Around The NBA - [Part 1]: Updated Games PG. 58

[ibraheim718]

Do you think it's true, though? I don't. Machado is a nice player and clearly has talent...however, I don't think he can run an offense right now. Lamb? He's good in the pick and roll, but he can't really run the offense from the off-guard position. Parsons is a solid all around player, but he can't run an offense.

McHale should be tayloring the offense to fit Lin's strengths -- spacing the court, keeping the middle open, and having Lin attack off the dribble in the pick and roll.

Once the games count that is exactly what is going to be happening... just like it happened in the 3rd quarter of the Hornets game. It makes no sense to empty the tank right now... as a coach you should have specific objectives you want the team to meet in the preseason. And doing what you ALREADY know you want to do isn't one of them.

So you're saying he's trying to see what works and doesn't work now -- wants to see what will be at his disposal during the regular season? That makes sense.

I still think it would be beneficial to be trying to work on the things that will be a staple of the offense now, rather than only using practices and then learning on the fly during the regular season. Building chemistry is important (especially when running the pick and roll), and now is the perfect time to work on it.

You can work on it during practice... what you can't work on is rotations and combinations of players that's what preseason games are for... trying to find in game strengths of some of the back of the rotation guys.

Patterson who is going to be the Pick and pop guy in the PnR didn't play... Martin who will be spotting up for kick outs on PnR's didn't play either... it's just preseason... those guys looked like Mchale has been running them to death in practice... got to get their lungs ready. I'm sure he'll rotate who sits and plays next game.

[j4remi]

If you know one thing that definitely works why run it to death in the preseason? Did you watch the 3rd quarter against NO? They ran the hell out of the PnR in that game and it worked. You aren't going to get better doing the things you already know you're good at... they have to work on some of the other areas as well. I wouldn't read too much into any of the preseason games... that's my advice. What I've seen in 3 games thus far doesn't lead me to make an assumption one way or another about the kid.

I'm not suggesting they run one play, I'm not saying only run the PnR...I'm saying they need to keep the ball in Lin's hands and let him figure out how to utilize his teammates...Lin's 1 assist is a testament not to poor play or decision making but the fact that they didn't even give him a damned chance to operate. How do you expect your PG to command respect when he's young, coming into a new team and you're letting Carlos Delfino and Jeremy Lamb orchestrate at his expense for an entire game? The only excuse I can think is that they really are protecting his knee...but that's far fetched.

[rockmanslim]

Real talk......

The guys praising every single minute of Lin being on the court is just as annoying as the I told u so crew.

It's preseason. Lin is ok.

He ain't balling like no tomorrow and he isn't stinking the joint up.

He's playing well within s team structure.

Both sides need to step back and get off the youngman's nuts.

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did you actually watch the game? he was invisible at best, liability on both ends at worst. and i was a huge fan of linsanity last season. he looked like a d-leaguer today.

And your point is? Yes I watched the game.

I saw a coach dig in and see what he truly has from a team perspective.

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well my point was that he doesn't look ok. houston should be worried. or, if they want to tank, they should be ecstatic.

Speaking of McHale, I don't know if his heart is in it from the interviews I read...

just about every interview i've seen of mchale, he seems disgusted that his team is so young and unproven. it's like he knows what's coming and wants no part of it.

[ibraheim718]

They are probably just trying different combination/positions and see what works what doesn't. But for sure, Lin was bad.

The whole team minus Asik and some of the end of the bench guys looked bad. But for me what I saw was a physically drained team... it looks like Mchale is running them hard in practice in preparation for the regular season. I wouldn't be shocked if Lin and Parson sit next game and Douglas and White are made active.

Speaking of McHale, I don't know if his heart is in it from the interviews I read...

He's a mystery to me... Was a front office guy in minny then fired the coach (iirc) and came down and finished up the season on the bench and now has come back to coaching so I'm pretty sure he enjoys coaching more.

