Relatively speaking, as opposed to a defensive rim protector. I'm not sure seeing Alperen protecting the paint sends fear into the hearts of opponents. Probably, more thoughts of 'let me drive in there and get to the line.'
Jaygup is excellent movement player but Silas needs to curtail his ISO plays. Rockets just need to play to their strengths.
Not since Hakeem have the Rockets seen a defensive presence like Jabari Smith. This guy will be a menace to other teams from the get go. No need to wait a few years.
Jabari's defense in practice will make Sengun's offensive craft so much sharper that by the end of the season the MEDIA will be forced to call him SenGOD!
He had almost a steal and a block per game in about 20 minutes. Check his per 36 projections on basketball-reference
Perhaps the pair will grow to be called SenSmith, AlpiBari, or the trio - AlpiBariTari! Alphabetical order, you see. ;-)
If he can play 36 a game he’ll definitely hit those stats. Maybe even with 28-30 a game, but he’s got to stay out of foul trouble. In fairness, having Jabari next to him should help. Hopefully I’m wrong and he averages over a steal and block next year.
That's not really a bold position. I think most fans would be underwhelmed with him doing 21 ppg next season unless it was coupled with something else.
Yao doesn't get enough respect. If he wins that title it's viewed as Dirk-like. He was becoming unstoppable. So sad he never came back
Yeah, we had match up problems with Seattle, but the biggest issue was that zone which was never called. Not to take anything away from our title teams (SO much love) , but our best from the eighties were better.
Maximizing the skills and potential of this roster is everything. With J Green, KPJ, Smith and Sengun the potential for optimal, offensive balance is there in the right system. Will be interesting to see if Silas and the staff assembled prove to be the group that pulls this off. With the new additions, players and coaches, think the D will be much improved. The flow of the offense will be the challenge. With expected growth, and the staff implementing an actual system, they might just blow up the thought of tanking. Imagine it'll be a fun ride.
Yup, criminally underrated. Not the early career TMac-wannabe, but his second Rockets stint. I used to call him 'the traffic director'. He deserves an honorable mention, as well as Tucker and possibly Battier and Artest. There's a reason both teams with those 4 guys were 1 injured win away from an ideal finals matchup.
