We've had a top 3 offense every year since Dantoni has been the coach. The offense isn't the problem and has never been the problem. Our issue is defense and the 35-40 point periods we give up to teams and the mediocre wings that light us up.
It's not the total offense, it's the dry spells without adjustments. But otherwise yes, defense always gets less respect in basketball discussions.
...but yeah we do have defensive issues...Clarkson pretty much beat us by himself last game...30...seriously?!
Trying to play defense in the NBA without a rim protector is crazy as hell. We already have very suspect perimeter defenders and now they have no back up. Teams are going to attack the basket relentlessly and I believe we'll constantly be in foul trouble because of it.
because for many on here, it’s much easier to b*tch about not shooting midrange or missed shots than missed defensive rotations Rockets lose 114-120 majority of CF: this offense will never work, they need to stop shooting so many threes the few who are paying attention: this mediocre defense is not good enough to win a title
We will only be successful in the playoffs if James and Russell play defense at a high level. Russell gives the effort but gets lost. James has way too many lapses on defense. We also need better defense from House and Bmore off the Bench. Defense and Defensive Rebounding are the keys to our success. We are going to score, however, getting stops in the last 5 minutes of each game is the key...
I think our defensive scheme is good we just don't have the personnel to be elite because of the lack of length. Maybe if we had an owner who would pay tax we would be. I think we focus on offense more because as good as it is it can still be better. James still hasn't quite gotten over his slump. EGO can't stay healthy. We just made a big change that everyone has to adjust to. House is capable of being more consistent. We simply do not have the personnel to be an elite defensive team, but we can be on offense. We have yet to have our two stars play well together with consistency. I believe it's coming. James is figuring some things out. He attacked so much last game and made a lot of plays. When he starts making outside shots at the same time Russ is dominating inside we will be a different team.
It's all perception, and it's understandable. Imagine the rockets down by 2, it's a tight game, Harden passes out to someone for a wide open 3...clank. After this happens nobody is going to think "damn, if only we were already up by 10 we wouldn't have needed that shot." Of course you're going to think "god damnit, why can't we hit open shots!" And you say this because it just feels like we really needed that one. Nevermind the fact that we would be up by double digits if we played good defense, it just feels like we can't hit shots that we need when we're watching the game.
Because there a few ignorant posters on CF who push that narrative ad nauseum. They may not have much BBIQ but they are prolific.
Then that is a mistake. They are capable of being around the top 10 when everyone is healthy, but it will take effort. Also Elston Turner isn't really helping matters.
House was abused by a bench player. Over and over and over and over again. House cannot be a starter in this system. His perimeter defense is average but his inability to recover when beat is the biggest issue. 6'8 wingspan on 6'6 player is primary culprit.
Nah.... a rim protector is nice and will be needed in certain situations but it really isn't as important as a lot of fans thing. The game has and is changing a lot. The most important defense is played on the perimeter and by wings. With a good defensive team, the ball carrier seldom gets near the rim anyway. The Rockets have needed wings ever since they lost Ariza and Moute. The Rockets now have an elite defensive wing and we will need to see how big a difference it makes, we do not really know for sure. With him aboard there will be strategic changes made and responsibilities will be different and it is possible that some of the other defenders will thrive now.
We keep talking about offense because Amar'e stoudamire is not walking into Toyota center for d Antoni any time soon! Thought d'antoni was molding capeala into Amar'e stoudamire like the player he had with the Phoenix suns but Antoni is set to retire!
