-The Bulls continue to run screen-and-roll with Ben Gordon at the top of the key at the end of games. For the last year of so, teams realize that the play off that is to double Gordon and trap him, so he cannot attack the basket. Often times, due to a lack of height, Gordon ends up getting trapped near the half court line and the Bulls do not get a shot up. The especially frutstrating part about this is that they use a non-perimeter player to set the screen, so he is not a threat when the opposition doubles the ball.
-Like Kobe Bryant does for the Lakers and Chris Paul does for the Hornets, during the Rockets twenty-two game winning streak, the entire offense ran through Tracy McGrady. Outside of an increase in points per game, by looking at the statistics, you can not see the impact McGrady truly made during the eleven games the Rockets won during Yao Ming's absence. However, by running their offense through McGrady, he was able to involve guys like Luis Scola, Carl Landry, Chuck Hayes, Bobby Jackson, and even Mike Harris to infuse the winning streak. Allowing Alston to play more off the ball and utilize his improved three point shooting is ideal for the Rockets. During the twenty-two game winning streak, Alston shot nearly fourty percent from behind the three point line, including three games where he hit four or more threes.
-In last night's game, Boston chose to put all their efforts into minimizing McGrady's impact. Paul Pierce, Tony Allen, and James Posey all took shots at defending McGrady, but it was really a team effort that forced the ball out of his hands. McGrady shot four for eleven from the field and only scored eight points. Although he still ended up having eight assists, McGrady's plus/minus ended at -27, and he basically sat out the entire fourth quarter after the Rockets were outscored 32 to 16 in the third.
-I'm guessing after last night's embarrassing loss to the Detroit Pistons, 136-120, the Nuggets are now really regretting not making a trade for Ron Artest. The Nuggets stand today one-and-a-half games out of the playoffs and average 109 points per game given up - third worst in the NBA. At this point, I do not think the Nuggets will make the playoffs. Their only capable defensive player appears to be Marcus Camby, but he cannot do it alone. Even if they do sneak into the playoffs, I would expect a very short stay.
Showing posts with label Chuck Hayes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chuck Hayes. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Daryl Morey and the Rockets Keeping Busy
On April 3, 2006, the Houston Rockets named Darryl Morey their assistant general manager. The Rockets planned on Morey eventually taking over the general manager position for the start of the 2007-08 season. Since taking over the job full-time, the Rockets have a great deal of depth and should get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97. Since last season, the Rockets have added Mike James, Aaron Brooks, Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry. Each one of these players adds much-needed depth and the Rockets should be as deep as any other team this season.
James was acquired from Minnesota in the trade that allowed Morey to get out from under Juwan Howard’s contract. James enjoyed success with the Rockets previously when he played 27 games and averaged 12.4 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, and 3.1 rebounds per game. James is a combo guard, who is in a point guard's body, but certainly has a scorers mentality. He is an above average defender who moves his feet well and can pressure the ball. Although he is not the greatest distributor, he has seen success playing both guard spots. He will compete to be the starting point guard and also grab minutes behind Tracy McGrady at the shooting guard spot. Justin Reed was also acquired by the Rockets in this trade and should make the roster out of summer camp.
Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry were picked up during last month's draft. Brooks is a Morey-favorite, who may become the starting point guard in the near-future. Brooks is an undersized guard with great quickness and strong ball-handling abilties. He is an excellent free throw shooter and possesses good fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. He sometimes can be single-minded on the court, but I think the Rockets believe that will change when he enters the league. Landry is an undersized power forward who has great mobility on the court. His post footwork, shooting touch, and soft hands enable him to convert most opportunities in the paint. Head coach, Rick Adelman, will most likely not give Landry many minutes this season, but he could be a factor down the road.
The real steal of the offseason was Morey's acquisition of Scola and Butler. When the Rockets knew that they weren’t going to be able to acquire Rashard Lewis, Morey had the foresight to think outside-the-box. Rather than overpaying veterans like Anderson Varejo, Chris Mihm, or Joe Smith, Morey looked to bring in someone who could provide greater upside. Morey described the addition of Scola by saying, "We saw him as one of, if not the, best option. He's a bit unique. He uses his body to finish around the basket. He's got a midrange game and a great IQ for the passing game. He has a lot of heart. That group of Argentinians he grew up with is as tough as nails and knows how to fit into teams. They're winners. As excited as I am about acquiring him, I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone more excited than he is. This has been a dream of his."
Scola should compete for the starting power forward job with Chuck Hayes and possibly even Shane Battier. Whether he starts or not, Scola will be a very valuable player for the Rockets this season next to center Yao Ming.
Butler was also a nice addition in the trade that also brought Scola to the Rockets. Butler is a developing post player, who is still young and inexperienced. Butler will most likely not see many minutes this year, but should play a key role once backup Dikembe Mutombo retires after this season. The Rockets added Scola and Butler to the team through a cost-cutting trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets gave up guard Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 second round pick in the trade.
