What is Houston Missing to Win a Championship?

[jbohle]

Personally, I feel like Houston's starting five is probably the best starting five in the NBA, with the exception of maybe the point guard position. Harden is probably the best shooting guard, Parsons is the 5th best small forward, Jones has really made himself known as a strong option, offensively and defensively, and of course, there's Dwight Howard. Patrick Beverly is a solid guard because he's scrappy and can shoot the three, but Jeremy Lin can't facilitate a bench squad by himself.

In my opinion, Houston is missing a bench. I just don't think Houston's bench can really compete with any other team, offensively or defensively. You have Francisco Garcia and Omri Casspi, who can hit the three but are anything from automatic, Aaron Brooks, who's a great scorer but lacks defensively, and Greg Smith, a sound center that brings little to the team.

I'm a Houston fan for sure and I'd love to see them win another championship, but I just don't think they're quite capable of it yet. We need a point guard that can contain guards Westbrook, Paul, Curry, and Dragic, but more importantly we need production and defense from the second unit.

Any thoughts?

[Mr. E]

Having Asik back and the emergence of Motie helps the Rockets bench tremendously.

But that said, at this time I don't think that you can say that the Rockets have the best starting five with a straight face. To me that clearly goes to the Indiana Pacers...and there is that team in Miami who has been pretty good for a while now.

This Rockets team is a work in progress, but they are making progress. It has been very encouraging to watch them over the past several games. I feel like things may be starting to click...but there is still a long way to go.

Welcome to the Rockets board, jbohle!

[baki]

Personally, I feel like Houston's starting five is probably the best starting five in the NBA, with the exception of maybe the point guard position. Harden is probably the best shooting guard, Parsons is the 5th best small forward, Jones has really made himself known as a strong option, offensively and defensively, and of course, there's Dwight Howard. Patrick Beverly is a solid guard because he's scrappy and can shoot the three, but Jeremy Lin can't facilitate a bench squad by himself.

Best starting five in the NBA? There are probably 8 or 10 other teams with better starting five.

The Rockets don't have experience on their side to win any championships but we're talented enough for us to enjoy some games. We just don't have a super talent like Lebron or a seasoned leader who can lead a group of youngsters. Howard is an Otis Thorpe not an Akeem, Parsons is a Dan Marleje not a McHale, Harden is a Carmelo Anthony not a Kobe. As for Beverley he is only starting to simplify McHale's game plan and spread Lin's offense to the second unit even though Lin plays more minutes with the starting five (Lin's and Harden's game are essentially the same). If you think Beverley is a solid guard then why isn't he leading the second unit? It's because he is not an offensive option or a playmaker. He is not the point guard to stop the westbrooks, pauls and currys in the league.

In my opinion, Houston is missing a bench. I just don't think Houston's bench can really compete with any other team, offensively or defensively. You have Francisco Garcia and Omri Casspi, who can hit the three but are anything from automatic, Aaron Brooks, who's a great scorer but lacks defensively, and Greg Smith, a sound center that brings little to the team.

Our bench is overqualified and constant on trade-watch, we have a group of players who can play but are only given limited minutes to have any influence in the game because we have to give some starters 38-40 minutes a game. As a result, they are playing for their own shots and selfishly. We have a talented player in Lin who is better than a lot of starting guards in the NBA but is coming off the bench to run plays not only for the first unit but also for the second. No one can do that on a regular basis and be effective.

[jbohle]

Haha I do appreciate the warm welcome Mr. E!

Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit with best starting five, but I think you've got to give them top 4 or 5. As far as Indiana goes, I'm still not completely sold on Paul George as a superstar. Personally, I just feel that when the game's on the line, you can't just give it to George and ask him to make a play like Durant or LeBron. Not saying that Harden can do it better than George necessarily, but despite all the statistics, I feel like Indiana has so many weaknesses that teams like the Suns can expose despite their dominance of a front court.

