Here are my predictions for the upcoming season. I'm expecting another move by Morey for a vet big man and maybe one more move, for an experienced Raja Bell type.
50-32 (5th seed in the WC)
36 mpg
20 ppg
9 apg
4.2 rpg
2.3 spg
3.9 topg
These #'s may sound crazy but here are JLin's 2011-2012 36mpg stats:
19.6 ppg
8.3 apg
4.1 rpg
2.1 spg
4.8 topg
The toughest one will probably be lowering his TO's per game by about 1 per game.
JLin will make the all-star team and will be an MVP candidate. Again, some will say thats Linsane, but lets remember, CP3 finished 3rd in the MVP voting this past year with 19.8 and 9.1 and the Clippers finishing 5th in the West. So, it's not really that crazy if he puts up the numbers he is obviously capable of and if he can lead the Rockets to 50 wins.
As of right now, as the highest paid and designated featured player, Harden no doubt will be the 1st option on offense and go to guy in crunch time. The management and coaching staff will make sure this happens and make sure of his success as all of their jobs depend on it. I think as a result, Lin will handle the ball less and have less opportunities to put up such huge stats. I am sure Lin will still produce and continue to play the kind of winning bball we all know. And that's all that matters. I doubt Lin will be in the MVP conversation though. Even he produces that kind of stats, the media will likely credit Harden before Lin. But it doesn't matter really in the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteHighest paid doesn't always mean you're going to be the best player on the team. Just like Lin , Harden has to show that he is worth max contract
DeleteYou are correct. But the coach's system goes a long way for players to produce stats. The more plays call for you, naturally the more opportunities you get.
DeleteIn my mind, Lin's the best player in the sense he will have a higher impact on the game, but not neccesarily the one who produces the best stats.
In nba, management and coaching staff have a culture of featuring their designated stars, sometimes even at the expense of winning. For example, whenever I watch Memphis, I couldn't understand why they always give the last shot to Rudy Gay who often misses than makes when there are clearly better options in their roster. But still they give it to Gay every single time. So I understand it's their design they want to live at, whether it's better or worse doesn't matter.
Cara, I couldn't agree with you more on this assessment above esp. about Gay. He makes them clearly worse imho.
DeleteHe's a Carmelo type...beautiful athleticism, nice long nba body but what does he really do for them except take shots away from Zbo and help them lose games? But nobody except maybe you and me see it that way. I thought they were better off without him completely. Could just be the continual loss of D Arthur who was fantastic a few years ago.
As to Lin, I see it the same way. I think he will be most impactful on the team and produces W/L results but he might not fill up the box score in a crazy manner very often. He may be able to get crazy stats once in a while but I really don't see him doing that every night. He will either get 14-18 ppg, and 5-6 asst or he will get 10-13ppgs and 8-11 ast. I don't see high stats in both categories unless teams really leave him open to do his thing, assuming he is a scrub.
As much as the NBA wants to say he stinks, they will keep him down and focus on shutting down the Rocket backcourt and see if Parsons or PPatt can beat them rather than let Lin run wild.
I hope the site owner is right, but I just dont see it...but at least we all agree Lin will do well and have a positive affect and help the team WIN. Harden and others will get ALL the credit but oh well, as long as the team recognizes Lin's ability.
When the Gay-Battier trade was made at the time, I actually thought that Houston got the better player in Battier.
DeleteRudy Gay reminds me athletically of a big time 80s scorer, Orlando Woolridge. These guys would fly up and down the court making spectacular individual plays but weren't really great at the "ground game".
Shane Battier is one of the best "ground game" players I've ever seen in the NBA. I have always rated him very highly in my own mind, often higher than All Stars. Battier is a unique and fabulous player in my mind whose lack of individual scoring is vastly offset by his "glue guy" qualities.
Everywhere Battier has gone, he has won and won BIG. He is one of my favorite players of all time.
I don't mind others and Harden getting all the credits when they are winning. My only concern is when they are lossing. Who will be the one to blame?
Delete@KHuang:
DeleteYour estimation of Shane Battier is higher than mine. He is a very good role player, but still a role player. There are other role players in the NBA who do not have the benefit of having been "everybody's All American" at Duke. Role players who do the dirty work are more important, but front line players are worth more. And make no mistake: Battier would be a front line player if he had the ability to be. And Memphis does certainly wish that they had drafted Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph, Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas or Richard Jefferson instead of Battier with the #6 overall pick.
Excellent, Unknown.
DeleteI've written here that my definition of a "star" is different from what most basketball observers think of as a "star".
To me, a "star" is a guy who has a humongous impact on winning games. He might not have great individual stats that are immediately visible, but he is the guy that is constantly angling for victory no matter how ugly the task is. Battier, all his life, has been that player. That's why he's been a champion in high school, college, and now the NBA.
I was totally sold on Shane Battier when he came out. I liked him more than any other player in the draft, though I have to admit that Pau Gasol was someone I missed out on because he looked SO scrawny. Maybe Memphis would've taken those players you suggested, but I myself would STILL take Battier over all of those guys even now.
Not many players at any level know how to WIN. Battier, and also Jeremy Lin, know how to win. They know that it's not about who's the strongest or fastest or prettiest, but about who's making the right play at the right time. Battier is really high on my list because of that.
In a similar regard, I actually view a guy like Rudy Gay as a "role player"! His role is to look pretty and score, but he's not going to make THE PLAY at critical junctures of the game like Battier does.
When the game momentum shifts, guys like Battier and Lin are always at the worksite with their lunchpails and pickaxes leading the action!
Houston Rockets:
ReplyDelete7th seed
46-36
Jeremy Lin:
14.3 ppg
3.8 rpg
9.2 apg
3.5 topg
0.2 bpg
2.6 spg
Lin will not be an MVP candidate
Harden will be the number 1 option
DeleteAlmost all rocket fans are declaring him as the go-to-guy
Lin will have less opportunities
No, Lin won't have less opportunities.
DeleteIf anything, Lin will have MORE opportunities.
James Harden actually passes the ball, unlike Kevin Martin who didn't want to pass to Lin and probably got traded because of it!
Yes, Harden is a huge upgrade over Martin. But I also don't see Jlin getting crazy stats because the Rocket offense is about ball movement and spreading out opportunities. I think 9 ast for Lin is possible but he will often get hockey assists to reduce the stat padding. I see Jlin averaging about 13-16 ppg, 6-7 asst on this team due to how its structured and due to the fact they will blow out enough scrub teams that the bench will play much of the 4th quarters. Harden will get his 18-22 ppg and everyone else who scores will get mid teens.
DeleteBeing the go-to-guy means you get the last shot in close games but doesnt' affect stats so Lin will have respectable stats.
Lin is just a natural scorer so if he gets 16-20 ppg, it wouldn't surprise me either...but getting 20 & 10? I don't see how, not on this team.
Rockets: 6th seed (or 4th if they win their division).
DeleteLin 36 mpg stats:
16.4 Points
10.1 Assists
4.3 Rebound
2.8 Stolen
2.9 TOs
0.6 Block
Folks are discounting normal learning curve, and Lin's is faster. He's already shown it overall, in preseason games.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteNeph, you may be wrong.
DeleteKHuang, you're probably right!
Yesterday, I ran into an interesting youtube audio tape which was taped right after the last preseason game and uploaded BEFORE the Harden trade news. In it, the guy said that he had heard the Rockets were hoping to trade KMartin as soon as Lin's knee is back to normal *because* they want Lin to handle AND shoot the ball more; that the Rockets felt that approach would be more successful for the team, rather than one person taking an inordinate amount of shots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SORgLp6XFBU At 2:44 mark
meant to include....
DeleteI do still think that Harden will be the #1 option (and he should be; after all, he's a SG and replacing KMartin). But Lin will get his opportunities, as well as Delfino and Parsons.
Repost. As I didn't delete my comment. (??)
DeleteNeph, you may be wrong.
KHuang, you're probably right!
