We have Casspi to contribute 15-25mpg a night, but he’s a specialty role player who excels in uptempo lineups (and obviously can’t hang with the more physical PFs in the NBA). Some guys who’ve been discussed as possible targets in trade rumors such as Ryan Anderson and Jeff Green would really be taking Casspi’s role – and just be a “rich man’s Casspi” for us. Neither would address what we’re missing from the PF spot. So ask yourself what we need really out of the PF position in today’s NBA (and who we currently have, not counting Dwight – I don’t want any more extended 2 C lineups): - A guy who can space the floor next to Dwight (Casspi) - A guy who can run the floor when we’re going uptempo (Casspi/Parsons in small lineups) - A guy who can stay with athletic 4s defensively (nobody) - A guy who can bang inside with physical 4s, defensively and on the glass (nobody) - A guy who can finish around the rim (nobody) - A guy who can find ways to contribute without a high USG% (nobody?) Jones, while he’s shown himself to be raw and inconsistent at times, has the ability to check off pretty much every one of those “empty” boxes for us at the PF position. Defense is a lot more than physical ability, but having lateral quickness, fluidity and athleticism in a 6’9” 250 frame is a huge advantage. The best way to build that necessary awareness is in-game experience, and playing next to Dwight is a nice start. What we really need is a guy who can provide energy/athleticism and not be a liability at either end from that spot, and Jones has the ability to be that guy. Why not give him a shot, and start off with 10-15 mpg?
And also throw in the fact that he doesn't crowd the paint for Dwight and has some face-up potential offensively (mostly driving, as his J is still developing - but it's not broken either)
I think the key here is that you confuse 'ability' with 'potential'. If Jones really had the ability to check off most of these boxes, I'd bet he would play. But having the potential is a far cry from fulfilling it, and right now Jones has to be patient on a team that is planning to make some noise in the postseason and developing young players is not high on the priority list. As the season develops, and people will miss time due to injuries etc., it will be Jones' opportunity to show that he can turn potential into ability.
No, lol, his J is broken. It's an ugly shot that bricks hard. He's also kind of slow reaction-wise on defense. Offensively, he can drive quite well.
While he had his aimless moments in the preseason, I remember the team running very smoothly when he was in (especially the starting group)...I think he had some of the best +/- numbers on the team (a flawed stat, I know). The point is that he may not always look great if you focus on him, but his natural tools allow him to do a lot of the intangible things needed on this team.
I haven't seen the improved Jones that people talk about during the Summer. It's the same Jones to me...the slow, hesitant and pass the ball facilitator Jones of last year. He needs to attack the basket and be a part of the team. I haven't seen that from him and Dmo since they came into this league. It's like they have their hands tied up and not allowed to do those things because they're NOT good enough. I remember when Lin and Harden play for the 1st several games, Lin was just playing as a facilitator...not being aggressive and attacking the basket...or not giving the chance to do what he can do....it's the same thing i see w/ Jones and Dmo. They haven't done anything. There is a reason they're being benched and not getting full confident from the coaches. They need to play like Parson and Garcia and Casspi and be part of the team.
- A guy who can finish around the rim (nobody) - A guy who can find ways to contribute without a high USG% (nobody?) DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS
- A guy who can space the floor next to Dwight (Casspi) - A guy who can run the floor when we’re going uptempo (Casspi/Parsons in small lineups) DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS
Morris was #theworst D-Mo has touch, but doesn't finish well through contact at all. And unlike Jones, he's significantly better when he gets consistent touches. When he had his "hot start" last year after Pat got dealt, it was because we were feeding him the ball. Then, he became an afterthought, and struggled to contribute while being a complementary player.
Sorry for triple posting, too bad there is no edit option, but DMo is the answer to a lot of our problems/needs. Who cares he's bad on defense? Look at Chicago - great defending center in Noah and bad defending PF in Boozer. But Boozer is good on offense. Look at Indiana. Same story: Hibbert - monster on D, while West never was known for his D. We can have the same here in Houston, with defensive monster at Center in Howard or Asik when he's coming off the bench and DMo @ PF, because he's very good on offense, just like west and boozer, and no one cares about defense at PF. THIS WOULD WORK. #fireMcHell
The Rockets suck in situations like this. They are always to slow to react. Jones has been the obvious choice all along.
D-Mo is 1000000 times softer than West and softer than Boozer as well. Also, D-Mo is at his best close to the basket, while West/Boozer operate well in the 15-foot area. D-Mo would crowd Howard near the basket, and if we send him outside, he'd just launch a bunch of threes (which he'd only make 1/4th of). He's not the answer.
I honestly think the Rockets will end up giving up on Jones at the deadline. I think after the deadline, we will have Ryan Anderson and no more Jones or Asik. If we can get Anderson for Asik, you've got to do it, in my opinion. As much as I'd hate to lose the Turkish Troll, he just doesn't fit with this team. Anderson obviously fits.
