I have to say though Battier is decreasing, his defense is still relative better among these guys and he is the one who can make team defense better. He is always the best option to guard Kobe, James.... It is best to trade with him and then resign him back. Actually, we need to give other teams some cash to do it. Btw, I really think we need to improve our PF. Scola is a good scorer, but he can't be efficient in the fourth quarter under strong defense. Also, he is not good at defense and even can not threaten opponents. He is a good guy but can not make us be a champion.
OKC? Cleveland? chicago? Memphis? The turning point seemed to be the OKC game and he's had more than one good game. Even God would have trouble with that one. He's not performing any miracles.
This is what I never understood, frankly. Battier's athleticism is far lower than nearly anyone on the team (save for Scola and Yao obviously), yet no one can play defense like he does. Maybe our team is just full of idiots.
Ariza actually became a 2nd Battier, from what I'm seeing. He is great defensively, became a 3 point shooter and would drive to the basket once in a while. Exactly like Battier.
Battier is the team captain for a reason. The way I see things, Morey is now looking for supposed high-ceiling draft busts (these are usually knuckleheads) and try to turn them into gold. If you are looking to do that, you don't trade Shane, Brad and Chuck away. Take Hill for an example, although Hill is definitely not a knucklehead. Brad is commanding him around when they are in the game together and Hill is getting it better and better. We have a good coach and some great vets to teach raw guys like Hill, Williams, Randolph, etc. proper work ethic (yes, it can be learnt if one sees a good example, one who is motivating too), proper mentality and mindset. Maybe moves. Most of these super athletic busts all just need better heads on their shoulders, and well most of the time young heads can be mended in the hands of a good teacher. Brad Miller is one good teacher, I'm pretty sure of that. Adelman is a good one too. Physical skill wise, Hill is very near to being a 20-10 guy, it's his head that keeps him from being one (and his lack of experience). He will have both if he keeps it up and keeps listening to the vets around him. What we shouldn't do is to take these mentally raw superhigh-ceiling players for granted. If we can get one or two or three for cheap, do it. One of them will eventually pan out.
This is an aswesome post, your best one yet. Agreed on Morey's strategy, and having a mentor for them once they get here. +Rep DD
Absolutely! Our intangibles are so important they are tangible. The team tang makes us more ible ... I mean able.
Great post !!! I hope Morey finds a way to land Wallace/Iggy/Granger talent without trading away Battier/Martin/Lowry. Battier is the team cap. and Lowry (right now) is better than BROOKS ever was. T-Will already said that he wants to model his defense to Battier even before this trade surfaced. It would almost be a little counter productive to trade Battier now. Hopefully Morey can put together a package of Jefferies,Bud,Patterson,picks, or a TE to upgrade our talent level. Martin is super efficient and a flat out shooter. I doubt that he gets included in any trade. He's usually great for the first 3 quarters, we just need someone that can be good in the 4th
If Williams is showing signs of being the 3 of the future I think Chase will be used as the sweetener to move JJ's contract. Shanes leadership is going to be a big part of finding out How good Williams can be so I think he stays. Rockets are always looking for ways to bring in talent at get under the Lux Tax. Our next trade will involve JJ , Chase and maybe even Patterson in some form or fashion. JJ has to go there is no way that Morey is going to sit on his hands and let him expire.
Keep Shane, get him a coaching contract or whatever, guy is more important than what people see on the court.
