It looks he has found some bounce in his legs again.His ability to read plays and stay in front of his man is back to his brilliant best of the 015 season.When he and Luc switch on top of the key our perimeter defense looks great. I also think not having to be asked to create a shot for himself as he was last season due to lack of playmakers is helping his game on the defensive end.
But yeah, he's been great. One of the biggest things I hoped before the season was that with Chris Paul on the floor being a defensive pain in the ass, that it would unlock Ariza a little to be more of a defensive playmaker and less of a firefighter. That has really come to fruition, and his value is only increased by us switching everything.
agree having tucker & lmm (instead of troy williams and dekker) lets him get rest and balances the defensive responsibility thus he's more efficient in his overall play offensively and defensively
He’s not playing 38 minutes a night anymore. He’s not being asked to create on offense anymore. He’s not “always” drawing the toughest defensive assignment anymore. He actually has perimeter help in the defense now. Switching everything is helping him be more energized. He’s playing the best of his career, better than even 13-14 with the wizards imo. It’s been wonderful.
The Rockets defense doesn't get enough credit. Having 3 versatile defenders in Luc, PJ & Ariza helps tremendously. Also we have CP who's a very good defender himself. Pat was great but with our defense now we generate alot more steals & deflections. It's harder to move around the court with the length we have. Also with PJ & Luc, Ariza doesn't have to chase the best players around all game. We can literally play each around 20-25 minutes a game which save energy
He can also take more risks. If he is burned the other 4 guys cover for him rather than him always covering for others Rocket River
Agreed on Ariza being freed up to be more of a defensive playmaker. He's reminiscent of Olympic Andre Iguodala.
Damn lol I almost forgot about Troy, wonder if hes rotting in RvG? Smh what a waste of potential and money spent if hes paid to entertain the patrons there. I mean I betcha hes better than chinanu,whitneys ex and briante webber and demetrius jackson. Zhou urgh hes the reason why Chinas waiting to during garbage time. I cant really say much on him
On one hand, I want to say it's because of contract year Ariza. On the other hand, having Mbah a Moute, PJ Tucker, CP3 and EG (who is basically a good defender now at the very worse) has provided us with much needed defensive depth.
Ariza is getting up there in age, it definitely helps that we have Gordon, Moute taking on hard defensive duties instead of putting everything on Ariza. Ariza was basically getting the Harden treatment on defense, now he has help so he has fresher legs. Ariza has definitely lost a step guarding faster guards who can blow past him because he is slower laterally, but he is still really long and really good with deflections
E.G. Is not a a good defender. He's average in that department. He's probably our worst defender at the guard position which is why we need him to get his shot/confidence back because that is how he contributes for us. Not with his defense but his offense. He's our barbosa and we need him to get his mojo back
Ariza is good against smaller and weaker players. Anyone that can post him up, he's pretty much usless. Ariza is trash when defending lebron. PJ tucker is a much better defender when defending stronger guys.
when's the last time Melo was in the playoffs? and how did Russ and PG fare in last year's playoffs again?