But all these guys (coaches and players) are probably fatigued a little mentally and physically... training camp isn't fun... coaches are probably not sleeping much.. players feel like they're in high school again running so much. Once the season kicks off and routines are established we'll get more a feel about which teams are ACTUALLY going to be good and which teams aren't etc.

[j4remi]

Didn't want this related to the Knicks at all but both coaches are doing very similar things.

You guys are overanalyzing a coach seeing what he has.

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You don't have to see how your starting PG handles spot up shooting from the wing aka SG duties

You don't have to see how your SG's handle pick and roll duties for an entire game aka PG duties

The Rockets were completely out of sync all game, that hasn't happened once with the Knicks. The difference is that Woodson has started his games out with the Knicks running pieces exactly how they would in reality and then after a term of playing hard ball, he brings in the youth to see what they've got. But when Felton/Kidd/Melo/TC are on the floor, he's not experimenting with them doing things that they likely won't be called to do in a typical game situation.

[NBA Fan 1234]

Wasn't McHale hated in Minny? (Could be mistaken)

[ibraheim718]

If you know one thing that definitely works why run it to death in the preseason? Did you watch the 3rd quarter against NO? They ran the hell out of the PnR in that game and it worked. You aren't going to get better doing the things you already know you're good at... they have to work on some of the other areas as well. I wouldn't read too much into any of the preseason games... that's my advice. What I've seen in 3 games thus far doesn't lead me to make an assumption one way or another about the kid.

I'm not suggesting they run one play, I'm not saying only run the PnR...I'm saying they need to keep the ball in Lin's hands and let him figure out how to utilize his teammates...Lin's 1 assist is a testament not to poor play or decision making but the fact that they didn't even give him a damned chance to operate. How do you expect your PG to command respect when he's young, coming into a new team and you're letting Carlos Delfino and Jeremy Lamb orchestrate at his expense for an entire game? The only excuse I can think is that they really are protecting his knee...but that's far fetched.

You didn't watch the game on Friday then.. because he was really good friday night. Ups and downs... today was a down, no doubt... but the whole team looked lethargic and fatigued.

[Knicks_Fan2]

It's impossible to develop sound conclusions from the preseason one way or another. Observations obviously will be made but nobody's year is being even close to decided by this garbage.

[ibraheim718]

It's impossible to develop sound conclusions from the preseason one way or another. Observations obviously will be made but nobody's year is being even close to decided by this garbage.

Well put... it's hard to watch this stuff most of the time.

[j4remi]

If you know one thing that definitely works why run it to death in the preseason? Did you watch the 3rd quarter against NO? They ran the hell out of the PnR in that game and it worked. You aren't going to get better doing the things you already know you're good at... they have to work on some of the other areas as well. I wouldn't read too much into any of the preseason games... that's my advice. What I've seen in 3 games thus far doesn't lead me to make an assumption one way or another about the kid.

I'm not suggesting they run one play, I'm not saying only run the PnR...I'm saying they need to keep the ball in Lin's hands and let him figure out how to utilize his teammates...Lin's 1 assist is a testament not to poor play or decision making but the fact that they didn't even give him a damned chance to operate. How do you expect your PG to command respect when he's young, coming into a new team and you're letting Carlos Delfino and Jeremy Lamb orchestrate at his expense for an entire game? The only excuse I can think is that they really are protecting his knee...but that's far fetched.

You didn't watch the game on Friday then.. because he was really good friday night. Ups and downs... today was a down, no doubt... but the whole team looked lethargic and fatigued.

What does having a good game on Friday have to do with the fact that the coach literally took the ball out of Lin's hands for an entire game and relegating him to standing around on the wings when Lin should be running the offense period?

[j4remi]

It's impossible to develop sound conclusions from the preseason one way or another. Observations obviously will be made but nobody's year is being even close to decided by this garbage.

