Greg Smith the future starter for the Rockets?

[TMACFORMVP]

Yeah, a reason I think he's been so effective is because he's established himself as our best P&R big offensively. And with Harden/Lin being so effective in the pick and roll, Smith with those aforementioned qualities (hands, finishing/rolling ability), he's been thriving.

[moofs]

I'm in agreement with an earlier post: we're bringing him along while focusing on showcasing our assets that aren't in our long term interest. I don't know if smith can be our starting pf or not, but it's possible...

[Nebula1]

I really enjoy watching him play, but I don't think he's the long-term solution at power forward.

[madbucky]

I'd start Smith now at PF.

Personally, I'm not a fan of Morris' game. Morris took 9 shots today, 7 of them were 3s. We already have enough 3 pt shooters: Harden, Parsons, Delfino, Douglas, Cook. Do we need our PF to shoot 3s too? The worst part of his 3 pt attempts (besides missing 6 of 7) is that it takes him away from rebounding. 2 rebounds in 30 minutes is atrocious for a PF. I want a PF to clean up the boards and get easy put backs.

[moofs]

I'd start Smith now at PF.

Personally, I'm not a fan of Morris' game. Morris took 9 shots today, 7 of them were 3s. We already have enough 3 pt shooters: Harden, Parsons, Delfino, Douglas, Cook. Do we need our PF to shoot 3s too? The worst part of his 3 pt attempts (besides missing 6 of 7) is that it takes him away from rebounding. 2 rebounds in 30 minutes is atrocious for a PF. I want a PF to clean up the boards and get easy put backs.

I think Morris has shown flashes of being a capable backup, but he definitely needs to get rid of every last scrap of the mentality he had in college, which is easier said than done.

[spolgar]

Morris is not a four. He played 3 in college, and he only played 4 when his brother was on the bench in college. Self never really employed him where he had to handle or drive much either. When he came out at 225 pounds at 6-9, I pegged him as a tweener. He's a good scorer who can function as a spacer competently in the NBA and as a scorer he can somewhat create his own shot. But he can't board very well, nor does he pass out of trouble beyond basic competency.

I don't dislike the guy and he's made a lot of progress in the D-League. His future on this team is Chandler Parson's backup.

I don't know Smith is ready yet either. He's been good at spot minutes in a running game where he can sprint, fill the lane on offense, catch the ball and score easily before the defense is set. He's been good at D as well. But I really don't know if I can throw him the ball where he's rooted at the block with his back to the basket, and he can go ahead and create his own shot. His offense is predicated on dribble penetration by the guards, or put backs from clean ups. If he can't create his own shot at the 4 today, can he ever be a starter? There aren't too many Jeff Fosters in the league anymore...

[moofs]

A lot of guys come into the league unable to create their own shot. Look at Hayes' development from a layup-missing rebounder to a defensive juggernaut and offensive dynamo.

[spolgar]

Moofs, I'm just saying he's not going to be a starter until he can. He's already a rotaional player. If he progresses on a Hayes like trajectory, then he would be much better offensively as he already has more tools. But man, that is a trajectory that I have yet to see. Few in this league got that good starting with so little.

[rockmanslim]

He sees himself starting in 5 years:

Joseph Treutlein: Where do you see yourself five years from now as a player? What will be different?

Greg Smith: I could see myself as a starting power forward or center for any team in this league, hopefully the Rockets. I could be a good player you can count on, a good player who can average good numbers and help a team win. And five years from now, I believe I could be an All-Star player.

(From the article: "Greg Smith: I Have a Big Chip on My Shoulder for Not Getting Drafted"
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Gre ... afted-4059)

The whole article is long but it's really good and should instantly convert you into a Greg Smith fan if you aren't one already. Love how after he was humbled, he just put his head down and worked. He's the anti-Royce White.

Seems like the org has started Beverley on a similar development path as Smith.

[tanm10]

was an interesting article. You're definitely right about him being the opposite of hashtag.

he does actually looks like hes a late developer. If he could get bigger and stronger he could be a beast downlow

[TMU]

He sees himself starting in 5 years:

Joseph Treutlein: Where do you see yourself five years from now as a player? What will be different?

Greg Smith: I could see myself as a starting power forward or center for any team in this league, hopefully the Rockets. I could be a good player you can count on, a good player who can average good numbers and help a team win. And five years from now, I believe I could be an All-Star player.

(From the article: "Greg Smith: I Have a Big Chip on My Shoulder for Not Getting Drafted"
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Gre ... afted-4059)

The whole article is long but it's really good and should instantly convert you into a Greg Smith fan if you aren't one already. Love how after he was humbled, he just put his head down and worked. He's the anti-Royce White.

Seems like the org has started Beverley on a similar development path as Smith.

Good read. He's our new Chuck Hayes.

[Guy986]

Hard worker, big body, reliable rebounder, strong finisher.... cheap contract.

Good find Morey. Good find.

[rayisgreat]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5HpGm5aD10[/youtube]


Discuss

[inquisitive]

i think he has a high ceiling and expectations...best hands in the league from what i've seen.

[EzeDoesIt]

he reminds me of a bigger carl landry

I can see that a little bit, but he's a much, much better rebounder and defender than Landry, albeit with less ability offensively. He is a really good finisher though.