Yesterday, I ran into an interesting youtube audio tape which was taped right after the last preseason game and uploaded BEFORE the Harden trade news. In it, the guy said that he had heard the Rockets were hoping to trade KMartin as soon as Lin's knee is back to normal *because* they want Lin to handle AND shoot the ball more; that the Rockets felt that approach would be more successful for the team, rather than one person taking an inordinate amount of shots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SORgLp6XFBU At 2:44 mark
Can Harden create his own shot?
ReplyDeleteAgainst bench players and tertiary defenders, yes Harden can create his own shot.
DeleteAgainst starters and primary defenders, yes but only with Lin on the court drawing the main attention.
I have the feeling that McHale seems more excited about having Harden than JLin in his recent interview on Rockets Chronicle. I just hope Lin will play well and they can play off of each other.
ReplyDeleteHe has to sound like that because Harden (virtually no college) is much more experienced, despite being a whole year younger than Lin or Parsons. It also takes some of the extraordinary amount of media pressure off of Lin.
DeleteMy prediction:
ReplyDelete36 mpg
17 ppg
8 apg
4 rpg
2 spg
3.5 topg
47% FG, 36% 3-pt, 79% FT.
I don't expect Jeremy to ave more than 22 ppg, and I hope he doesn't because he paid a painful price for all those points he earned from the charity stripe. Don't get me wrong, I got all the respect for PGs getting to the FT line and I don't see many others that can do it as well as Jeremy, but the toll on his body was evidently greater than what he could handle. I'd rather see Jeremy tuning it down a little for the greater distance of a full season.
As for the rockets, if Lin, Harden and Asik stay healthy through the majority of the season, they'd be somewhere around 6th seed in the west, similar to what Denver had.
The steals could go higher to 2.5 spg. As a matter of fact, I'd think he would ave 1 bpg as well.
DeleteMVP candidate? Top 4-6 finish. The top 3 will be occupied by the leading players of the top 3 winningest teams, likes of Durant and LBJ.
All-Star team is expected because he's Asian, that might not be a good thing since tons of haters are already calling Lin getting in by the "Asian" votes which basically points to China and now Asian-Americans. I think it's a better testament if Lin gets voted in by the coaches as a reserve.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with MVP candidate, unless he gets like 1-3 votes for whatever reasons but won't be in Top 3 consideration.
I see:
16-18 ppg
3-5 rpg (I see Lin hanging around the paint a lot like Rondo)
7-10 apg(I think Lin is going to look to distribute and pass much more, but his assists numbers are dependent on his teammates making those shots too)
3.5 topg (He will struggle with the turnovers but eventually it will settle)
2.3 spg (Won't be surprised if this was higher)
I think this is the season we will see a more balanced Lin and trying to establish more of a consistent game, but not necessarily the best player. We'll see great games, but we'll see a lot more okay games. The Rockets are still young overall so the struggles are expected. If Lin ever becomes a MVP candidate, I don't see it until his contract year in 2015.
Lin will probably produce same way as he produced in Woodson's offense. The stats are not insane but still very efficient and impressive. The stats will probably underrate his ability. His production will be similar to Billups during his Detroit days. Just a Winner and doesn't care about who the main man is.
ReplyDeleteI actually like how the rockets fans and everybody else declared Harden as the go-to-guy / number 1 option / best player. I hope the media and the whole NBA IGNORES Lin and give all their attention to Harden. This way Lin can focus on basketball and avoid unnecessary attention.
What Lin will do is more of a silent leader and silent contributor. He will hustle every possession, make smart plays that are usually underrated, make 4th quarter plays, draw multiple defenders, draw fouls and simply win.
Lin is concerned about winning and not who is the HERO or the alpha dog or whatever. Let Harden be that and Lin will be a Silent Assassin .
That's a good description of Lin-basketball.
DeleteExcept I really wonder how in the world would the league ignore his presence and contribution on the court if he just simply play smart/fun/all-around AND clutch basketball.
He's gonna hit a game winner down the line, you know...
No neph, the media and whole NBA aren't suddenly going to start ignoring Lin just because James Harden is now a Rocket.
DeleteSince the trade, the Internet has been FLOODED with articles praising James Harden and slamming Jeremy Lin.
It won't be any different on the court either. Lin will still command the primary attention. WATCH.
bucher: mchale not fond of lin
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/RicBucher/status/262691981069803520
"It took two tries, but Rockets coach Kevin McHale, sources say, now has a guard he actually likes."
oh those phantom "sources".
I felt that too when I read his interview on the Rockets Chronicle. He is not that high or fond of Lin.
DeleteLin is an extremely hard worker, even pointed out by assistant coach Ralph Sampson. This I think will win McHale too, since McHale wasn't the best athlete himself but he worked hard to be a All-star player. If he's not that high on Lin, it's probably because Lin still has a lot to prove, which is going to take time.
DeleteMcHale probably doesn't want to overly praise Lin to the media right now because so many people are waiting to see Lin fail and think he's overrated. Behind the scenes, McHale and Lin are probably plotting so that Lin will be ready to take it to the next level.
McHale likes Harden more because Harden's game is predicted more on smarts and skills, thus McHale's "old man game" praise. The media or many racist people wouldn't admit it, but Lin's game actually relies more on his elite athleticism and speed, rather than his preceived and stereotype smarts. Lin is actually like a PG version of Westbrook, a modern day do-everything guard, rather than a traditional one. It's no wonder an old timer like McHale would love those not so athletic but more polished types like Harden and Dragic more than Lin.
DeleteCorrect, Lin is a do-everything guard
DeleteAlso, unlike Lin, Harden has the "look" of a nba star, thus creating an image bigger than his actual game and production on the court, thus his selection to the Olympics team, general popularity among nba players and good rating by nba managers, Morey and McHale included. He's had a grand total of one decent nba season, shorten one as well thus far in his career, yet no one questions his "small sample size" like people did for Lin. His previous draft position also went a long way to crowd many people's opinion as many people would like to be proven right to see him succeed rather than be proven wrong if Lin succeeds.
DeleteMcHale has handed Lin the ball and plays him major minutes.
DeleteBetter that than high praise and then the BOOT.
Exhibit A: Kevin Martin
As a HUGE Lin fan, I don't mind the way McHale has handled Lin both on and off the court. I think it's the management's strategy (the happy medium concept) and it's a sound strategy. I have the feeling that Lin is aware. l also think that Rockets will bring in one more star, as noted by others.
DeleteLin is not like some others; he will welcome more stars if they can do it because he is keenly aware that it's a team sport. They will NEED at least 2 *real* superstars or at least 1 superstar AND 2 or 3 pretty big stars.
On the other hand, I have been very impressed by Jeremy's defense overall despite a bum knee. I think he can be part of the 2nd all-NBA defensive team. Alongside with Parsons and Asik.
ReplyDeleteThe NBA won't give someone of Asian heritage an acknowledgement he can play defense...it's just how it is...they would be acknowledging Lin is capable and athletic. They don't want to do that, esp. since everyone in the world says his D sucks.
DeleteAs long as Lin keeps getting paid, it's all good.
By production alone, Lin has ALREADY performed this preseason like a 1st team All-Defense guard.
DeleteActually, Jeremy Lin has defended more than well enough to win Defensive Player of the Year if only the preseason counted!
I go by his league leading steals, his team's gaudy 6-1 record despite having mainly unproven players around him, and the plethora of highlight reel disruptions of opponents offenses!
I agree with ALL of the above.
DeleteLin is an excellent defensive (considering that's not supposed to be a PG's forte) and offensive PG.
NOoooou.... The NBA and it's pundit and most fans (parroting the pundits) will still CRITICIZE Lin's defense. If he continues to improve a lot in that department (which he *will*), they will just be quiet about it, other than occasional play-by-play commentaries.
Lin will be the "go-to point guard" for sure. But yes, I imagine when the game's on the line, and there's one shot left, Harden will often be the one expected to deliver. So what? Do you want a team of mediocre players just so that Lin gets more opportunities? Ridiculous. If the Rocket's make the playoffs, that will be the greatest compliment that can be given to Lin as long as he plays on a high level this season. Losing with huge stats isn't as impressive as winning with solid stats. That is for certainty.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Lin is about winning just like Billups
DeleteNo Statistics will give justice to their winning attitudeand contributions.
