I've seen a few references to the Sonics' soft zone defense that they plagued the Rockets with in the early 90's and was wondering how the current rules might affect Rudy's new style of offense. With Hakeem gone, the inside-outside game that was used exclusively should be phased out. Will the Rockets be able to utilize their athleticism to break down a zone defense or will they have problems adjusting? And...will the new zone rules actually help the Rockets' defense. We all know how lax that was last year and we definitely do not want it to get any worse. I think the zone aspect should help Eddie integrate easier into his role on the team, and might actually help steepen his learning curve.
Off topic - The main rule change for next year affecting the rockets will be regarding isolation plays. The Rockets milked isolation to perfection and relied on it to breakdown defences. With the new rules, it looks like Rudy and the coaching staff are going to have to find other ways to score (Mo had a much larger offensive arsenal than Griffen). This should be much problem. As for zone defense rules, Cutino and Francis never seem to tire, so our front court should adjust well, but the ability for Rice, Cato and KT to adapt is questionable. I think Griffen and Marc Jackson would be much more favorable with the new rules.
What? I agree with your Cat and Francis thought. But, you fail to realize how players would react DEFENSIVELY to the new rules. Marc Jackson isn't going to be much of a zone defender, since he doesn't necessarily rebound or block shots that great. I will go out on a limb and say that Kelvin Cato, defensively, is a good fit for the zone. Offensively, the Rockets will be fine against a zone. Especially when you consider we have Glen Rice. Guards are the key breaking down a zone, and we have 2 of the best guards at breaking down defenses in the NBA. If you don't believe me, then why do you think the best teams who win in the NCAA, are the ones with good guard play? The key is the Rockets defensively. I hope we use a zone in which we help out the inside a lot. We will pretty much have to since we'll be undersized. I can only hope that the defensive rotation for the Rockets will be as quick as the aforementioned mid-90's Sonics, and the current-day Knicks.
Rice is a great addition to the team. He will be a crucial player as the teams double down on Mobley and Francis. Griffin will be the best low post presence for the Rockets. He will have some great awesome games while also having games when fans will ask why the heck did he leave college early. This team is really good and will suprise a few teams as the season goes on. The x factors are Rice and Cato. Rice will help us win games that are close. Cato will help us not have a soft inside game. If he plays up to his potential, I would call this team a top five in the WC. However, we all no that the only thing on his mind is screwing the Rockets... The zone will play a big part in the team and I feel that Rudy and CD made some great decisions so far this summer. Rice is a great player that was just misused at his last two stops. He will get back on track this year with the Rockets.
I agree with just about everything you said, but I think Rice might be our best low-post player. In his heyday, Rice was a GREAT post-up player, something that was lost in the shuffle since he was known as a 3pt shooter. Obviously, times have changed since his days in Cha, but I'm skeptical about Griffin's post-up game. I might go as far to say that KT has the best post-up moves on the Rockets. It's just a matter of him getting stronger and finishing better.
But how important will the low post game become? I think the zone might take away quite a bit of that position's importance in the game. As you (kr8) mentioned earlier, the guards are key to breaking down the zone. Maybe the key to the Rockets success will be our guards being able to take a game over and having additional success at the small forward position. The low post positions will become less effective when you constantly have two or more guys swarming around those positions.
boomboom-Keep in mind that the NBA "zones" will most likely not be the strict ones used in the NCAA. It would take too long for NBA coaches to teach a team a totally new defense they haven't used in years. I feel the new rules will mean quicker, and more double teaming. Being able to pass the ball will be vital for low-post guys, or anyone else who gets double teamed. Also, the double teaming will come from more different angles than before. Against the Rockets, teams will focus their defensive attention on the perimeter, as opposed to down low. This could mean more space for Rice or Thomas to operate down low. I would think the other team's strategy would be to let the Rockets try to beat you down low, rather than having Francis and Mobley go off for 50 points combined. This might be a case where the OUTSIDE game opens up the INSIDE game.
I'm almost afraid of this attitude by NBA teams. I guess I fear the league becoming Robert Horry-esque...falling in love with shooting the three. But I do see your point. If you have good outside shooters and a decent post game, you would be able to break down any double teams whether they are outside or down low. I hope it makes for a faster game and not become like the pass happy college zones. (IMO, a thirty second shot clock in the college ranks would be an improvement...although the current system makes for an exciting March)
With the new rules, someone like Jason Williams (White Cocoa) will thrive. His ability to find the open man and getting the ball to the open man will make him a premium in the league. Yes, he's a hotdog, but he is capable of making defenses pay if they leave an open man.
Not that he won't still be a thorn in the Western Conference's side, but that might mean a revitalization of John Stockton. He is getting old though. Not sure if he could stand another season of receiving those 'blatant' elbows and flop...err...falling defenselessly to the floor. He is good...but I still don't like the Jazz.
Very true boomboom. Stockton's ability to hit the open shot, as well as his ability to create offensively, makes him a likely candidate to thrive under the new rules. Also, his limited man-to-man defensive skills will also be disguised somewhat with the help of the new rules.
If I am an opposing coach I DO NOT play much zone against the Rockets. Why? We have guards that can shoot the gaps as well as any, we have Rice to shoot, and there is just simply no reason NOT to play our post players even up. I would play man to man when playing the rockets. BUT if I was Rudy I would use some zone myself. Griffin is from what Ive seen and heard already a good weak side shot blocker and Cato if nothing else can block some shots as well. A good shot blocker or two is an excellent plus while playing a 2-3 or 2-1-2. Why not pack it in against some of the best low post teams? We have very quick guards that can stay with perimeter players to try to deny some 3's, so PACK IN THE POST D! I cant hardly wait to see what happens, I want to see Rudy play some 2-1-2 and see how coaches counter. I could get some awesome ideas to use with my team. And before anyone else says it, I know the Lakers have post and perimeter pretty much covered and a zone will be no better than a man D, but for some other teams I think we could use the zone with some success.
Drex22-Right on. I hope the Rockets always have a man hovering the basket. Also, we don't have many good man-to-man defenders, so it would make sense for the Rockets to be constantly double teaming, or to actually play a true zone.
