15 replies to this topic

[rocketrick]

It's been a quiet summer and fall so far on this board so I thought I would throw this out as possibly something to consider and see what everyone else thinks.

 

With CP3 now on board, there is more than enough offense with the starting 5 and I'm just looking at ways to make 6-8 more productive, efficient and effective this season.

 

Mbah a Moute has been a starter for a number of professional games. Also, I do believe PJ Tucker could possibly be more effective in the starting lineup vs. one of the 6-8 spots in the lineup (in other words, one of the first 3 substitutions on a consistent basis).

 

Ariza has one season under his belt playing with Eric Gordon. PJ and Mbah don't have that yet. I do believe Eric Gordon, Nene and Ariza could be a quite effective bench especially since either Harden or CP3 will also be on the court with them quite a lot I would imagine.

 

So what does everyone else here think about the Rockets rotation going forward?

 

 I for one am super pumped about going to the Rockets games this season with this roster. Golden State is no doubt the King of the Hill at this point. However, I do believe the Rockets are set up to challenge for the Title this season..

 

 

[thejohnnygold]

I'm with you.  D'Antoni has got to be giddy looking at all the different possibilities he has.  The Rockets, like the Cavs, have already shown a line-up featuring Ryan Anderson at center with ALL the 3&D wings around him plus Harden at the point.  Funny enough, I think Tucker was playing "center" in that line-up and has already garnered the nickname, "Tuck-Wagon".

 

I think Ariza continues to start, but D'Antoni can now alter his line-up from game to game the way Brad Stevens does and I think we'll see players' minutes fluctuate in that 6-8 range all the way through 9-10.

 

We've got Tarik Black 3rd on the depth chart at center and we all remember what he brings to the table.  On top of that, Zhou Qi might bump him to 4th by the end of the season if he can continue to show that his current lack of strength doesn't prevent him from contributing.  I mean, he's not going to bang down low with the likes of Pekovic, Mozgov, or Baynes; however, I could see him giving certain players trouble with his length and agility.

 

Then there is Troy Williams.  Where does he fit?  The Rockets are a 12-deep team and that is before you count Bobby Brown or Zhou Qi.

 

It looks like we are in for a very fun year.  The guys are talking about a top 5 defense.  We will score plenty.  This team finally has a leader on the floor (who wants to be the leader on the floor).  It's going to be an awesome season for basketball fans in general with so many super teams--there are going to be great games (almost) every night.  This is the year (if you've never done it) to sign up for league pass.

[rocketrick]

I'm still trying to figure out who the 9th and 19th guys are regarding the regular season rotation. Any thoughts on that?

[thejohnnygold]

I'm still trying to figure out who the 9th and 19th guys are regarding the regular season rotation. Any thoughts on that?

 

First 8: Harden, Paul, Ariza, Anderson, Capela

Next 3: Gordon, Nene, PJ Tucker

After that any one of Mbah a Moute, Isaiah Taylor, or Troy Williams depending on match-ups or game situation (offense/defense)

End of bench: Bobby Brown, Tarik Black, Zhou Qi?

G-League: Onuaku, Cam Oliver, Quarterman/Jackson?

 

I realize this doesn't answer the question, but I imagine D'Antoni is going to take advantage of our depth.  Mbah a Moute will give us extra defense.  Williams can be a huge catalyst for the offense off the bench.  The same goes for Taylor.  (I also think Anderson finds himself gunning with the second unit quite a bit).  If I had to pick one of those 3 to lead in minutes played I'd go with Mbah a Moute.

 

The biggest question for me heading into the season is whether or not Qi stays in Houston or they send him to RGV.  If he does stay in Houston will he see the floor at all?

[rocketrick]

After that any one of Mbah a Moute, Isaiah Taylor, or Troy Williams depending on match-ups or game situation (offense/defense)

End of bench: Bobby Brown, Tarik Black, Zhou Qi?

G-League: Onuaku, Cam Oliver, Quarterman/Jackson?