Definitely can't make full on conclusions, I'm not saying Lin is going to stink...I'm just saying Mchale completely set Lin up to fail today and there was no rhyme or reason to way he utilized Lin in this one.

[Thugger HBC]

Didn't want this related to the Knicks at all but both coaches are doing very similar things.

You guys are overanalyzing a coach seeing what he has.

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You don't have to see how your starting PG handles spot up shooting from the wing aka SG duties

You don't have to see how your SG's handle pick and roll duties for an entire game aka PG duties

The Rockets were completely out of sync all game, that hasn't happened once with the Knicks. The difference is that Woodson has started his games out with the Knicks running pieces exactly how they would in reality and then after a term of playing hard ball, he brings in the youth to see what they've got. But when Felton/Kidd/Melo/TC are on the floor, he's not experimenting with them doing things that they likely won't be called to do in a typical game situation.

They're out of sync because of youth and the coach imo is looking at everything.

But both coaches are looking to see what they have.

I truly believe that and really have no qualms with that either is doing.

Based on how I'm understanding this Ama 're should be on the court since Woody is running actual situations.

He is but he isn't at times just like McHale.

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[Thugger HBC]

It's impossible to develop sound conclusions from the preseason one way or another. Observations obviously will be made but nobody's year is being even close to decided by this garbage.

Definitely can't make full on conclusions, I'm not saying Lin is going to stink...I'm just saying Mchale completely set Lin up to fail today and there was no rhyme or reason to way he utilized Lin in this one.

Remi, most believe Lin can play off the ball.

What's wrong with the coach seeing if so?

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[ibraheim718]

What does having a good game on Friday have to do with the fact that the coach literally took the ball out of Lin's hands for an entire game and relegating him to standing around on the wings when Lin should be running the offense period?

Because what was done Friday is more of what you're going to see than what was done today.

So did you watch the game?

[CU_NY09]

If you know one thing that definitely works why run it to death in the preseason? Did you watch the 3rd quarter against NO? They ran the hell out of the PnR in that game and it worked. You aren't going to get better doing the things you already know you're good at... they have to work on some of the other areas as well. I wouldn't read too much into any of the preseason games... that's my advice. What I've seen in 3 games thus far doesn't lead me to make an assumption one way or another about the kid.

I'm not suggesting they run one play, I'm not saying only run the PnR...I'm saying they need to keep the ball in Lin's hands and let him figure out how to utilize his teammates...Lin's 1 assist is a testament not to poor play or decision making but the fact that they didn't even give him a damned chance to operate. How do you expect your PG to command respect when he's young, coming into a new team and you're letting Carlos Delfino and Jeremy Lamb orchestrate at his expense for an entire game? The only excuse I can think is that they really are protecting his knee...but that's far fetched.

WTF were they thinking letting Delfino and Lamb control the ball? I may be exaggerating but there were times where TJones and Lamb were looking Lin off and going into tunnel mode.

[NBA Fan 1234]

What does having a good game on Friday have to do with the fact that the coach literally took the ball out of Lin's hands for an entire game and relegating him to standing around on the wings when Lin should be running the offense period?

Because what was done Friday is more of what you're going to see than what was done today.

So did you watch the game?

I didn't watch it...so I'm out of the convo here, I guess.

[j4remi]

Remi, most believe Lin can play off the ball.

What's wrong with the coach seeing if so?

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Bc Lin is still figuring out the system as a PG...turning him into a glorified SG for a full game just doesn't make sense. How many games has Ray Felton been on the floor and NOT given large portions of his play to orchestrate? Kidd? Prigs? They've taken turns and played off ball at times, but you'll never see ANY of the PG's relegated to off the ball play for an entire game. At least not until roles have been completely figured out, wherein lies even more of my problem...Lin's got his role, why experiment with a different role three games into the preseason?

Because what was done Friday is more of what you're going to see than what was done today.

So did you watch the game?