But yes, baki, I absolutely agree that Beverley isn't an offensive option or playmaker, and that's the problem. But I do disagree with you about the overqualified bench. If they're so overqualified, why is that that McHale "has to give some starters 38-40 minutes a game?" If they were skilled enough to be competitive in more minutes, then McHale would give them more opportunities. I've watched countless games where Houston busts out and scores 40 in the first quarter, only to go scoreless and allow 10 points within the first 4 minutes of the second quarter. I do agree that they play selfish because of the limited minutes, though.

I know Asik can bring a strong defensive presence to the second unit and I think he'll be big for them, but I think they're a point guard and a improved bench away from a championship.

[Alex I Be]

They are missing a Rajon Rondo.

[baki]

I'm still not completely sold on Paul George as a superstar. Personally, I just feel that when the game's on the line, you can't just give it to George and ask him to make a play like Durant or LeBron. Not saying that Harden can do it better than George necessarily, but despite all the statistics, I feel like Indiana has so many weaknesses that teams like the Suns can expose despite their dominance of a front court.

PG is a superstar and far more useful than Harden, more athletic and a far better defender by a mile. I actually think that most NBA players would pick George over Harden in a pickup game. Indiana plays well together, with a good mix of young players playing together and a few hardworking vets. I was hoping the 2013 Houston unit last season would grow into something similar but we ended up getting Harden.

But yes, baki, I absolutely agree that Beverley isn't an offensive option or playmaker, and that's the problem. But I do disagree with you about the overqualified bench. If they're so overqualified, why is that that McHale "has to give some starters 38-40 minutes a game?" If they were skilled enough to be competitive in more minutes, then McHale would give them more opportunities. I've watched countless games where Houston busts out and scores 40 in the first quarter, only to go scoreless and allow 10 points within the first 4 minutes of the second quarter. I do agree that they play selfish because of the limited minutes, though.

The reason why the team loses its lead sometimes after a timeout is because of the coaching, the other team's coaches are just better at drawing up plays and changing the tempo of the game. McHale tends to rely on the team's talent to bail themselves out of a hole because he is simply not an XO guy (Sampson may be the one doing that and we still fall behind). Our coaching is not solid at all.

Our bench is somewhat overqualified for the minutes they get, they are not scrubs:

Asik is a starting center who shouldn't be on the bench watching Howard. Howard doesn't need a practice partner because he can't improve his game anymore, whereas Asik still can.

Dmo is a center/power forward who can shoot and pass the ball. Too good to be left as a scrub or garbage time collector (better than Matt Bonner), he has as much potential as anyone else on the team.

Casspi is our Delfino, only younger and stronger. He'll be a great spark off the bench.

Lin is a starting point guard who may be raw in experience but is talented enough to score 30++ if someone ask him to (and everyone knows it). We have our point guard right here, we just need to play together so that we can grow into a developed team like Indiana or Oklahoma rather than as trade-and-win team like the Knicks. Lin is the X-factor on this team and we need him. Besides, the Rockets are so much more exciting to watch with him leading than with Harden or Beverley.

The one big change that will have an impact on this team is a change of coach. I think McHale/Sampson have done all they can and it's time for someone more capable as a leader and strategist to coach this team.

[cw3k]

They are missing a head coach.

Call in Phil Jackson out of retirement. Sell him that he can beat his own record with 12 and 13 rings.

[BaYBaller]

Defense

[ChokeFasncists]

But yes, baki, I absolutely agree that Beverley isn't an offensive option or playmaker, and that's the problem. But I do disagree with you about the overqualified bench. If they're so overqualified, why is that that McHale "has to give some starters 38-40 minutes a game?" If they were skilled enough to be competitive in more minutes, then McHale would give them more opportunities. I've watched countless games where Houston busts out and scores 40 in the first quarter, only to go scoreless and allow 10 points within the first 4 minutes of the second quarter. I do agree that they play selfish because of the limited minutes, though.