Harden will most likely get most of the credit but who cares
Lin can now focus more on being a defensive stopper if he continues his excellent defense in the preseason
I also like him to rebound a lot just like Rondo
He's also going to make his teammates better because he's simply a competitor and does not stop hustling.
DeleteJust like the chasedown he did to Jameer Nelson.
There ARE statistics that give justice to winning and contributions.
DeleteIt's how people READ those statistics that makes winning measurable.
I think winning is now more important for the Rockets than personal stats. I am sure Lin won't mind whoever the star is, as long as Rockets get the Ws.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteFor Lin , it has always been all about the team and what he can contribute to Win! That has always been the definition of LIN!
I am not hating on Harden but I think it's ridiculous that the Rockets fans and the media are so love with this move while universally hating on Lin.
ReplyDeleteSee they are giving up Martin, Lamb and 3 picks for Harden, on top of a max contract. With Lin, they got him for nothing but only a 25m contract.
Even if Harden is better than Lin (arguable), but certainly not by this much.
By mid-season, if the Rockets don't win much, I hope those fans and media know where to put the blame on.
I think it is good for Jeremy to be underestimated by the fans. They will not have high expectations and the media may not be so obsessed with Lin.
DeleteI still think Lin will hustle the most. He'll be their unnoticed leader. They will get wins but they will not credit Lin. This is a blessing in disguise if you ask me. This can keep Jeremy playing with a chip in his shoulder.
@ Cara: people are hating on Lin because he was getting paid for so few games. Together with the fact that he had an unconventional route to the NBA, of course people are going to think Lin might be a bust. However, I do understand there are those who are plain haters or racists. FYI, People are calling Harden overrated (maybe butthurt OKC fans) and many others are pointing to how he vanished in the Finals, how he is meant to be a sixth man and how he looked good because of the superstars in his team.
DeleteAs what Neph said, it is good Lin that is underestimated
. Dont you all guys get it? what so great about Lin's story is that he has so many detractors. That was what was so exciting about him. I am telling you that when rockets win, credit would go to Harden. That will be the reality of it. Sad but true.
If Lin does well this whole season and continues to improve, there will be less haters. I am a person who hates trends/hypes so until Lin performs well consistently, many would continue to dismiss him due to the hype. I hated Linsanity (coverage) but I liked watching Lin play. Lin is a professional athlete he is bound to get criticised.
I checked out stephen A smith's tweet about Harden and I could not help but think he is racist and this is coming from someone who hates to bring out the race card. The double standard is astounding.
People can "underestimate" Lin all they want, including Lin's own teammates and coaches.
DeleteHowever, the RESPECT given Lin comes in the form of double teams on both ends of the court. Like ztrta said, opponents are ganging up on Lin even when he's playing defense because he has this wicked knack of disrupting offenses all by himself.
I don't care if people flame me socially for saying that Lin has played like a bona fide NBA star this year. From what I've seen, Lin looks BETTER than he did last season. My main statistics in proving that are 6-1 (win-loss record) and 2-3 (the numbers of guys trying to stop Lin, usually unsuccessfully).
This reminds me of something.
While Lin was at Harvard setting those records, he played along a highly touted recruit named "Brandyn Curry" or something like that.
Curry had played against John Wall in high school. Curry said that John Wall was by far the fastest player he'd ever faced.
I have absolutely no doubt that Lin was doing the Gene Kelly dancing around Curry every day in practice, probably more than Wall would've. But because it's Jeremy Lin, Curry didn't notice.
Production over reputation. Lin is the all time king in that department.
@Cara:
DeleteWhat do you want from the fans? All the fans saw of Lin was 25 games. Meanwhile, James Harden got real minutes for 3 seasons, and this is on top of an excellent college career. Getting a big contract after 25 games is unheard of. Getting a big contract after averaging 10 ppg for 3 seasons (9.9 as a rookie, 12.2 in his second year, 16.8 in his third year, and this is as a backup) and being 6th man of the year is the way that the NBA works. I am sorry, but this antagonism that Lin fans have towards other NBA players really has to stop. It isn't James Harden's fault that Jeremy Lin wasn't awarded a scholarship, wasn't drafted, and had to bounce around the NBA all this time. If Lin is better than Harden, it isn't Harden's fault that Lin never had the chance to show it. All NBA fans know is that they have seen Harden play at a high level for 5 years (2 in college, 3 in the NBA) and Lin for only 25. "Production over reputation."??? Please. Harden has both production and reputation. You guys need to be happy that the Rockets picked up a guy with a combination of significant experience - including in the playoffs which no one else on this team has - AND a high upside, but you aren't letting yourselves enjoy it.
I will GENTLY disagree with you on some of your well thought out points, Unknown.
DeleteThere's no need to blanket criticize Lin fans for having "antagonism towards other NBA players" because it's UNTRUE, Unknown.
I can't speak for others, but I am a fan of EVERY player in the NBA including the players at the end of benches (why I was a Lin fan in the first place!) You cannot say that a Lin fan like me has antagonism toward other NBA players. Maybe some fans indeed have a bias against other NBA players, but NOT ME and a lot of others here.
As far as "production over reputation" goes, calling me out is incorrect. James Harden has produced MIGHTILY in his time in the NBA, so I don't have any issue with him. I think he'll be a superb teammate with Jeremy Lin.
I and a lot of fans ARE happy that Harden will be providing his playoff experience, though I would disagree with your stance that "no one else" has that. Omer Asik and Carlos Delfino do have "significant" playoff experience too.
Otherwise I completely agree with your post.
KHuang
DeleteI am with you. As of now, I am not sure what I should expect from this trade. People can do their talk. However, their action will speak for themselves. It is beyond me why people are saying Lin still performing "below average". The coaching staffs (Rockets and the other teams) are not stupid. They know what they are doing to keep their job!
This is America. They don't want to see an Asian guy taking up a spot if the Asian guy is playing average. The Asian guy has to be extra-ordinary. If Jlin isn't Linsanity, nobody cares. They would prefer he go away. They don't want a slew of Asian Americans to enter the sports world. Why do you think people write articles about how much more charismatic and handsome Parsons is than Lin while calling Lin a dorky little Asian who does math? It's how things work in America, especially in the workplace and corporate America. It's just how it is and how people think here.
DeleteYou are looking at things based purely on the bottom line. The rest of the world doesn't. Hence why Rudy Gay gets to star in Memphis and take the last shot despite obviously not being effective despite having a pretty game/stat padding 90% of the time.
KHuang:
DeleteSorry for taking your remarks out of context and for misrepresenting your opinions in general. And you are right about Delfino and Asik in the playoffs too. I went too far, but I just don't want Lin fans to get angry every time the Rockets add another good player, or when the fans or the media praises that player.
swinglinezigzag:
Rudy Gay's experience is what it is, but it is not coming at the expense of Jeremy Lin or other Asians. If anything, it is coming at the expense of other (black and white) players. And Gay would respond that he has had 25 game stretches where he put up very good numbers and it certainly didn't get him on Time Magazine's most influential list, the cover of GQ, barrels of endorsement offers, a household name all over the world, etc. The same America that held Jeremy Lin down rewarded him handsomely when he finally got his shot. I know that I sound like a southern conservative Republican when I say this (and the irony is that such conservatives generally play Asians like Lin against blacks like Gay, with Asians being the model minority as compared to blacks) but it is still true.
Lin had to go through a lot to get where he is, but he is now starting PG for an NBA team and will keep his starting position as long as he plays well. There is still racism in America and the NBA, but the NBA today isn't a corporate boardroom or an elite law firm in the 1950s, when no one who looked like either Lin or Gay would have been allowed inside.
No need to apologize, Unknown.
DeleteI have actually liked your knowledge from the start and am one of your fans. I appreciate your presence in this forum very much, and I think you know that. You know that I usually agree with you more than I disagree.
