This game should prove that Lin has the skills to be the Rox primary ball handler

The best game was against the Hawks where things were going through Lin more. Having him stand in the corner for threes is really misusing him.

 

But you haven't taken into the account the biggest X factor of them all....








The Coaching Staff

 

Agreed, both are great ISO player, and yes Harden is better BUT..

Harden is much better off the ball than Lin is. Having harden play off the ball will maximise HardLin's overall output as a duo.

 

Well said Martian, nice theory, but its gotta be more complicated than this otherwise the coaches would applied it long time ago....

 

I always thought he'd have to share it Harden. This is the first time, though, he's actually done something with the ball. In times past, even when he drove to the basket, he didn't finish - he'd usually pass it back out. Let me see him do it a few more games, then, I'll be ready to say he's the real deal.

 

If you watched the game carefully, Lin was actually still very passive to start this game. And he was also benched for a 1/3 of the first of the first quarter. It really wasn't until the third quarter that he decided to take over. He had two blown layups in the early stages of this game, two plus-one opportunities that he didn't convert, and two 3's with his foot on the line. Two blown layups (at least) by Asik and the TO at the end of regulation were just awful.

 

Rockets wins with Harden as a primary ball handler - 9
Rockets wins with Lin as a primary ball handler - 0

 

Signature: Jeremy Lin is a mediocre NBA point guard with limited upside.


I'm sure you are objective about this topic.

 

EXACTLY!! Comparative advantage.

But you know its interesting I think Lin is getting better at the catch and shoot. I really do. Lots of times he and TD swapped roles and he got a lot of great feeds from TD. Maybe that can happen with Harden as well.

 

Agreed.

 

Don't get over sensitive. No one is saying Lin is better than Harden.

 

This is true. I know you cannot just turn it on like a faucet, but he needs this mentality when the offense becomes stagnant and teammates cannot make a shot. I hope Jeremy can use this game to trust his jumpers and his drives, and not defer as much going forward in the season.

 

Im not really even sure what this means here... Look, Pippen was the Bulls primary ball handler but the Bulls offense ran through Jordan mostly.

Lin or Harden as the ball handler or not bringing the ball up the court, the Rockets as a team just need better ball movement, and they must continue to improve consistently from 3 point land. The offense needs to be more fluid to get both Harden/Lin space to drive the lane, and when they do drive towards the basket, the shooters have to be in their spots ready to knock down shots.

Pretty simple stuff, but it takes years not weeks to develop that kind of chemistry with your teammates that you need to be a great team.

Anyways, we really shouldn't even be b****ing about the offense now anyways. That doesn't seem to be the problem with them winning games or not right now. Its on the other end that they should be concerned with.

 

Just don't respond to the fool, he is a Lin troll from the NY forums - he doesn't have an opinion about Harden one way or the other. He wants to sucker those select Fool Lin fans (and select dumbass Rockets fans) to start a Lin vs Harden thing here, like what happened in NY.

 

You mean Paxson, right ?? Regardless, you are talking about MJ, right ?? The offense is definitely a potential prob, it doesnt matter how many stops you make if you cannot score. Harden in this OT, would have made a big difference, don't you think? Rockets need Jeremy to get going offensively, you stop b****ing about people b****ing... the coaches got some FCKEN work to do - aight.

 

Yes, Harden would have made a difference in any game. He was the primary playmaker late in games last season for a team that went to the finals, and he's the best player on the Rockets currently.

Yes, I was talking about MJ, but more than anything I was trying to prove a point. Being the "primary ball handler" isn't something that concerns me. Yes, Pippen was the player the Bulls relied on to bring the ball up the court primarily to start the offense in the final championship years, but we all know who the offense was run through each and every play.

With Lin, I personally think he's at his best when he's more Jordan than Pippen in the sense that he's looking to get his own shot, and not just setup the offense, feed the post, and bring the ball up the court. Not comparing the these players to the greatest player of all time by any stretch. Lin is not like Jordan in any way.

To your point, late game offensive possessions are an issue right now, but my point is if they didn't have the "young team" defensive lapse that we have seen oh too much this season, they wouldn't have even been in a late game situation to begin with. They played too well offensively against the Spurs tonight to let that game or any other similar game slip. But that's why the Rockets should still be considered a young team that is going to F-up on the defensive end, and a team like the Spurs are the Spurs for a reason. They get it done in close games because of their experience, talent, & coaching.

 

I hear you, and sorry for going off on you bro, dobro.

You mean John Paxson, not Pippen. Also, don't put words in my mouth, I implied Harden is not MJ.

Lastly, the coaches got some work to do - they need put Harden and Lin in a position where both can be productive offensively. That means less ISO Harden, and more Lin playmaking.

 

Perhaps...they should have Lin start the tempo of the game...either attacking for himself...and then going from there...Bc Harden is extremely adept and picking his own spots...

Ive said this before...Lin should run the offense...we all agree Harden is a better set shooter...than Lin...perhaps the Rockets should reverse Lin's usage vs Hardens...and maybe Lin and Harden get going...Harden is the least selfish player...he will easily adjust...

compare that with Carmelo...he and Lin couldnt play together...bc Carmelo really needs the rock to be effective...he is a lot like TMAC..

 

well lin wont be taking a majority of the shots so it doesnt matter.