28 replies to this topic

[Losthief]

It kind of depends. If Howard is facing single coverage, he is probably still the better option I think. But if doubled, I'd rather go to Motiejunas facing single.

 

DMO High Post with Howard running/sealing baseline down in the low post. I don't really see why it has to be an exclusive option/choice, because dmo has shown interior passing ability and we know Howard can catch above the rim.

 

Put DMO at one elbow and Howard on the opposite block and good luck to guarding that w/o giving up either a alley-op/interior seal to Howard or a open 3 to the spacers. Granted this puts alot of emphasis on DMO's passing, but if Harden isn't getting it done i think its workable. If Howard gets within 3 feet of the bucket he shoots like 67%+, its outside this area that he's not so good, and he doesn't have the handles/ball control to operate from the elbows down to the low block on his own, so I personally think this setup would greatly improve his ability to get the ball in the proper spots...if he bought into it. 

Edited by Losthief, 08 December 2014 - 05:16 AM.

[Mario Peña]

I agree Losthief, they are obviously working together and not up against each other though it's fun for some to frame it that way. I would like to see them work a high post low post thing with Harden at the very top of the key or beyond and Ariza on the weak side.

To me it's not even close, Dwight's the man. Just from the get go there is little to no scouting report stuff on Motijunas so right now he is ambushing teams which is cool but it is what it is. Let's not be overexcited homers. Saying that I do believe in Motiejunas but he is no Dwight Howard and generally Howard's matchups will be more favorable that Motiejunas' in this brutal Western Conference.

[marbony81110]

D.Mo had been playing great these last couple of weeks. So far he is still facing single coverage and is consistently showing that you can't guard him in the past with one guy. I am curious to see how he handles double teams. Dwight is normally doubled or crashed on in the post so he doesn't always have the freedom D.Mo is receiving. Not to take away from what D.Mo has been doing. Again, he has been great. I just want to see what he does if he gets defended like Dwight does. Either way the Rockets have two good post scorers and defenders.

[Sir Thursday]

One thing I haven't seen from D-Mo is the ability to consistently beat a fronting defender. The Timberwolves were able to neutralise him in overtime with that strategy and the Morris brothers did the same when we played Phoenix. I imagine teams will start throwing that at him a lot more once it starts getting into the scouting reports that he's unguardable in single coverage in the post. It does seem to be quite effective...

 

ST

[Alituro]

I can't get enough of his hook shot though. It's a thing of beauty especially when paired with a nice little shake.

[NorEastern]

I have done much research on D-Mo over the last three years. These are some of my current thoughts.

 

• D-Mo in the post is reminding me more and more of McHale. Herky jerky movements. Numerous feints. Getting the defender to commit. Splitting the DTs. We may next season be witnessing the best NBA post game in more than a decade.
• It is interesting that D-Mo becomes a RFA and Howard has a player option in the summer of 2016. It would not surprise me at all to see Howard go after one last huge $35M contract. In which case expect Morey to match any offer for D-Mo. That will be 4 years at ~$23M.
• D-Mo obviously learned a lot from Asik. He reminds me of Asik (or Hibbert) on defense. They cannot leap out of the gym, but they challenge shooters with their 7 foot height right in their face. No contact allowed, because it will result in a charge. Yes D-Mo is finally now getting the calls.
• If D-Mo continues to develop his defense and post game and manages to hit an NBA average % from beyond the arc D-Mo will be an all star.
• D-Mo is perhaps developing into the best passing big in the NBA. Some of his assists are just stunning.
• D-Mo, for a 7 foot 270 pound man is incredibly quick and fast. It has seemed recently that there is no big he cannot stay with. Including Blake. D-Mo's is amazingly fast closing out on the three point shooters from the paint. If you do not watch defense closely you can get an idea of his speed from watching him on the break.
• D-Mo has been lauded multiple times as the hardest working Rocket. If he is not in practice he is in the weight room or the gym. (Or if I read things right at the bar with Harden and the gang).
• The Rockets defense is predicated on two basic principals. Trap the ball handler against the sidelines or the end line, and if that does not work funnel them quickly towards the paint protectors. God help the Rockets if both D-Mo and Howard are not available at the same time.
• D-Mo has gained 50 pounds in the last 18 months. He seems to be getting comfortable with his new muscles, which is probably why his shooting has improved. We may see further improvements.
• D-Mo is currently Morey's best trade chip. He is no longer a backup center. If D-Mo gets traded expect a massive return. D-Mo could start at the 5 for 20 teams in the NBA

Anyway that is just what popped off the top of my head in ten minutes. I feel sure there is more. Best to everyone.

Edited by NorEastern, 08 December 2014 - 03:43 PM.

[marbony81110]

An All-Star is a bit of a stretch. He has played well but let's not give him that bumped until he plays that way for an entire season. Don't get me wrong I love what he has been doing. I just don't want to "what if" him to an all-star level player after a few good weeks out of a 3 year career. I do hope he continues what he is doing and continues to improve.

[thejohnnygold]

Many good points have been made.  Mario is right that D-Mo is going to be tested as scouting reports, double teams, etc. start to show up.  There is a lot of trepidation that this won't last....I disagree.

 

I really liked NorEastern's post and I agree with much of what he said.  What we're seeing in D-Mo isn't fluke stuff.  It's strong, core, principled smart basketball that is being applied to both ends of the floor.  That, combined with his elite size and athleticism make him a very special player and while he may take a step back when those scouting reports start forcing him out of his sweet spots it won't be a big one and it won't take him long to work it out because he is not a one trick pony.  D-Mo is the real deal.  He's not 100% there yet, but he is getting closer and he is playing more and more like he knows it.

 

As for Dwight.  Who knows?  I think there are enough possessions for everyone and I would love it if we took turns bludgeoning opposing bigs in the post with those two.  I do believe they can co-exist and I think the coaches will find a way to get it done.

 

Man, that 2011 draft for Morey was really good: Marcus Morris, Chandler Parsons, Nikola Mirotic, and Donatas Motiejunas.  (the whole thing was quite complicated, but it looks like we are going to wind up with the best one of the bunch.)  I've also got high hopes for this year's draft class of Johnson and Capela.