 

I realize this doesn't answer the question, but I imagine D'Antoni is going to take advantage of our depth.  Mbah a Moute will give us extra defense.  Williams can be a huge catalyst for the offense off the bench.  The same goes for Taylor.  (I also think Anderson finds himself gunning with the second unit quite a bit).  If I had to pick one of those 3 to lead in minutes played I'd go with Mbah a Moute.

 

The biggest question for me heading into the season is whether or not Qi stays in Houston or they send him to RGV.  If he does stay in Houston will he see the floor at all?

 

Interesting roster moves by the Rockets here at the end of pre-season. First of all, they released Isaiah Taylor which I think is somewhat unexpected. However, it seems the Rockets liked Demetrius Jackson better so I believe the Rockets decided on D Jackson for PG depth over I Taylor. D Jackson was with the Celtics last season and was waived so the Celtics could fit Gordon Hayward into the Cap space in order to sign him during the free agency frenzy this past July.

 

Quarterman and Oliver were also released by the Rockets.

 

I see Danuel House also made the final roster. I don't recall seeing him during pre-season. Was he on the Rockets summer league team?

 

Looks like D Jackson and D House are the 2 likely designated for the G League?

 

In addition, the Rockets still have 1 roster spot open so it will be interesting to see if they are looking to add another veteran that perhaps gets cut by another team finalizing their roster prior to the start of the regular season or if they go with another youngster for the G League.

 

Go Rockets!!

Edited by rocketrick, 16 October 2017 - 04:34 AM.

[thejohnnygold]

Interesting roster moves by the Rockets here at the end of pre-season. First of all, they released Isaiah Taylor which I think is somewhat unexpected. However, it seems the Rockets liked Demetrius Jackson better so I believe the Rockets decided on D Jackson for PG depth over I Taylor. D Jackson was with the Celtics last season and was waived so the Celtics could fit Gordon Hayward into the Cap space in order to sign him during the free agency frenzy this past July.

 

Quarterman and Oliver were also released by the Rockets.

 

I see Danuel House also made the final roster. I don't recall seeing him during pre-season. Was he on the Rockets summer league team?

 

Looks like D Jackson and D House are the 2 likely designated for the G League?

 

In addition, the Rockets still have 1 roster spot open so it will be interesting to see if they are looking to add another veteran that perhaps gets cut by another team finalizing their roster prior to the start of the regular season or if they go with another youngster for the G League.

 

Go Rockets!!

 

Well, I guess my Isaiah Taylor hype train has come off the rails.     Maybe he can find his way onto another team...

 

Demetrius Jackson played a whopping 17 minutes last season, but there is no shame in that considering the Celtic's backcourt depth last season.  He did impress in those 17 minutes...

 

He posted per36 numbers of 21.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 0 turnovers on .753 TS%.  Obviously, this is not sustainable.  My guess is he outshines Taylor on the defensive end and that won him the spot in the end.

 

I have to admit, I'm about as excited as I can be about our chances to get to the Finals (considering the Golden State problem).

[thejohnnygold]

Am I crazy or has there been a lot of injuries for just 1 week played?

[slick shoes]

Am I crazy or has there been a lot of injuries for just 1 week played?

 

I was thinking the same thing. I also cannot believe that Phoenix fired their coach after THREE GAMES! What did they learn after 3 games that they did not know going into the season? What a trainwreck. 

[thejohnnygold]

I was thinking the same thing. I also cannot believe that Phoenix fired their coach after THREE GAMES! What did they learn after 3 games that they did not know going into the season? What a trainwreck. 

 

That's a good question.  Apparently, there was a disconnect between the coach and the GM.  The GM has done a pretty good job of getting talent (not counting Len).  If they can ever get solid production from the center position and stay healthy they could win some games.

[slick shoes]

That's a good question.  Apparently, there was a disconnect between the coach and the GM.  The GM has done a pretty good job of getting talent (not counting Len).  If they can ever get solid production from the center position and stay healthy they could win some games.

