28 replies to this topic

[thejohnnygold]

If we're relying on the JET, we are in massive trouble.

 

I'm hoping this is more snarky satire than an actual comment.  We're relying on a team--a collection of talent.  That's what my post was about.  It is irksome to have to clarify the obvious over and over.

 

Since we're talking Terry, it's fair to mention he has shot below 36% from 3 only twice in his 15 year NBA career--his rookie year and in 2004 he dipped to 34.7%.  I'd say it's fair to consider his 3 pt. shooting as reliable.

 

In his intro. interview he said he hasn't been healthy since leaving Dallas, essentially.  Go look at those numbers.  LINK  Let's also not neglect that he went from a very good team in Dallas to 2 different train wrecks in Boston and Brooklyn.  In that interview, he said he feels 100% and I believe him.  I think we may very well see some vintage Terry.  Now, we'll see how long that lasts as his injury history is a concern at this point.

 

People forget, or maybe never knew, that he used to be a go-to guy in Atlanta.  He wasn't quite good enough to get them over the hump, but he was close and that experience/talent makes him a superb 6th man.  He needs to be surrounded with talent to generate the mis-match that allows him to excel.

 

We all know what a healthy Terry can do and I think it is short-sighted to completely omit him from consideration when discussing our bench's potential.  Do I think he could carry us through the season, into the playoffs, and to the finals?  Of course not...that would be moronic...wouldn't it?

 

Do I think he can be good for this team off the bench as part of a second unit that can match up with just about any second unit in the league?  Absolutely.

 

Do I think he can be a great influence on ALL of our guys, but especially our guards (including Harden)?  Absolutely.

 

His presence on this team, like him or not, makes us better.  Is he just trade fodder for the deadline?  Perhaps...and if that is all he means to Morey so be it.  I think he has value to the team beyond facilitating transactions.  Think about it....Jason Terry was playing in the NBA when Dwight was a freshman in high school.  James Harden was in elementary school.  Troy Daniels was about 9 years old.  I don't think it is a stretch to think he can impart some wisdom and guidance to this team full of very talented young guards who could all use a bit of big brother mentoring.

[Alituro]

I'm hoping this is more snarky satire than an actual comment.  We're relying on a team--a collection of talent.  That's what my post was about.  It is irksome to have to clarify the obvious over and over.

 

 

Restraint, man, restraint.. I almost took the bait too.. 

[timetodienow1234567]

If he was back to Dallas level he'd be an upgrade over Lin. I just don't see him being that healthy seeing as he's pretty old and injury prone. Terry was a beast in Dallas. If you're right, JG then I like our chances because we'd have a 6th man of the year candidate. Plus his veteran championship experience will hopefully rub off.

[thejohnnygold]

Restraint, man, restraint.. I almost took the bait too.. 

 

Ha...I know....I'm a sucker.

 

@TTDN--I don't think we'll get a full dose of "Championship Terry".  I'm picturing him spending time playing off of the others.  Whether it is as a 3 pt. outlet for Harden with the starters in place of Beverley if he picks up early fouls, or as a steadying influence alongside Canaan, Papa, D-Mo, etc. in the 2nd unit.  I think he will likely serve as a spot up shooter, but also as an escape valve when plays break down in the second unit as he is a natural scorer--he just finds ways to put the ball in the hole the same way Jamal Crawford does for the Clippers.

 

I don't anticipate many, if any, dominant performances from him.  I'm sure he'll heat up from time to time and throw in 4-6 3 pointers in a single game, but that will be the exception--not the rule.  Instead, I think he will keep the guys on an even keel and not let them get too high nor too low.

 

It is likely he will be playing back up minutes the majority of the time which means playing against back up SG's (In Dallas he closed out games and had more of a Lin-type role that overlapped with the starters a lot).  He is crafty enough and skilled enough to handle the Jeremy Lambs of the NBA.  Most NBA teams do not have high level back ups in general, but I think this is especially true at the SG position.  Can Jimmer Fredette guard a guy like Jason Terry?  Jamal Crawford is renowned for poor defense.  The T-Wolves will likely sport a rookie at back up SG.  Evan Fournier?  The point is, when you start digging around NBA rosters there just aren't a lot of names that strike fear from the back up SG position--even moreso on the defensive end.