As far as Rudy Gay goes, I completely agree with you that Rudy Gay's success has absolutely nothing to do with Lin's Asian success. Rudy Gay is a balletlike athletic player to watch because of the way he glides around the court and flies in the air. There is an audience for that, which I think is awesome even though that high flying stuff doesn't truly impress me.
You are totally right that Lin is a success. Actually, Lin is a GRAND success. He has 100% earned it. Lin is the trendsetter, and the trendsetter always takes his hits up front. Lin is more than capable of handling the pressure and the criticism.
I appreciate you not wanting Lin fans to get angry every time the Rockets add a new player. That said, you and I cannot control what people think. The good thing is that none of our opinions, including ours, matters. The game of basketball is won and lost on the court strictly by the players that are playing, not by fans and haters!
I bid you, Unknown, a fond true WELCOME to this forum. I can speak for a lot of Lin fans here that your thoughtful analysis is highly appreciated.
Unknown,
DeleteI respect your post because at least you have out reasoning. But I disagreed with your assessment. It's amazing that how you twisted Harden's body of work as "5 wonderful years" while Lin's as "25 games".
For me, it's more like Harden had 2 wonderful years in college, 2 so so nba seasons coming off the bench and then 1 good season also coming off the bench. For Lin though, I would say he had 4 years of wonderful college career. And then 1 so so nba year coming off the bench. Then 1 good nba year as a starter.
People repeatedly point out Lin's "25 starting games" as the root of doubt for Lin while simply ignore and do not doubt that Harden had ZERO starting games in comparison. That spelled major double standard for me. But I guess double standard is nothing new for us Lin fans and Lin.
KHuang:
DeleteYou are right. I cannot control what people think. I guess I have no way of knowing or understanding what it is like to be Asian in this culture, and a lot of it is rooted in that. But a lot of my attitude is due to being very confident that Lin will play well, and when that happens things will take care of itself.
Things have changed. Not long ago, just 25 years ago, most NFL owners and fans wouldn't have wanted a black QB no matter how good he was. They knew that black QBs could win games. They just didn't care, because they didn't want the face of the organization, the leader of the team, to be black. Compare that to today when Robert Griffin III is a national sensation (except to fans of the Colts and Stanford that is!).
Granted, we are a long way from color-blindness and equal opportunity, but we have gotten to the point where a guy who can win games and make money for his team will have few problems. And Lin will win games and make money for his team. In my local market - which is considered to be a "black/African-American" market by the way, especially where the NBA is concerned - the radio ads ... on the urban/black radio stations no less - say "Come watch Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets come to town and play the home team!" (Yes, I have bought tickets by the way.) That is quite a long way from Warren Moon being totally ignored when he first came to the NFL, and was still ignored after he began putting up monster numbers and leading the Oilers - the one team who was willing to guarantee his contract - to the playoffs.
I'll help you out in understanding the Lin hype, unknown.
DeleteIn America, there's a big media drive to make Asian men look like a bunch of weak little wimps who do not belong in this society.
Jeremy Lin is the ONLY Asian American superstar in merit based professional sports going against that.
There has been a lot of media backlash against Lin. Yet Lin is the most HARMLESS guy. He isn't paid a lot (still below the NBA average this season), stays out of trouble, plays a good game, and is a good teammate. There's nothing NOT to like about Lin, yet the media still goes at him as if he's the scourge of society. When an ethnic guy is as squeaky clean as Lin is but gets hated on in the media, RACISM is the only reason why.
We Asian Americans on this little site are dissenting voices in the anti-Lin maelstrom. But we as Asians will not defend Lin if he screws up his personal life or stops playing the game right. Asian culture is merit based, so Lin gets our approval as long as he continues to work hard and live straight. So far, Lin has US (including YOU) as his defenders!
Thanks for adding your voice of dissent against the media dislike of Jeremy Lin. It's not cool to see people trying to trash his accomplishments or misrepresent his sentiments. Help us out by continuing to post here, which includes CRITICIZING Lin when it's warranted!
@Cara:
DeleteIt is not so much your perspective versus my perspective, but how the fans see it, and how the NBA works. Unlike you, most NBA fans had no idea Jeremy Lin existed until Linsanity. Meanwhile, most of them knew James Harden based on his college and NBA career. What happened with Harden getting a max deal is the norm. What happened with Lin getting the max deal isn't. So, people are going to accept the norm and criticize the unusual. That's just the way things are.
KHuang:
I just saw an old movie, an old Disney movie, and saw how they depicted Asian Americans. Of course, I thought of this blog ...
OK Unknown, you understand us Asians completely.
DeleteKudos to you.
And please continue posting here. I've been your BIGGEST FAN, so don't let me down!
Unknown,
DeleteI got what you said. Harden's profile fit that of a typical nba star. Even his bread, his partying habits, his pothead fit. That's why he got along with other nba stars and was on the Olympics team.
Lin? We all know it's exactly the opposite.
Although none of those are related to bball skills and on court production. But this is the harsh reality of the world.
And thanks to people like you and Unknown, Cara, that "harsh reality of the world" is starting to CHANGE.
DeleteLin is a fabulous player who is a paragon of basketball. In time, HE will be the standard that others are measured against.
You, me, unknown, and all the members here are simply ahead of the curve in recognizing Lin's virtue.
There's been a certain underlying theme to Morey's moves this off season. He's acquired three what he's perceived as three market undervalued/underutilized players with big upside potential. The result will be played out on the court.
DeleteThe backdrop of the fan reaction has been interesting to me. My gut feeling Harden will do very well. He may even put up allstar numbers. But, my gut also tells me the rockets will go as far as Lin goes.
According to the media and alot of fans, Harden is now the face of the Rockets. I agree with Cara on this issue. He's cultivated "the look". He still has to prove much. I think quite a bit of the media and fan reaction is because they are afraid of a strong Asian leading man.
SAS and his ilk have to be so relieved. They knew
Lin's Rockets had the potential to obliterate some their low public expections. Now they have a built in Lin dis should the Rockets do well. Why now is it a sure thing the Rockets will make the playoffs. Remember a motivated Kevin Martin is a very very good player.
I flip the TV and I see parts of those doctor shows on ABC and I have to laugh. Common man, what sort of hospital has no Asian male doctors? Really think about it. Talk about unreality. Also remember the Kaiser Permanente Commercial where an Asian woman was trying to get pregnant and of course they had her partner be a white dude. Jobs an Asian guy wont do?
Anyway the basketball stuff will resolve itself on the basketball court. But, one more thing. Kevin Martin is older and more experienced than Lin so it is right to defer to him somewhat. It's an Asian thing. But Harden is not. I expect that when needed, Lin will can his own number. Of course also when it's for the betterment of the team.
I think the Rockets should try to get Josh Smith
ReplyDeleteJosh Smith for Patterson, Jones, Cook, White and
Forbes
A lineup of:
PG LIN
SG HARDEN
SF PARSONS
PF SMITH
C ASIK
That would be so athletic and they would be a defensive juggernaut
That team is at least a 55-win team when the chemistry is there
Second option would be Millsap
DeleteHe's not a great defender like Smith but he's a pretty versatile player. A very good rebounder; just what the Rockets need - additional inside presence.
Smith might be very hard to acquire but Millsap is pretty realistic
oh no if they trade Jones that will be such a bad mistake, he's shown to be a real NBA player in such a quick time. I mean did you see how he played against Anthony Davis? Also, if they get rid of half their power forwards who is left on the bench? D-Mo? I think they should keep their lineup as is and play, everyone else seemed to have great chemistry it was only Black hole Martin that was ruining the pass-first team. I feel bad for losing Lamb since I liked him but Lamb's a sacrifice(no pun intended) for the better of the team.
Delete@Kumakun: I have to agree with you. To be honest, the rockets chose the right to rebuild because as I mentioned before, there are few teams that will remain dominant in the next few years so now is the time to groom the rooks too. You want to be like spurs and okc, to remain relevant for many years to come ;A mixture of veterans and rooks. I dont want Morey to be so caught up in his team getting attention and worst, to end up like the knicks. The knicks are an example of just trying to put as many superstars as they can on one team and looking "sexy". It is important to build a winning culture , that is how the team would get respected by the league. Many people want Josh smith but I like what the rockets have now.