 

But was this disconnect not apparent 3 weeks ago? Plus, they are rebuilding. Did the GM expect to win 45+ games? Who is out there anxiously awaiting the opportunity to clean this mess up? Rick Pitino? 

[thejohnnygold]

But was this disconnect not apparent 3 weeks ago? Plus, they are rebuilding. Did the GM expect to win 45+ games? Who is out there anxiously awaiting the opportunity to clean this mess up? Rick Pitino? 

 

I agree and don't have an answer.  Maybe they wanted some "validation" before pulling the trigger so he couldn't come back and say there was bias of any kind?  

 

Definitely a NO on Pitino.  Kenny Atkinson seems like the right kind of coach for them.  There are a few names that would be worth a roll of the dice.  I like the idea of Brent Barry.  If they really wanted to make a bold move, I'd say call up Becky Hammon.  Eventually, some team is going to be happy they did.

 

I was a little surprised that Bledsoe's agent was seen with Denver's GM last night.  I can only assume Denver is trying to rid themselves of Mudiay/Fareid in exchange for Bledsoe?  Maybe if Denver attaches a draft pick to that Phoenix bites?  I doubt that happens.

 

The good news for Phoenix is Mike James looked pretty competent running the team last night.  Along with Ulis that gives them a decent combo at PG and maybe they can look at bringing in a center?  The problem with that is they are stuck with Chandler (most likley), and already have Len and Alan Williams.  A fourth center makes little sense.  They really need to move Chandler and Len and let Chriss and Bender have a go at it.

[rocketrick]

Interesting how the conversation changed away from Ariza. Go Rockets!!!

[thejohnnygold]

Interesting how the conversation changed away from Ariza. Go Rockets!!!

 

Yeah, that was my fault.  I thought I was in another thread, but figured it didn't matter much since there isn't much going on around here.

 

I'm still a little peeved about the Memphis loss.  I'm not saying we would have won, but what the heck was up with that ref?  I have never seen anything like that.  What was he doing????

 

https://streamable.com/emmfh

 

Down 4 with a minute to go...I'd like to think we score on that possession and then...who knows?  The worst part is he didn't call interference on himself and give us the ball.  It's like he was sleepwalking and getting hit with the ball woke him up. Ugh 

[rocketrick]

So after like 14-15% of the Regular Season, I still like my original suggestion of Ariza coming off the bench. Luc Mbah a Moute has been very solid. Shouldn't be that much of a surprise. He started for the Clippers for the last couple of seasons if I recall correctly at the 3.

 

Neither Ariza or Moute are that solid at creating their own shot. However, I would have to say Ariza has become a bit better over the past 3-4 years at times. I just never envision Moute creating his own shot at all.

 

Which is why I would like to see Moute in the starting lineup at some point this season.

 

Still very early especially considering CP3 has only played 1 game so far as a Rocket.

 

I am very pleased how the Rockets have started this season.

 

So what do you think? Should Ariza start or come off the bench?

 

Go Rockets!!

Edited by rocketrick, 07 November 2017 - 01:29 PM.

[thejohnnygold]

Until we see how things look with CP3 I can't say for sure, but I am leaning towards him starting.

[slick shoes]

Until we see how things look with CP3 I can't say for sure, but I am leaning towards him starting.

 

Basically my take on this topic. I was hoping that we would have seen many different lineups by now and have a good feel for each players' role on the team. Once CP3 is back (please be soon) and we are running our regular sets, I will be more apt to make some suggestions. 

 

I was at Sunday's game (wow James was on fire!) and it feels as though we now have multiple Ariza's in Luc Mbah a Moute and PJ Tucker which limits his role with said players. I am not sure if moving him to the bench would benefit him all that much as he is mainly on the floor to stop the opposing team's #1 scoring option. He is more of a spot shooter and until we have a legitimate passer on the 2nd unit, starting is the best spot for him.