McHale plays the starters so many minutes because, well, the starters are better than the bench players, therefore, he rides them to more wins to save his job.

They are missing a head coach.

Call in Phil Jackson out of retirement. Sell him that he can beat his own record with 12 and 13 rings.

In another thread, I've already pointed out that Phil wants management power like Pat. Well, we've got Morey. We were saying that luring Sloan for his first ring would be interesting and he's a great fit in b-ball terms; unfortunately he comes with great baggage being the historical rival, we'll see on that.

I think as the team currently stands, we need everyone to get healthy and have some stability. This is a young team and they need time to gel, get more experience and get comfortable with their roles.

Lin/Garcia/Casspi/DMo/Asik is a very good lineup for the bench. It's just that DMo is quite green, Asik has been out, I imagine Garcia would play better when we get close to the playoffs as a veteran and Lin has been subbing for the injured Bev and Harden; if he's a assigned the sixth man role of setting up the offense for the second unit and finishing games, he'd need time to adjust and I think he and the unit will flourish. (I must say that I'm not a big fan of putting your best facilitator on the bench to start the game, it has never been done before. OP, if the starter at PG is the 18/7, tripdub Lin, then one could make a case that our starting lineup is the best in the league, but right now he's not able to do that consistently and the situation does not allow that to happen; it'd take some time I think) Brooks as 13th man is luxury.

I have a pretty positive outlook for this team, they'd be great if they get healthy, DMo and TJ mature, Asik buys in, Lin gets more consistent, Dwight gets better at post up, Harden be a winning leader (plays D, play team ball). I think we're already seeing signs that all these are slowly but surely happening. IMO if we get a real good coach, next year is time to contend for a championship.

EDIT: I have a feeling that when he gets better, having DMo start at PF with Lin and Dwight would be better; then we could have TJ come off the bench to play the Odom role. That might optimize our roster I think.

[Nebula1]

Upgrading point guard and the bench.

And time... these guys only just started playing together.

[cw3k]

Upgrading point guard and the bench.

And time... these guys only just started playing together.

Harden is the point guard.

[BleedGreen1989]

Defense

This is it from an outsider opinion.

I really like this Houston roster but I worry about perimeter defense.

Bev is very solid against guards but who is this teams defensive "stopper"? Is Parsons capable of guarding the bigger elite perimeter players on the league?

[texasholdem]

Defense

This is it from an outsider opinion.

I really like this Houston roster but I worry about perimeter defense.

Bev is very solid against guards but who is this teams defensive "stopper"? Is Parsons capable of guarding the bigger elite perimeter players on the league?

Parsons is capable of guarding anyone but he's been more focused on offense this year and his D has slipped a little bit. He often has to guard Harden's man though. Wish we got Courtney Lee from you guys.

[Nebula1]

Upgrading point guard and the bench.

And time... these guys only just started playing together.

Harden is the point guard.

If the Rockets got a healthy Rondo, for example, that would be a tremendous boost to the team. I'd also love to see a surprise move for Ty Lawson.

[MaxRider]

consistent scoring off the bench
asik is not offense treat
lin/dmo/casspi/garcia is not consistent enough

[jbohle]

Defense

Bev is very solid against guards but who is this teams defensive "stopper"? Is Parsons capable of guarding the bigger elite perimeter players on the league?

I think Chandler Parsons is the key to the Houston team, and I believe he can be that defensive stopper. He's already proven that he can keep his match-up far below their season averages despite his focus on offense. The problem is, Parsons often found himself guarding the power forward because of his height, but now that Jones has become a stronger player, he can focus more on his match-up. However, he does find himself covering a smaller 2-guard because he is a better defender than Harden, but even then he does a pretty good job. I think Parsons can guard a Durant or LeBron just about as good as anyone can.

EDIT: I have a feeling that when he gets better, having DMo start at PF with Lin and Dwight would be better; then we could have TJ come off the bench to play the Odom role. That might optimize our roster I think.