 

I think the Rockets may attempt some serious small ball in the second unit with line ups that include Canaan, Terry, Daniels, Papa, and D-Mo.  They aren't doing all those experiments in RGV for nothing.  It's working down there and there is little reason to think it won't translate against the scrubs of the NBA.  If memory serves, Jason Terry excels in up-tempo offenses where he can get a rhythm going.

 

As for the upgrade over Lin....look, I don't want to start another Lin debate, but he really isn't going to be that difficult to replace.  If you want to watch a player with erratic shooting and out of control forays into the lane then we already have him: Ish Smith.  Also, for all the heat Harden takes for not showing up in the playoffs, Lin's numbers are pretty awful too: LINK  (Ha!  I just noticed Lin has a -.4 PER for the OKC series two years ago....I didn't even know that was possible).

[Alituro]

 

 

I think the Rockets may attempt some serious small ball in the second unit with line ups that include Canaan, Terry, Daniels, Papa, and D-Mo.  They aren't doing all those experiments in RGV for nothing.  It's working down there and there is little reason to think it won't translate against the scrubs of the NBA.  If memory serves, Jason Terry excels in up-tempo offenses where he can get a rhythm going.

 

This would be a serious nightmare for opposing coaches.. This unit isn't really going to be stopping anybody, but they will be hard to keep tempo with in scoring the ball.

[thejohnnygold]

This would be a serious nightmare for opposing coaches.. This unit isn't really going to be stopping anybody, but they will be hard to keep tempo with in scoring the ball.

 

I agree.  If there is any defense it will just be a bonus.

 

I think the coaches should try and give the second unit it's own identity and make it cool to be a part of it.  Similar to how the best special teams units in football each have a special pride and identity, so too will our back-ups.  I can see Coach Bickerstaff getting them riled up...

 

 

"All right guys, get in there!  Get some stops!  Get some steals!  On offense, just do what you do.  Move the ball and rain fire!"

 

I think they should have a cool nickname too.  Something fitting like "The Warthogs" after one of the most kick-butt airplanes ever built: the A-10.

 

 

It won't be pretty, but it will be lethal.  For those unfamiliar, this guy spells it out in the best way possible--a quick description worth reading both for the chuckles and the pure awesomeness. (some NSFW language involved).  Short version: like the A-10, our second unit will be able to kill you from close range or long range and won't care how it looks doing it.

[Lucas Daniel Uribe]

I love your work keep it up brother. Go Rockets!

[marbony81110]

I think the bench will be solid as long as they stay consistent. I remember the bench in last year's preseason was deadly, but that didn't carry over to the regular season because they were so inconsistent.Terry will provide consistent 3pt shooting and scoring. It won't be high volume, but he will be reliable in his role.

 

I really like Adrien and I am hoping he makes the team. I think Dorsey's guaranteed money might make that difficult, but Adrien can play. He reminds me of Carl Landry, just not quite as good offensively.

 

I want to see Daniels in the game a lot more. He should be replacing Harden off the bench as long as he shows that consistent, beautiful, and reliable shot. He can rain down 3s on anybody. He shows no fear shooting the ball. I think the coaching staff tells him to shoot and shoot often (kinda like Craword). I see no reason why he shouldn't be Harden's backup.

 

Canaan can ball. He can create for himself and others. He is far from the ideal backup PG, but I don't see him being a downgrade from Lin. By mid-season I think he will be about the same level as Lin as a creator, but with a better shot.

 

I like Kostas. From what I have seen in these 4 preseason games he seems to do better creating his own shot. His spot up shooting is off. Hoping those shots start to fall as he gets more comfortable. His shot looks good. They just need to drop.

 

Garcia is going to see playing time. For some reason his shot has been off in Rockets games since January. It looked amazing during the FIBA World Cup. Here's hoping that he finds that touch during Rockets games.

 

I'm still not a D-Mo believer. He shows glimpses of being very good, then disappears for a few games. His D is just as bad as Harden's, however D-Mo is actually trying, so its pretty bad.

 

All in all this team is looking good. The starting lineup is one of the best in the league. If the bench can pull it together, the Rockets will be in the title contention conversation. This is where McHale has to show some competence as an NBA coach...sigh

[Buckko]

Dmo is actually a pretty good PnR defender, team, and post. He just struggles a lot in isolation.