DeleteHawks won't let Josh Smith go. More to the point, the Rockets don't have anyone that the Hawks like or need anywhere near as much as they do Josh Smith, who has been incredible for them on defense for years and is pretty good for them on offense too (and would be better if the Hawks had better PG play).
DeleteFolks, it's now Jeremy Lin's team MORE THAN EVER.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought when the Rockets traded Kevin Martin was "There goes Lin's CANCER!"
James Harden will be a fine complementary guard beside Jeremy Lin. However, Harden is going to find out the hard way that playing against starters and top defenders is drastically different than playing against bench players and secondary defenders. Even though Lin is defended just as hard as Kevin Durant, Harden doesn't have that 2nd All Star beside him to siphon off defenses.
For all of Kevin Martin's selfishness, he had one trait that Lin has that I don't know if Harden has. When defenses clamp down on fancy ball movement, Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lin could easily break down any single defender thrown against them (in Lin's case, TWO guys) and SCORE. I don't think Harden has the All Star quickness and elevation to score against the NBA's best defenders in isolation, as Harden is a below the rim player who has spent his entire career operating in the gap.
Defensively, James Harden does not have the athleticism to really impact the Rockets. Media types crow as if he's some sort of stopper, but Harden would be a heck of a lot more athletic to match that hype. Also, Harden no longer has Sefolosha to take the high perimeter scorer defensively. The guy who IS that athletic and has the results to show for that is Lin, and Lin will continue to orchestrate the Rockets defense.
For all of McHale's talk about Harden being a great guard, the hard truth is that Jeremy Lin is the guard he'll have to rely on and not Harden. Harden simply isn't the transcendent talent that can break opponents' game plans, but Lin is. Sitting Lin has a disastrous effect on the Rockets winning, and it'll be so even with Harden on the court. So McHale will simply have to keep handing Lin the ball, just as Mike Woodson HAPPILY did in NY.
I can't predict stats, but I can predict wins and game impact. 50 games is realistic, and I was predicting that BEFORE the trade. I do revise my "darkhorse MVP" prediction for Lin, not because I think the Rockets are better with Harden but because everybody will automatically assign Rockets victories to Harden even though it'll be Lin actually generating them.
Honestly, I don't care about awards or media hype or player shizzle. As far as I'm concerned, Jeremy Lin will still play tons of minutes and be the catalyst on both ends. James Harden is a good hyped role player to me, essentially Steve Novak on roller skates.
This analysis will pretty much be accurate, pending injury to Lin or Asik.
DeleteHowever, I think Khuang will be pleasantly surprised Harden is not as bad as he thinks. I don't think Harden is a Dwade, but Harden isn't a scrub either. If you don't get stuck on color, Harden is more like the current day Manu Ginobili and actually plays a similar game in some ways (Ginobili is more creative/crafty but slighter and not as strong going to the basket). Houston will overpay a bit for him, but oh well- they have Lin who will be underpaid to even it out for now.
Harden CAN score 1 on 1 - he mainly shoots a jumper rather than beat his man 1 on 1, but he can get his shot off. Remember Harden also gets to the foul line a ton during the flow of a game because he is strong for a 2 guard.
I hear a lot of paid media heads say the Rockets will be a cellar dweller team this year. I heard it this morning on ESPN radio and I'll hear it again. Sadly, these guys just shrug off their pathetic predictions and find some excuse to justify why they were so wrong.
Even though Khuang is right, if Lin plays well with Harden, the media will say it's not Jeremy but the greatness of Harden allowing Jeremy to shine on offense and the greatness of Asik allowing Lin to get his steals and play his solid defense. And if Harden shines, it won't be Jlin helping out but that Harden is no longer handcuffed in OKC and was a star period. They will find every excuse possible to avoid saying that Lin is good.
Lin himself says weird stuff out of his control happens to him in bball. When things look bleak, they turn out great later on for him. So Lin's looked like garbage pre-season, good. People say his team is going to stink, great.
This Houston squad is Paly and Harvard all over again. Barring injuries, they will completely have the potential and moxy to beat more BC's and Mater Dei's in the form of OKC, Clips, Lakers, or Spurs in the playoffs maybe even beat 2 of them like Memphis did out of nowhere a few years back. Sure a lot of things can happen but I will not be surprised whatsoever. I honestly expect the Rockets to do something like that this year.
Let's just hope the NBA refs don't swallow their whistles for the Rockets...
Believe me, I don't think Harden is a "bad" player.
DeleteHe's an EXCELLENT player. I just don't think he's a guy that you can throw the ball at and be like "Beat people".
Harden can be handcuffed by good defense, where a guy like Kevin Martin cannot even be handcuffed by his own team!
I think we will find soon enough Harden does indeed not have that ability. So in the end no matter how McHale loves Harden and dislikes Lin, he will still put the ball in Lin's hands in crunch time like Woodson did in NY if he really wants to win games instead of making someone look better than the other.
DeleteWhat I hate the most is that there are already some growing voice that Houston need to let Harden have the ball at all time and they are afraid that Lin's ball dominant style will affect Harden and make him worse. What a joke. Lin is going to be fine with or without the ball. Also the fans and media like to think that it's in the team's best interest to put the ball in Harden's hands, just like NY with Carmelo. But at the end of the day, games speak for themselves, at least in the eyes of educated bball fans like us here.
So don't start panic :
ReplyDelete-houston don't have other guards in the roster so Lin's starting place is safe. Probably harden will be a pg when jeremy is on bench that means livingston and machado will have just garbage time.
-harden does pretty well p'n'r as jlin. The dallas games in playoff was won thanks to harden who beated terry on p'n'r with Ibaka. He'll be certainly the go to guy but jeremy is there. Don't forget he played with melo and stat and jr so this time it's far better.
-houston now have 2 combo guards who can score but jeremy is more creative than harden. I expect Lin run the floor and p'n'r with harden W
when Lin is on bench.
-opponents can't double Lin and harden so inevitably there will be loads of space for the other guys.
-harden never played with a real pg and his game could improve a lot. I think he's like manu ginobili and Lin could be his tony parker. Now we just need a tim Duncan and we'll be contenders :D
I hope you are right.
DeleteActually spotless mind, Lin IS the Tim Duncan based on the oversized impact he has on both ends of the court!
DeleteI don't even think the Rockets need another big man to play off Lin. If Patterson and Jones can merely continue to produce like they have in preseason, the Rockets will EASILY be contenders.
I think a big man is essential for defensive purposes. They maybe ok in the short run but in te long run, a big man will take some pressure off everyone so they're not tried out by mid season.
DeleteNo questions about that khuang i was just talking about the style of play :D
Delete45-37
ReplyDelete34 mpg
12 ppg
8 apg
3.5 rpg
2.3 spg
3.5 topg
Will be a solid year of learning and finding out what he needs to do to improve further.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KidZUPU79r0
ReplyDeleteGood video. Hard to believe McHale doesn't understand what Lin brings to the table after listening to his praise here.
Delete^ McHale doin color in 2010. Dats wots called a man crush. Allsyalls needs to chill on the idea that McHale, Morey, et al aren't "sold" on Lin. Strap it up and enjoys da show. Peace.
ReplyDeletePlease stop it with the ebonics. Even actual people who use ebonics don't sound - or rather write - like that. You aren't "bigblack" making a return visit with another handle are you?
DeleteWhat about u? Who are u coming back from? He/she writes in whatever format he/she wants. As long as people understand it.
DeleteSrsly who cares, totally agree with Lydia, let him speak however he wants, gawd I hate language police.
DeleteWasn't being the language police. Instead, was objecting to xinkballa's failed attempt to appropriate another culture. "Strap it up and enjoys da show. Peace." And "Dats wots" and "Allsyalls needs to chill." Reminds me of Jar Jar Binks ...
DeleteOi, ebonics ixnay. Tis xinkballanics if youse will. Street vernacular yes. Mixtape supreme. Look to londontown or environs, to da white lads, dats wot. Look to bugs bunny and brooklynese (dodger era not nets truth). Look all around, big easy 2, make no racial assumptions m8.