At this point, the Rockets will have Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Aaron Brooks at the point guard spot; Tracy McGrady and Luther Head at the shooting guard position; Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo, and Jackie Butler will be the centers; Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes should compete to be the starting power forward with Carl Landry backing them up; and Shane Battier as the starting small forward with Justin Reed playing behind him.
The wildcard here is Bonzi Wells. If Wells is in shape, motivated, and willing to not be a distraction, he could be a huge part of the Rockets team this year. Wells will be reunited with his former coach, Adelman. Adelman coached Wells during arguably his most productive season in 2005-06, when he averaged 23.2 points per game and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs and a steady regular season.
Wells is tough and relentless and could play both the shooting guard and small forward spots. He excels in the playoffs and when he is at his best, he is one of the toughest players in the league to guard. Wells’ prescense would allow Adelman to play both a slower lineup with Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes or a quick lineup which would include McGrady, Wells, Battier, and Scola. Wells has one year left on his contract at $2,284,200 and if he comes into camp with a positive attitude, Adelman and the Rockets will be happy to have him. If not, the Rockets will release him or buy him out of his contract.
Either way, in a very short time, Morey has shown that he is ready to take the reigns and lead the Houston Rockets. With Rick Adelman installed as head coach and a series of other transactions already made this summer, the Rockets are expected to make it past the first round for the first time in Tracy McGrady’s career.
James was acquired from Minnesota in the trade that allowed Morey to get out from under Juwan Howard’s contract. James enjoyed success with the Rockets previously when he played 27 games and averaged 12.4 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, and 3.1 rebounds per game. James is a combo guard, who is in a point guard's body, but certainly has a scorers mentality. He is an above average defender who moves his feet well and can pressure the ball. Although he is not the greatest distributor, he has seen success playing both guard spots. He will compete to be the starting point guard and also grab minutes behind Tracy McGrady at the shooting guard spot. Justin Reed was also acquired by the Rockets in this trade and should make the roster out of summer camp.
Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry were picked up during last month's draft. Brooks is a Morey-favorite, who may become the starting point guard in the near-future. Brooks is an undersized guard with great quickness and strong ball-handling abilties. He is an excellent free throw shooter and possesses good fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. He sometimes can be single-minded on the court, but I think the Rockets believe that will change when he enters the league. Landry is an undersized power forward who has great mobility on the court. His post footwork, shooting touch, and soft hands enable him to convert most opportunities in the paint. Head coach, Rick Adelman, will most likely not give Landry many minutes this season, but he could be a factor down the road.
The real steal of the offseason was Morey's acquisition of Scola and Butler. When the Rockets knew that they weren’t going to be able to acquire Rashard Lewis, Morey had the foresight to think outside-the-box. Rather than overpaying veterans like Anderson Varejo, Chris Mihm, or Joe Smith, Morey looked to bring in someone who could provide greater upside. Morey described the addition of Scola by saying, "We saw him as one of, if not the, best option. He's a bit unique. He uses his body to finish around the basket. He's got a midrange game and a great IQ for the passing game. He has a lot of heart. That group of Argentinians he grew up with is as tough as nails and knows how to fit into teams. They're winners. As excited as I am about acquiring him, I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone more excited than he is. This has been a dream of his."
Scola should compete for the starting power forward job with Chuck Hayes and possibly even Shane Battier. Whether he starts or not, Scola will be a very valuable player for the Rockets this season next to center Yao Ming.
Butler was also a nice addition in the trade that also brought Scola to the Rockets. Butler is a developing post player, who is still young and inexperienced. Butler will most likely not see many minutes this year, but should play a key role once backup Dikembe Mutombo retires after this season. The Rockets added Scola and Butler to the team through a cost-cutting trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets gave up guard Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 second round pick in the trade.
At this point, the Rockets will have Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Aaron Brooks at the point guard spot; Tracy McGrady and Luther Head at the shooting guard position; Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo, and Jackie Butler will be the centers; Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes should compete to be the starting power forward with Carl Landry backing them up; and Shane Battier as the starting small forward with Justin Reed playing behind him.
The wildcard here is Bonzi Wells. If Wells is in shape, motivated, and willing to not be a distraction, he could be a huge part of the Rockets team this year. Wells will be reunited with his former coach, Adelman. Adelman coached Wells during arguably his most productive season in 2005-06, when he averaged 23.2 points per game and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs and a steady regular season.
Wells is tough and relentless and could play both the shooting guard and small forward spots. He excels in the playoffs and when he is at his best, he is one of the toughest players in the league to guard. Wells’ prescense would allow Adelman to play both a slower lineup with Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes or a quick lineup which would include McGrady, Wells, Battier, and Scola. Wells has one year left on his contract at $2,284,200 and if he comes into camp with a positive attitude, Adelman and the Rockets will be happy to have him. If not, the Rockets will release him or buy him out of his contract.
Either way, in a very short time, Morey has shown that he is ready to take the reigns and lead the Houston Rockets. With Rick Adelman installed as head coach and a series of other transactions already made this summer, the Rockets are expected to make it past the first round for the first time in Tracy McGrady’s career.
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