Obviously, with the trade deadline approaching, Kevin is having to change up the rotation a bit. Last game, Williams got some burn, and tonight, we saw Parsons sit again, with Dragic getting more time. Goran looked pretty good while TWill showed flashes. Even so, an argument could be made that we lost both of these games because Chandler Parsons was sitting during key moments (despite Goran's heroics tonight)....that and the fact that we're a work in progress. I understand the Rockets have to do this as we are going to be major players before the deadline, but it's tough to take.... That said, I have to say how impressed I am with Kevin. He, as advertised, has a talent for developing players, esp. big men. But it goes much further than that. IMO, Lurch's old school approach is exactly what you need when working with a young team. Guys work their butts off to earn minutes, or they ride the pine. The game is taught the right way..play both ends. I like the culture that is being developed as we enter another era of Rockets hoops. It's my hope that Les not only exhibits patience in letting McHale develop this team, but allows him to ride this horse in. Because in addition to being a good mentor/teacher type, he knows how to win. Just look at what at what he's done with Parsons. The last couple of games it seems as if Chandler's had it going big time (I mean taking it up ANOTHER notch). He seems to be getting better and better. Of course there's the amazing defense, but the more I see of Chandler, the more I'm convinced that he will be a starting 3 in this League for many years ...and not just an average one. So, everybody needs to chill. We've got a damn good coach, an extraordinary GM, and are positioned to make hay for a long time. C'mon, Les! "Go the distance".
Nice post. I agree with many of your points. Parsons played 29 minutes tonight which is already above his average. I don't think Goran was necessarily showcased, I think McHale really trusted Goran. He made some nice shots but I didn't really like that 3 guard lineup toward the end. Parsons should have been guarding Pierce IMO. I have a gut feeling that these may be Goran's last days as a Rocket though...
Realize that McHale much more than Adelman, and JVG will be much more involved with trades and drafting talent. McHale has experience as a GM and seems to communicate very well with the front office. "Showcasing" will happen with this team if its necessary. I dont think Parson's really needs to be showcased. Any GM with half a brain knows what this kid can do. Same with Terrence and Dragon. Now if Thabeet all the sudden gets thrown out there in the 2nd quarter... That my friends is showcasing. When Jeff Adrien got thrown out there randomly the eve of him being cut, that was showcasing... but it was meant for Adrien so he could get picked up by another team. Yes, watch out for some random showcasing in the next couple games, but Parsons and Dragic are not being showcased IMO. If anyone is taking Terrence they know what they are getting, and know its a low risk gamble either way.