Deletesepar8 true h8 from the truth is my point. plenty of hate for jlin from da B&W but plenty of love too. Dont assume, cuz you know wot dey say.
"bigblack"? never heard of the dude . Likes I said, strap it up and enjoys da jlin7 show. Represent!
Lol...now I have no idea what you are saying. But peace!
DeleteYes, McHale repeated at least 3 times in the video "I really like him". It's amazing Lin went from there to a $25 Million USD man and a starting PG with Harden; what an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteFile the "McHale doesn't like Lin" thinking into the same "Mike Woodson is a racist who hates Asians" trash bin. Coaches talk all the time. It's their actions that count.
DeleteI'm more bullish on Lin's number than Houston. I think Houston will struggle for the first several months of the season with so many young players or new guys trying to fit into their scheme.
ReplyDeleteIf Houston makes a deal for a major player (like a power forward), they could compete for decent playoff seeding.
Another concern is injuries, fatigue, and playing a whole season.
ReplyDeleteHouston has several guys (Asik , Lin, et al.) who have never played starter's minutes for an entire season. As the season grinds on, the fatigue (both mental and physical) may take effect on the team.
Kevin McHale has the Rockets playing at a wonderful pace.
DeleteThey're not a reckless team that runs their players into the ground with a halfcourt fast break offense (i.e. Denver), nor are they a grind-it-out isolation 1-on-1 team where players get broken down from defenders pounding on them (i.e. NY).
Playing at a good pace reduces injuries and maximizes the contributions of players. It's better to go 80% intensity 100% of the time than to go 100% intensity 20% of the time.
Yes。last year was lin's good luck n bad luck year. If not because of the injury then these people won't keep bring up the 25 games stats then. Hope no more injury with Lin this year!
DeleteCan't stand people who keep bring up that Lin is only have 25 games stats. Ever with that 25 games he shows quality in it. I also can't stand players who dare to talk about Lin whatever way they want but not dare to put it on other players. The contracts, the incaple of...., the someone is better than Lin all that. Harden paids twice Lin is getting, did he worth it? I don't know. But I know no news headline no players gonna publicly talk about that. No critizing harden being greedy but Lin being greedy. I will not get over these things until they get over it.
ReplyDeleteAre you aware that one of the major reasons for a brief NBA strike/lockout in the 1990s was veteran NBA players being jealous over rookie NBA deals? Or that Kevin McHale's last team, the Timberwolves, blew up because Stephon Marbury was jealous at how much Kevin Garnett was making?
DeleteNBA players feud, trash each other, rip each other etc. over money, jealousy, petty rivalries etc. all the time, and the fans and media get involved too. And sorry, but until the next guy comes along and gets $25 million based on 25 games, people are going to keep bringing it up, especially since lots of guys - especially 2nd round picks - had to put in 3 years of "showing quality" at the rookie minimum before they got anywhere close to that amount of money.
Jeremy Lin has already gotten over it, BTW. It is the last thing on his mind, as well as it should be. If you will not, well then that is just a personal decision of yours.
Lydia Lien and Unknown, you're both aware that Lin's going to get criticized for the rest of his life.
DeleteThey'll be still trashing Lin at his HALL OF FAME induction ceremony!!!
Some writers are saying that other star players of OKC did make some financial sacrifices so they can stay together and that OKC made a pretty good offer but that Harden's primary motivation was money (nothing wrong with that), so there is going to be a lot of pressure on Harden to live up to the max contract he's getting. I do agree that the money Lin is getting, in light of his skills level, potential and marketing power, is not all that much. Really, it's not like Lin is getting paid $15 Mill USD per year. If Landry Field is getting paid what he's getting paid, Lin certainly deserves to get paid what he's getting.
Delete@eb5attorney:
DeleteHarden made the right move. There is no guarantee that you are ever going to get a ring, and if you get one, you can't use it to pay for the rent and your kids' education. How much would an Oklahoma City championship ring for a reserve fetch on EBay? Harden can't waste the best years of his career as a backup. He will be 28-29 years old before he ever becomes a starter if he stays in OKC. Houston is a much better situation for him, and who says they won't win a championship?
as much respect as I have for Jlin, I really think that you are over optimistic in here about the whole mvp candidate thing. We want something more solid, not ahead of what we have.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I just want a solid performance from Lin this year as the introduction of a long successful NBA career.
DeleteI just want to wait until Wednesday to see what this new team can do on the court. I think they might start Lin, Delfino, Parsons, Patterson, and Asik, as a temporary lineup until Harden has time to get familiar with the offensive sets.
ReplyDeleteI think this team can be good, and easily above .500. But they need to get a star power forward down low. The big men up front is what gets you into the playoffs. The Clippers did not make the playoffs until they paired Elton Brand and Chris Kaman. The Grizzlies did not become a playoff team until they got Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph together. The Blazers had Joel Pryzbilla and LaMarcus Aldridge. Utah with Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer.
ABC, there is no way in hell Harden does not start on Wednesday unless he is injured. You should rethink that one...
DeleteI do agree they need a PF or at least PF by committee that produces. I think that won't be a problem by year's end because TJ, PPATT, Smith, White or DMO will step up or play PF by committee.
I am more concerned about backup center to be honest. On this Rocket's team, the PF only needs to be serviceable and average like 10 ppg, 7-8 rbs, and can hit 1 or 2 jumpshots a game. The PG and C backup spots are more of a concern...
With Lin and Harden on the floor, who's going to control the offense, one of them has to play off the ball. Both can become spot up shooter, but neither Lin nor Harden are great at cutting to the basket. This is a skill that good shooting guards must possess.
ReplyDeleteThe PF needs to be able to score, rebound, and defend other power forwards in the paint. We're talking about Patterson, Jones, DMo, Smith defending guys like Gasol, Duncan, Griffin, etc. No contest who wins that battle. It all starts with the battle in the paint.
Backup point guard is already set to be Tony Douglas and/or Livingston. Rockets scored a true backup C in Cole Aldrich, who is a very good rebounder and has post up game. The Rockets bench should be able to outscore most other team's bench.
People, let's not forget Daryl Morey come from Danny Angie dumb school of management. He's not someone who valued stable team building. Everyone is on trade block in their GM game.
ReplyDeleteWord is that the Rockets are still searching for a complimentary star for Harden. They don't exactly more value young talent or try to develop them but instead see them more as "trade clips" to flip for "name" players.
I don't think the Rockets neccesarily see Lin as a "star", as evidented by their action, words and salary given. More like a potential starting quality Rondo type PG in Celtics championships year before his breakout. The probably also consider Asik as their Perkins lol.
Don't be surprised that the Rockets will make one or two big trades this season. Also don't be surprised the Rockets will actively shop Lin like the Celtics were doing with Rondo before this year.
EVERY player in the NBA gets shopped.
DeleteMost of it's not talked about, but guys get dealt. That's the NBA.
The Rockets are not amiss in shopping for another star. At all times, teams are constantly looking to improve themselves. The Heat wouldn't have retooled with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis this season if they weren't looking to improve.
If somebody offers me Lebron for Lin and the Rockets entire lineup, I'd take that trade myself!
I will wait for that until the end of season then. But I do feel confident they gonna keep Lin though.
DeleteKHuang, for Lebron sure, haha. But I am afraid that Lin is going to be traded for some overrated "name" player ala Harden. But perhaps I am worried too much or maybe getting moved is neccesarily a bad thing. Case in point, Kevin Martin must be happy to play for a contender like OKC now.
DeleteThe only 2 players with a "No Trade" clause in their contracts: Kobe and Nowitzki. Everybody else in the NBA is up for grabs if the price is high enough.
DeleteAnd I would rather that be the case with Lin. He is most valuable to the Rockets as an athlete, NOT as just an Asian face to sell ads in China. If they keep him just for his popularity ... that would be an insult.
Even JLin once said he will trade himself for LeBron :D
DeleteBut judging from the consistency of Morey's comments in many interviews, I believe he and especially Les want Lin and Harden plus Asik and Parsons to be the building blocks for Houston to be contenders.
