83 replies to this topic

[Sir Thursday]

So the Rockets had their first Summer League outing today, losing to the Pistons despite fighting their way out of an early 18 point deficit. Obviously the highlight was Nick Johnson's insane jam:

But there was plenty of other interesting stuff on show:

• Nick Johnson looked great. He played good defence on Peyton Siva, who is definitely fast enough to have 'NBA speed' (even if he's a little undersized). Did a decent job running the offence when asked into the point guard duties as well. It must be said that Summer League is not a place that will expose his major weakness (height), because everyone else is a bit undersized too. Having said that, he did struggle a bit to contain Caldwell-Pope, who is a prototypical NBA SG, so perhaps it would be wise to keep him guarding PGs for the time being.
• Was very impressed by Tarik Black. Had a lot of hustle plays, looked good on the boards and actually had a pretty sick dunk of his own a minute or two after Johnson's. He's right in the sweet spot for the type of player we know Morey likes (6'9" PF/C), so if he keeps up the good play he might be on the radar for a Vipers assignment.
• Chris Crawford had a really good game, scoring 20. It was hard to tell how much of that was just that his shot was wet though. I'm generally a bit wary to base anything off shooting performance in Summer League because the sample sizes are not big enough to really establish a pattern. It'd be good if he can keep this up though.
• Interesting to see Maarty Leunen in action - one of Morey's second round picks that didn't come good and I had assumed we'd never see in the NBA. Was not convinced by his defence in the pick and roll, but he stepped outside and hit a couple of crucial outside shots, so possible stretch-4 potential. Guess how tall he is . You're right, he's 6'9".
• No Troy Daniels, Isaiah Canaan or Robert Covington today - maybe we'll see them tomorrow.

 

Was anyone else watching? I felt a little guilty for skipping the first half of the Netherlands-Costa Rica match to watch a Summer League game, but it wasn't a particularly interesting first half anyway.

 

ST

[Drew in Abilene]

I watched part of it and just couldn't get into it like I was last summer. That dunk was fantastic. Hoping these youngsters will keep progressing well.

[Cooper]

Pope dominated but he's probably going to start for the pistons so i wouldnt read a ton into that, otherwise Johnson looked pretty good. Was hoping to see a little more from Carson but he did alright. Black was the best of the bigs. Very interested to see how Covington and Canaan have progressed.

[rockets best fan]

Decent game for Nick.........unimpressed with the rest

[Mario Peña]

Unimpressed? Crawford didn't look bad and Bickerstaff had the team come out of halftime refocused were two things I took notice of. Actually, Crawford looked solid.

[Chichos]

Does Nick Johnson have handles?  I have only seen a few highlights but he doesn't look comfortable or fluid when dribbling.  Maybe he is just getting used to the increased athleticism, but that might be a cause for concern.  

[Ostrow]

I like Johnson for the Rockets only because of Harden.  He's not a pure point, more of a 2 stuck in a PGs body.  Which is fine with the Rockets because Harden plays with the ball in his hands a lot (so does Parsons, etc.).  He's a guy who is very athletic, is a good defender and has a pretty good jumper from what I remember.  He always seemed to shoot well when I watch games (roommate is a Wildcat fan) but maybe that was an aberration. 

[Bigtkirk]

I've watched large parts of both games so far. Small sample size, but no Rockets player looks remotely ready to contribute next season, including Johnson. My sense is that Johnson needs time in the D-League to convert to PG from an offensive standpoint. If he can do so, he appears to have the defensive ability to play the position in the NBA.

[Buckko]

Those aren't rocket's players. Besides Johnson, they are all undrafted FAs and nba castoffs looking for an invite to a training camp. Covington and cannan will be in Las Vegas though.

[Freebird]

Love Tarik Black.  

 

 

Rock Chalk.

Edited by Freebird, 08 July 2014 - 07:03 PM.

[bernardo]

Just saw the most boneheaded play of all-time by one of our guys in the summer league. Fouling a guy lauching a three from 91 feet. Unbeliaveble

[slick shoes]

Just saw the most boneheaded play of all-time by one of our guys in the summer league. Fouling a guy lauching a three from 91 feet. Unbeliaveble

 

I had to bail on the "game" at that point. I've seen better competition at JV games in high school.

[Cooper]

Not sure he's quite good enough to make the roster but Andre Dawkins is a very good shooter.

[rockets best fan]

I haven't been impressed with anyone in summer league except nick thus far

[rocketrick]

I haven't been impressed with anyone in summer league except nick thus far

Nick Johnson could be our next Sam Cassell (shot maker and defender).

[slick shoes]

Nick Johnson could be our next Sam Cassell (shot maker and defender).

 

It may not be that well received, but I see Nick Johnson having more of an impact than Canaan for us. Sorry fellas!

[thejohnnygold]

No need to apologize...that just means more to be happy about....and I think you may be correct.  I will be glued to my seat if Canaan and Johnson head the second unit.  Troy Daniels is in there too.  Those three, despite the negative nellies floating around here, should make Rockets fans very excited.

 

I think some people believe a team can populate it's bench with starter-caliber players top to bottom.  Yeah, you might get lucky and keep one for a season or two, but they will move on.  No, most benches are filled with "flawed" players....the trick is picking your poison (as in which flaw they have).

 

Nick Johnson's only flaw is being a couple inches short for his position.  Given his elite athleticism I can live with this.  In basketball, speed kills.

 

Canaan--the same thing.  He should wind up being a shorter Kyle Lowry possibly with a better outside touch.

 

Troy Daniels--we'll find out how the rest of his game looks soon enough.  I liked his hustle on D.  Not sure about his passing or handle.  Does any of it matter if he leads the league in 3pt%?  Mike Miller keeps getting contracts and that's about all he is good for.  (By the way, for those worried about Parsons becoming a star, MIller used to be Parsons...even went to the same school and was first team all SEC.  This is Chandler's more likely future...for $16M)

 

And then there's D-Moooooooooooo!!!

 

But don't take my word for it...watch the video

 

Johnson assists Canaan, Canaan assists Johnson, Canaan assists D-Mo, D-Mo drives to the rim....Looking good guys....looking good.

[timetodienow1234567]

Wow. As soon as Parsons is out the door, his likely comparison is Mike Miller.... I don't know what to say to that.

[Cooper]

It would be hard for them to play to together with Daniels being the tallest at 6-4 and not terribly athletic. The bench has a lot to prove but could end up solid especially if Capella or That Kostas guy can make a decent impact.

 

Miller is an unfair comp for Parsons who's taller more athletic and already a better passer/ball handler.

[timetodienow1234567]

If Howard leaves, his comparison by JG will probably be Kwame Brown or Thabeet