I do like DMo, but on the other hand I think Terrence Jones is a great starting power forward. I feel that he's really come alive, and he brings a defensive presence and an energy to the Rockets. I think Jones brings that hustle spark that a team needs by his work on the offensive glass and just his overall play style.

When you look at the bench from a Lin/Garcia/Casspi/DMo/Asik perspective, that's definitely a competitive bench. The key to that squad is also the biggest problem in Asik. If Asik buys in to the Rockets and what they're trying to accomplish, I think that makes them a championship competitor. However, Asik feels that he should get more playing time (and rightfully so, but more court-time than Howard or Jones?) and he brings a negative attitude to the team in my opinion. If Asik settles into his role as a defensive center off the bench, I think good things will come of it.

One last thing is I don't think anyone is giving McHale or Sampson enough credit. They've brought this team from losing centerpieces like T-Mac and Yao into championship contention without plummeting to the bottom and without dropping for lottery picks. They've built this team upon young talent and acquisitions such as getting Kevin Martin and Omer Asik. Now, granted, they have a few superstars, so why would anyone knock McHale for leading the Rockets out to a 35-17 record despite not really having a healthy roster with Beverley, Lin, Harden, Parsons, and Asik all missing significant time. I think McHale has done a great job with Houston. Only five teams in the entire NBA have less losses than Houston.

[KungFuJoe]

This team has two main problems, imo.

Defensive intensity - This is mostly on Harden. He plays the most minutes but he's one of the worst defenders in the entire league. He's supposed to be a leader but he doesn't set the right tone at all. Someone mentioned Parsons...Parsons is an "ok" defender in that he tries and hustles, but he can be overpowered by more physical players and doesn't have the lateral quickness to stay in front of the quicker ones. Beverley and DH are doing a great job in setting the tone...and you can see everyone slowly starting to follow. But Harden will always be a negative in this.

Consistent scoring - Again...I blame Harden. He's been a little better lately, but his ball stopping ways are still evident. Just last night, it was pretty obvious by the end of the 3rd quarter that Harden was single handedly letting the Twolves back in with several bad sequences in a row where he did nothing but dribble out the shot clock and chuck up a no hoper.

To put it quite simply...unless Harden takes a much more serious attitude on defense and moving the ball...I think he hurts this team more than helps it. I still say that this team would be much better with a tough perimeter defender who could give them 15-18 ppg all while being a willing passer.

[manun]

Bench that can hit open 3 pointers, right now our team shoots a lot of 3´s despite missing many.
A Lin that can score 15+ in play offs and Beverly playing hard D.

[cw3k]

You cannot blame Harden for the laziness. He is put in as a SG role and at the same time, require PG function. I don't know if it is on coaching staff or Harden. It is probably both as Harden plays 40 mpg.

Harden does not need to have the ball on his hand every possession. He should be selected on his shot.

[BaYBaller]

You cannot blame Harden for the laziness. He is put in as a SG role and at the same time, require PG function. I don't know if it is on coaching staff or Harden. It is probably both as Harden plays 40 mpg.

Harden does not need to have the ball on his hand every possession. He should be selected on his shot.

What about LeBron? He also has a very high time of possession. Should he be giving it to Chalmers and "let him play PG"?

Harden is our best offensive player, he SHOULD be touching the ball a lot. His issue is he holds the ball too long and tries to create with an assortment of jab steps, step backs, fancy dribbling where he dribbles it off his foot, etc. etc. He just needs to play within the offense. He should catch, maybe do a pump fake and then quickly drive, shoot, or pass.

At the end of the day though, Harden is so gifted offensively he actually isn't technically hurting the offense. His isos score at roughly the same PPP as the average team possession. The biggest issue, BY FAR, is defense. Harden is definitely the worse offender, but it is a team-wide issue. We're over halfway into the season and I have not seem a consistent defensive scheme used yet (e.g. we haven't built a team identity on defense yet where everybody knows what they should be doing on defense at all times).