From business perspective, Les would never trade JLin as long as he helps Houston to be relevant and make money internationally and continue to attract free agents to come to H-Town. LeBron is the only exception, I would think.
I think Les and Morey know that statistically JLin is the main piece of the puzzle because he simply makes other players better. And even if Houston fails to attract more free agents to come to H-Town, Les would still be making his money so it's a win-win for Les.
Link:
Daryl Morey Will Never Trade Jeremy Lin
There's nothing to worry about if Lin gets traded, Cara.
DeleteEvery time Lin went to a new team in the NBA, his career and earnings got BETTER.
Lin was supposed to be a scrub in NY, but he saved NY's season. Lin was supposed to struggle in Houston, but he just went 6-1.
If Lin does get traded, it'll be because somebody WANTS HIM and not because he's being kicked out. Lin's not going to be like Kevin Martin who management was talking big about and then was promptly traded for a more favored player!
Disagree that Lin will have 4.8 TOs per 36, that's too high. That's what he averaged last season in a freewheeling NY system with ridiculous usage rate. He was racking up 6-8 most games in the Linsanity streak.
ReplyDeleteOnce Melo, Amare and some others came back Lin's TO numbers dropped dramatically.
He now has Harden to share some of the ballhandling load as well as being a bit more experienced.
I'd predict somewhere closer to Nash type turnover numbers per 36 which would be 3.5 to 4.0 max.
4.8 TO was Lin's stat last year (don't know how many games). The writer of this link predicts 3.8 TO for this year.
DeleteAnother issue for the Rockets is who's going to run pick and roll with both Lin and Harden? Osik? DMo?
ReplyDeleteBoth Harden are Lin excel at the pick and roll, but the Rockets don't have a great big man to run pick and roll yet.
That's a dilemma.
Harden will struggle without those solid pick by Perkins and Collison.
DeleteLin should be fine because he got quickness to get past people even without pick.
Asik can set decent picks, if he learns not to set moving picks. Patterson and Jones will learn soon enough.
DeleteOne of the reasons for Linsanity was Tyson Chandler setting good picks for Lin, and grabbing the rebound if he or the other Knicks miss a shot. I think that Asik has the physical ability to become that type of hustle player, he just needs to work on it.
On every team he's been on, Chandler has always been an alley-oop threat on the pick and roll, so defenses had to respect him and shade towards him to prevent the lob. This opened up driving lanes for Lin.
DeleteAsik isn't quite the same kind of threat. He's just not as athletic as Chandler.
Will be interesting to see how JLin adjusts to this.
Superb point, achondroplasiaphobia.
DeleteFrom what I've seen in preseason, Jeremy Lin is totally aware of teams sending the big man to double him.
The way Lin beats the double team is by freezing the defense with a subtle hesitation with the dribble still alive. The rotating big man is then caught halfway between Lin and Lin's big man teammate. Lin's big men are starting to get the hang of cutting to the basket when Lin is doubled, which Amare Stoudemire also did from playing with years of Steve Nash.
Similarly, Lin has a totally nasty way of beating the double team. When Lin's fronted on the perimeter by a small and a big, he turns his body to protect the ball and executes that nasty crossover dribble. Essentially Lin is picking the defenders off each other!
Yup, manipulating defenders, reading them, and exploiting them off the pick and roll is one of Lin's greatest strengths.
DeletePweeese, achodroplasiaphobia. Can you answer my question about Cole Aldrich?
DeleteDo you think Cole Aldrich will be a good backup center for the Rockets?
I don't know much about Aldrich. All I know is he's a big body, which we didn't have behind Asik before the trade.
Deletethankyouthankyouthankyou.
DeleteI do believe Lin can make a player out of Cole Aldrich.
What I like about Cole Aldrich is that he is willing to dunk the basketball. Within 5 feet of the painted area, he wants to dunk the ball AND his opponent through the rim. Jeremy Lin will find Aldrich for those dunks.
Plus, I think Cole Aldrich just might be the ENFORCER to protect Lin from hits. Something about him tells me that he'd go after anybody who tried to collect bounties by hitting Lin illegally. To me, Cole Aldrich looks like a MMA fighter and not a basketball player!
That's true achondro, Asik is not the type or player who can get on his pogo stick, catch the ball in a crowd of defenders, and dunk in one motion. That is the bread and butter of Tyson Chandler, Serge Ibaka, Blake Griffin and others. No, JLin or Harden will need to feed the ball to Asik with the lib pass or bounce pass. Asik will need to gather the ball and dunk or lay it in before the defense collapses on him. That is a difficult skill, much harder than alley oop dunks.
DeleteTerrence Jones and Patrick Patterson might be athletic enough for the alley oop jam, but not Asik or Cole Aldrich.
I love how Morey said Harden's yet to make an all star but he's gonna be one this year. But previously, when he named potential all stars on his team, he named those rookies but didn't even bring up Lin's name.
ReplyDeleteI want to see the their face when Lin's getting voted in and Harden not getting in lol. It's very possible as Lin's got the fan vote while Harden is not beating out Kobe, Westbrook, Parker etc for those other guard spots.
If the Rockets win like I think they can, BOTH Lin and Harden would deserve to go to the All Star Game!
DeleteI really disagree that Morey and McHale are "not big fans" of Lin. It's pretty clear to me that they're just trying to deflect the insane scrutiny (and hate) that's being directed towards him.
DeleteLes Alexander isn't Dolan who runs his team like a dictatorship. Morey had to agree to let Dragic walk and push for Lin -- using a brilliant bait-and-switch on the Knicks. He's also big on advanced stats where Jeremy excels. McHale complimented Lin even BEFORE Linsanity. He went to sports bars on the road just to watch him play!
Like KHuang said, Lin is an alpha-male. He doesn't need the constant validation of others to succeed. He's secure in himself (and his faith). Other players need the spotlight and trash talk and public validation. Jeremy does not. If anything, all that silly faux-machismo only annoys him.
Well, it's on Jeremy to start showing what he's made of. Honestly, I'm not sure how long of a leash he has if he gets off to a rough start. McHale has shown he'll play who HE wants. Recall that he made 2nd Round Pick Chandler Parsons the starter over 3rd-year Chase Budinger.
DeleteGood point TVN, but Lin is playing MORE and not less.
DeleteIf Lin were really struggling, McHale would be reducing his minutes.
From what I've seen, Lin looks GREAT. He's hustling, he's making highlight reel plays on both ends of the court, he's running the offense, and he's stopping guys. Maybe he's not scoring a ton, but he hasn't had to because he's feeding guys.
I said I'd pat you on the po po, TVN. Lin's gonna be just fine, and so are YOU!
The rockets do need a scoring big man like Kevin Love, and more bench pieces. Personally, I would have played for the lotto before Harden came along. Collect a higher draft pick, perhaps the jackpot and played out the season, because they weren't gonna go anywhere this year anyways. It's a season of growing pains. Harden threw a monkey in the wrench. I believe houston did the right thing by going after him without giving up alot in return. Some might say it was too much to give,but Harden played in a winning culture and has been to numerous playoffs and got to dance in the big dance. That's the intangible that most players who haven't experienced it cannot rely on. What's next after Harden? In my opinion, that will do for now. They've got the pieces to attract more talent to come over now. No need to rush it. Take a step back and reevaluate all your acquisitions at another time. Let the players play and decide where your glaring weaknesses are after the season. After that rockets can reevaluate whether JLin with second tier talent can get them to the championship or do they need to bring in another elite talent. I would love to see them win with Jlin and second tier talent just like Detroit against the Lakers. Of course everybody wants elite talent, but if the former holds true, then there's less pressure to make moves just for the sake of making moves. Making the right move is their goal for their next acquisition. I think that's key.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRockets GM Daryl Morey:
ReplyDelete"We're looking to be a championship contender, and that's gonna require focusing on the future at least a little bit longer to add or develop that second piece to go with James. The history of the league is for sure you need 1, and we got that, and now, we probably need at least 1 more as well."