Nope, but that's exactly why I've said this game plan for today's game was a completely ridiculous look...that gearing the entire offense around Asik is not promising...and that going to other players to run pick and rolls amid rumors that Lin is still not recovered and staff isn't happy about is rehab doesn't project well.

And for the third time, your floor general should be utilized as such every game...that doesn't mean running him through pick and rolls and all starter plays...but let him run passing plays to the wings and baseline, have him set up the plays from the wing. You don't spend a full game wholesale changing Lin's roles, especially if, by your admission and Lin's own...he didn't assert himself for an entire half of that game.

[CU_NY09]

Mchale is putting Lin off ball because he doesn’t feel he is their best Orchestrator… Not talking mess but that has to be his thinking.. Coaches don’t take the ball OUT of their best players hands...

I'm fine with that, if true...but then why the hell did they shell out the cash to get him...Just seems really dumb to pay this guy money that could have kept Dragic around (who was successful for this system) just to have him float to wings and play to his weaknesses (off ball jumpers).

Do you think it's true, though? I don't. Machado is a nice player and clearly has talent...however, I don't think he can run an offense right now. Lamb? He's good in the pick and roll, but he can't really run the offense from the off-guard position. Parsons is a solid all around player, but he can't run an offense.

McHale should be tayloring the offense to fit Lin's strengths -- spacing the court, keeping the middle open, and having Lin attack off the dribble in the pick and roll.

Why are you even entertaining this? You know better than that. Of course it's not true. Mchale has praised Lin all throughout training camp. I do agree with the bold though.

[j4remi]

I'm not suggesting they run one play, I'm not saying only run the PnR...I'm saying they need to keep the ball in Lin's hands and let him figure out how to utilize his teammates...Lin's 1 assist is a testament not to poor play or decision making but the fact that they didn't even give him a damned chance to operate. How do you expect your PG to command respect when he's young, coming into a new team and you're letting Carlos Delfino and Jeremy Lamb orchestrate at his expense for an entire game? The only excuse I can think is that they really are protecting his knee...but that's far fetched.

WTF were they thinking letting Delfino and Lamb control the ball? I may be exaggerating but there were times where TJones and Lamb were looking Lin off and going into tunnel mode.

EXACTLY! That's setting these guys up with bad habits...I don't care if you're experimenting or not...Lin has to be the one they look for when he demands the ball. That was absolutely crucial during the Linsanity run and putting him into a tentative role for an entire game is dumb.

Nothing against Lin, I place this squarely on McHale who I consider a damned fool.

[CU_NY09]

Remi, most believe Lin can play off the ball.

What's wrong with the coach seeing if so?

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Bc Lin is still figuring out the system as a PG...turning him into a glorified SG for a full game just doesn't make sense. How many games has Ray Felton been on the floor and NOT given large portions of his play to orchestrate? Kidd? Prigs? They've taken turns and played off ball at times, but you'll never see ANY of the PG's relegated to off the ball play for an entire game. At least not until roles have been completely figured out, wherein lies even more of my problem...Lin's got his role, why experiment with a different role three games into the preseason?

Because what was done Friday is more of what you're going to see than what was done today.

So did you watch the game?

Nope, but that's exactly why I've said this game plan for today's game was a completely ridiculous look...that gearing the entire offense around Asik is not promising...and that going to other players to run pick and rolls amid rumors that Lin is still not recovered and staff isn't happy about is rehab doesn't project well.

And for the third time, your floor general should be utilized as such every game...that doesn't mean running him through pick and rolls and all starter plays...but let him run passing plays to the wings and baseline, have him set up the plays from the wing. You don't spend a full game wholesale changing Lin's roles, especially if, by your admission and Lin's own...he didn't assert himself for an entire half of that game.

You really need to lay off the nydn article. Why on earth would the rockets staff or any other team's staff relay any information to mitch lawrence? Even the rockets beat writers called the article ridiculous.