allowed me to clearly see more of the incident than what they showed on television. That is relevant and the only reason I mentioned it. Maybe seeing it in person did make it more offensive, that may be true. I’m not anti-KPJ. You’ve got the wrong poster. I’m rooting for him to be successful, I’ve celebrated his good games and occasionally lamented his bad ones. I’ve got nothing to gain by him not panning out or not being great, that’s worse for the Rockets. No you can’t, not in a Rockets jersey. No it doesn’t. It absolutely doesn’t happen in almost every NBA game. Have you actually seen the video? I’m not saying it’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen (far from it) but I can’t recall ever seeing someone do this egregious of a version of not got getting back, followed by not getting off the court, followed by quitting on the game and walking to the locker room.
Regardless of where on the spectrum one feels about KPJ’s bouts of immaturity, I’m interested in better understanding where he fits on the team. I do think he has talent. I do think he’s potentially redeemable. But I dont think he’s our starting point guard, no matter how much he publicly tethers himself to Green. If he can embrace leading the 2nd unit and the 6th man role he’s got a chance to stick on this team. Given that we’d be lucky to get a late first (or even an early 2nd) pick for him, he’s definitely more valuable to us on the court. But I don’t see a Porter-led backcourt as the best fit for our team.
I have no issue with any of this, I don't necessarily agree that he can't be a starter on a good team, I think the jury is still out, but it's fair to have that opinion. I think the same can be said for Green, he might be best suited to be an instant offense 6th man closer type because he will be a liability on defense, not saying this is definite, just saying nobody knows. I really don't know why you think he tethers himself to Green and not the other way around, or that maybe they just like each other and think they have a future as the blackout long term. That tethering crack is interesting because I have no idea why anyone would think he is or has to tether himself to anybody, talk about shade.
I think you're right. I personally like Jabari Smith but Chet maybe the better fit for this core so far because of his defense. I'll be really happy with either Chet or Jabari.
Doesn't the maturity test precede the fitting test? It is very hard to place him somewhere without a real coach and front office. If he had gotten the message that his behaviour won't be tolerated, and still did it, I wouldn't keep him. Right now we don't know. I think Silas is flat out bad. Players only shine by creating for themselves, there is not much coming out of team play. As much as I am not a big fan of KPJ, particularly at the PG, I think he deserves a chance with a decent coach. I would get rid of Silas and Wood, in that order, and see what happens. He is more than capable to run a second unit but I am not sure he would be happy with that role.
So many people speaking in defined terms...x must go.....Y can't be a starting PG..... When all you have to do is watch what the org is doing to see what they think. DD
The guy stormed out of the arena at half time of a game. Literally quit on the team. Do you have any similar instances of any player doing this?
Who cares? The org doesn't..... He was done for the game, got pissed......frustrated and went home - totally unprofessional - then apologized, the org said ok....and has been fine.....he has to learn how to mature. Is it ideal behavior? Hell no, but it is also not toss em on the scrap heap either.....not like choking a coach, or punching a fan etc.... DD
What do you mean who cares? He had another incident when the Rockets played against Memphis since. These aren't isolated incidents, and these are serious incidents. It doesn't matter how well he plays, he has had repeated bouts of problematic behavior that will always need to be factored in for any decision regarding KPJ. This is on top of the fact that he has by far been the most accommodated player on this team. If your stance is that it doesn't matter since the organization doesn't care either, that's a perfectly fair statement. I assume you'll maintain the same stance if the Rockets choose to part ways with him.
