26 replies to this topic

[thejohnnygold]

It will be interesting to see how the line-ups shake out.  It wouldn't surprise me to see Lawson coming off the bench.  McHale has talked about how much he loves the energy Bev brings to start games and how it is infectious in getting everyone going.  Is that more valuable at the opening tip since Brewer brings his own energy boost with the 2nd unit?

 

I would like to think that as long as Lawson is getting 28-30 minutes a night he'll be fine with this role.  Given his situation, it seems it would behoove him to be a "team player" and do what is asked of him happily.

 

Starting Bev allows us to bring Lawson in mid-way through the 1st quarter.  Sit Harden at the end of the 1st -- beginning of the 2nd quarter and let Bev play the "2" with Lawson.  Bring Harden back in for Lawson to close out the quarter....I don't know.  Seems like a decent plan that allows us to impose a relentless attack on the opposing defense.

 

Unfortunately, we may need that based on Lawson's reputation as a defender.

[thejohnnygold]

Here's a nice video talking about how Lawson works with Houston.

 

[NorEastern]

Lawson takes the Rockets to the next level. Their weakest position possibly is power forward with D-Mo and Jones. That is a great position for any NBA team to be in and D-Mo could become a top 15 PF in the NBA next season.

 

I do expect Lawson to show better next season on defense. And Harden also. Few players possess a constitution that allows them go all out on both sides of the ball when logging heavy minutes. Neither Harden nor Lawson will have to bear such a heavy burden on offense as they have shouldered over the past few seasons. I also expect McHale and staff to work overtime this summer designing defensive schemes to minimize Lawson’s defensive deficiencies. Harden was "hidden" on defense last season. I expect Lawson will be guarding the worst offensive wing threat next season. Harden will have to step up his defensive work. By the end of the playoffs McHale had gone heavily to a switch on screens defense. It will be interesting to see how much of that strategy survives when Lawson is on the court.

 

To be honest I cannot see a structural reason why Lawson is poor on defense other than his lack of size. He is quick enough to go over the top on perimeter screens, leaving him in the hip pocket of the ball handler. I do not expect to see Lawson getting much time next season against players like Westbrook. But Lawson could see time against players like Paul and Curry to attempt to wear them down on the defensive end. But those two probably will be switched onto Ariza in games defensively, so we may see a lot of Bev next season. I expect Lawson and McHale to have a long sit down once Lawson gets out of rehab. McHale will read him the riot act on what is expected on defense. And Lawson will be in a contract year so I expect him to listen closely. McHale does not need buy in from Lawson on defense like he did from Harden. After all there is Bev sitting in the background.

[slick shoes]

 

LOVING this aquisition. He can create, pass (look at those dimes to manimal once he sucks in the defenders. "flush!"), and finish at the rim. James Harden must've been a good boy this year!

[slick shoes]

Sorry, the embed seems to be broken. Here's the link for the video above.

 

https://youtu.be/zwXMCxfyOsw

[rockets best fan]

been think this Lawson acquisition over..............I'm really starting to get super excited. I think we already have good bigs who have not reached their full potential because we have not had a PG capable of setting the table properly. can you imagine T-Jones getting some of the feeds Faried was getting in Denver? how about D-12? thinking about Lawson and Brewer on the fast break...........Wow. whether Lawson starts or comes off the bench (subject to be future debated  ) his impact will be felt across the board. the combination of him and Bev running the point can potentially be lethal.

[clydesmoustache]

been think this Lawson acquisition over..............I'm really starting to get super excited. I think we already have good bigs who have not reached their full potential because we have not had a PG capable of setting the table properly. can you imagine T-Jones getting some of the feeds Faried was getting in Denver? how about D-12? thinking about Lawson and Brewer on the fast break...........Wow. whether Lawson starts or comes off the bench (subject to be future debated ) his impact will be felt across the board. the combination of him and Bev running the point can potentially be lethal.

I hear you RBF I literally feel like a kid looking at the presents under the tree before Christmas. Bring on October already!