213 replies to this topic

[Mason Khamvilay]

Got me excited for nothing...

[thejohnnygold]

Looking at Josh Smith's per season production and efficiency his best years came when surrounded by a solid supporting cast with able scorers all around him.  In those years, the Hawks had Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Jamal Crawford, and Josh Smith all sharing the scoring load with guys like Jeff Teague, Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, and others filling in the gaps.  One by one, they have whittled that down to Smith and Horford.  The problem has been the replacement players don't draw near the respect the former players did from opposing defenses--they can hone in on Smith and Horford.  Subsequently, Smith's offense has suffered.  His assist numbers are pretty nice; although, his turnovers are high.

 

Point being, in a move to the Rockets Smith would again be surrounded by capable scorers at all times.  He becomes a role player--which as we have discussed improves one's offensive efficiency--playing off of Harden and Lin's offensive initiation.

 

Think of it like this: It's the difference between Smith attacking a "set" defense (as he often does in ATL) vs. a compromised, or out of position, defense.  He already shoots over 50% of his shots at or near the rim....I would expect that number to increase.

 

It's funny, in looking so closely at Smith's numbers I have found they actually resemble Harden's--at least very close to it.....with the main difference being he doesn't draw fouls nearly as often and is shooting them at 50% when he does.  Harden gets a free pass because of his ft's.  I think Smith can learn to emulate Harden's game--the aggressiveness--and make a higher ft% with relative ease.

[thejohnnygold]

Got me excited for nothing...

Just think of my posts as one long, dis-organized, random, rambling article that is written intermittently throughout eternity.

[Mason Khamvilay]

Lol. On a more serious note, part of what makes it so easy for Harden to get to the rim is the fact defenders have to respect the shot making it easier for him to just blow by. With Josh, he doesn't have that luxury. The only time I see Josh getting to the rim in the Rockets offense are in transition, off cuts, and off the PnR.

[thejohnnygold]

Lol. On a more serious note, part of what makes it so easy for Harden to get to the rim is the fact defenders have to respect the shot making it easier for him to just blow by. With Josh, he doesn't have that luxury. The only time I see Josh getting to the rim in the Rockets offense are in transition, off cuts, and off the PnR.

 

Lol. On a more serious note, part of what makes it so easy for Harden to get to the rim is the fact defenders have to respect the shot making it easier for him to just blow by. With Josh, he doesn't have that luxury. The only time I see Josh getting to the rim in the Rockets offense are in transition, off cuts, and off the PnR.

 

I think we mostly agree here...our offense will create ample opportunities for Smith to get to the rim and finish strong--which he does very, very well.  Smith can shoot...he just doesn't do it efficiently...if any team can fix that it's us!

[phaketrash]

I think we mostly agree here...our offense will create ample opportunities for Smith to get to the rim and finish strong--which he does very, very well.  Smith can shoot...he just doesn't do it efficiently...if any team can fix that it's us!

 

And maybe the Spurs. I won't lie -- I thought seeing Smith on Spurs at the trade deadline would have been exhilarating haha.

[thejohnnygold]

That's the one team I am afraid can sneak in and steal him from us

[Mason Khamvilay]

I didn't know Spurs was an option, but they already have Kawhi Leonard who's arguably already a top 5 perimeter defender in this league. Plus Splitter and Duncan are such a dominant front court, I don't see any room for Josh there.

[thejohnnygold]

Hmm, good point....I feel better now.

[phaketrash]

I didn't know Spurs was an option, but they already have Kawhi Leonard who's arguably already a top 5 perimeter defender in this league. Plus Splitter and Duncan are such a dominant front court, I don't see any room for Josh there.

 

They were exploring it, but I of course don't know how serious it got. The rumors intrigued me though. I mean, it looks like there isn't room there because you're forgetting what Spurs have to give up in the deal haha. Hawks would want at least Splitter, so he's gone. They'd push for Leonard too, but I would imagine that is a deal killer for a rental of JSmoove (who may bolt in the offseason). That may have been what ended it anyways. But if the deal was Stephen Jackson + Tiago Splitter, well then I think that is an interesting trade. Oh man, I would have wanted to see that as a basketball fan (Spurs out Jackson and Splitter, in JSmoove), but dreaded it as a Rockets fan hahaha.

[timetodienow1234567]

The trade deadline is over. I'm confused......... Why are we all talking about it like JSmoove can be traded? It would have to be a sign and trade and Splitter is a RFA, so the Spurs can't trade him.... If the Spurs got Smith it would be as a signing free agent.

[Sir Thursday]

I like the way you're thinking!

 

I read this article a while back (it is somewhat dated, but it's premise remains valid) about what it takes to win an NBA championship--it has guided some of my thinking in regards to what direction the Rockets should take....it's not very long.  Enjoy.

 

It's always cool to read articles like this that were written a while ago. I assume this was written the year the Heat won their title? If so, it's very prophetic! Found it funny to see LeBron James' name listed under "2nd tier stars" though .

 

ST

[phaketrash]

The trade deadline is over. I'm confused......... Why are we all talking about it like JSmoove can be traded? It would have to be a sign and trade and Splitter is a RFA, so the Spurs can't trade him.... If the Spurs got Smith it would be as a signing free agent.

 

? The line of discussion was spurred (har) by the notion of what if JSmith was moved at the trade deadline to SA. 

[timetodienow1234567]

? The line of discussion was spurred (har) by the notion of what if JSmith was moved at the trade deadline to SA. 

 

Oh. lol. my bad.