Morey doesn't see JLin as a star piece. It's up to JLin to prove that he is that piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkbTD0Wg0WM#t=2m20s
Exactly. If he didn't suck so bad in the preseason, Morey would be including Lin in there. Now, he has to take a step back because Jeremy hasn't proven it, yet.
DeleteLin APPEARS to have sucked bad, but 6-1 with that inexperienced team against hardened playoff opponents is evidence that Lin played VERY WELL.
DeleteBesides, Daryl Morey is not as smart as people think he is. He cut Lin in the first place!
TVN, it's funny you used preseason to give excuses for your stupid assessment. You do realize that James Harden had as a bad preseason as Lin, right? Also Harden is just as unproven as Lin as a "star piece". Of course Morey needs to talk up his newest max paid "star piece" even if the guy he acquired plays like a role player.
Delete@KHuang,
DeleteUh, it's the preseason, son. The Lakers went 0-7. Most starters don't even finish the game.
And Jeremy shot 20% in the preseason. Read that again, if it's not registering.
@Cara,
Please, take a step back. If anybody here has been acting stupid, it's you. I'm hoping for Jeremy's success as much as anybody, but I'm capable of being objective about what him, unlike you and most of the fanboys/girls in here. If you can't see that Harden is more proven than Lin at this stage in their careers, then you are a blind, deranged fan.
Bottom line, Morey doesn't want to look stupid here. He has been cautious to put high expectations on Jeremy since Jeremy has shown up to camp because Jeremy hasn't shown he can handle them so far. Morey's job is basically on the line and it's important that his moves pan out. With the way the preseason went for Jeremy, a lot of pundits saying JLin was a bad move have smiles on their faces. It just wouldn't be wise for Morey or anyone else to be predicting an All-Star season. JLin hasn't proven he can handle that kind of pressure, yet.
DeleteThe preseason isn't about wins and losses, but you want to be sharp with your game. Perhaps JLin is still recovering from the injury (my hope) and he'll start to play well consistently starting on Wednesday. But to deny that the preseason was a struggle for him would be facetious. I do think he can have a good All-Star type season, but I'd like to see it happen with my own eyes soon.
So the preseason doesn't matter because the Lakers went 0-7 but it DOES matter because Lin shot 20%?
DeleteUh huh. Uh uh. Uh huh. Uh uh.
I don't know if Cara is a "blind deranged fan", but I AM and am proud of it. BLINDED BY 7-1, 6-1, 6-1!!!
(Lin's three winning streaks in the NBA, interrupted only by Carmelo Anthony's tanking of games).
Exactly, u use preseason to judge Lin then u use lakers 0-6th say preseason dosn't mean any thing yet. So contraditory of you. This is the problem. People just tend to udge Lin differently when they judge to others.
DeleteBut forget about morey though. The owner is who that make the final decision!
DeleteBefore anyone say how bad Lin's preseason was, either parroting pundits or only looked at the few simple stats like points, assists, shooting % ....... You should also consider that:
Delete1). It's the preseason exhibition games. Doesn't mean a whole lot but it does mean *something*.
2). Look at other stats like Reb, Stolen, TOs, +/-. minutes played. Also the teams' wins and losses.
3). Compare Lin's overall stats each game with that of the *TOP 10* PGs (not all 30 starting PGs but with the top 10..... if you don't know roughly, check out the 2012 NBA Ranking conducted by ESPN this past Summer). I did that every day (plus Felton) during the preseason. And Lin was one of the BEST ! Despite his knee not being totally rehabbed !! It's a FACT !!!
Therefore, I was very proud of Lin's performances because whenever he couldn't shoot, he contributed in other ways. And then, of course, in his last preseason game, Lin performed a well-rounded stellar game (McHale took Lin out a half way into 3rd qtr because they were leading by 25 points)!!!!!... I also noticed how, in most or all of those games, the roster strengths for each team were fairly evenly matched (that is, every team had rested or not rested big names).
I think there's gonna be a trade for millsap somewhere along the road. Don't know who'll be sacrificed though.
ReplyDeleteIn all fairness, I think it's safe to say that Harden is an incredible player.
ReplyDeleteLook at these statistics:
"Coming off the bench for Oklahoma City last season, the former Arizona State Sun Devil averaged 16.8 points per game while shooting an incredible 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from downtown."
I'm posting too much today because it's my day off.
ReplyDeleteDelonte West is available. I say try him out for a string of 10 day contracts.
West would be a great inexpensive addition to the Rockets. He's a dynamic athlete who's a difference maker.
Jeremy Lin will keep West from going nuts. Plus, West is an enforcer who'll retaliate at opponents for hammering Lin.
It would be a nice pickup, West is a decent defender, but the Rockets roster is full right now. I don't think they have any room on the roster for anyone else. They waived Livingston, Jajuan Johnson, Gary Forbes, and John Brockman.
DeleteYeah, that's smart, go after a guy that the Mavs basically ran off. The guy is bipolar. He'd be a terrible fit in the locker room.
DeleteNo way, the MAVS don't even want him. The Rockets already got Royce White and you want to add another one with mental illness
DeleteJames Harden on JLin.
ReplyDeleteThis duo will bring "Bearded Linsanity" in 2012-2013!
http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/highlights-james-harden-press-conference
How does Jeremy Lin’s game complement your style of play?
Harden: We’re similar. He’s a point guard but he can obviously score the ball. He makes tremendous decisions. He can pass the ball and it’s tough to guard him. It’s the same with me: I can score but I’m unselfish as well. We’re going to work off each other and then we’ll find a way to get our bigs and shooters involved.
I think it’s going to be great. You saw what he did last year when he had that great run and he’s capable of a lot more. So we’ll sit down and talk and figure things out and how to make the most of each other.
Jason Friedman @RocketsJCF
Delete"Harden wastes no time setting tone: tells teammates to tuck in shirts & go to work to start practice; runs sprints w/ losing teams in drills"
You got to admire this guy. He is unselfish like JLin and leads by example.
Great picture of this duo watching their teammates practice. This is the future of Houston Rockets.
DeleteJason Friedman @RocketsJCF
Guessing you'll be hearing an awful lot about these two in the days, weeks and months to come. pic.twitter.com/PWVrvegN
Does that mean that Lin has to grow a beart as well?
Deletenow that would be a sight to behold, willydilly :D
DeleteI think JLin can only grow a menacing goatee, that's all. His play will speak for itself and make others look a step slow and grow beard.
Psalm234, good find. This was the piece in the Harden trade I was looking for in terms of beneficial impact on Lin.
DeleteOn paper, Harden's game should enhance Lin's game. I don't need to list all the ways Harden can help Lin - other commenters here have already done so.
I'll just highlight two ways Harden should make Lin better. One, the most important goal for Lin this season is to log a full season, and Harden allows Lin to pace himself more and save wear and tear. Two, Harden will allow Lin the option of playing off the ball. When the Knicks signed Kidd, I looked forward to the option of pairing Lin with a cross-matching big point guard so that Lin could use his strengths as an off-the-ball, creative scoring and playmaking combo guard - a better version of 2011 Finals Heat-killer JJ Barea. I believe Lin would be a devastating playmaker from the weak side, initiating his offense (including secondary pick and rolls) against rotating defenders and mismatches. Of course, Kidd is on his last NBA legs, so it would only have been a limited option with the Knicks. But coming to the Rockets, off-the-ball Lin looked like no option because Lin would be forced to dominate the ball again at PG. Now Harden is sharing the backcourt with Lin, and the big guard with point ability will allow the Rockets to exploit Lin's versatility by playing him on or off the ball.
Harden's experience playing with Westbrook, another college combo guard converted to NBA PG, should help him adjust quickly to Lin. The Ginobili-Parker comparison is also apt.
My concern with Harden was that the ambitious, hungry young guard would look to make his NBA rep as a front-line starter with a Kobe-esque attitude that the ball belonged to him, and his new teammates, especially Lin, must co-exist with Harden on his terms. The Harden statement you provided shows that Harden is joining the Rockets with the right attitude and views Lin as a complementary partner, not a competitor. I like it.
With Harden, Lin can do more than sustain his play over a full season. He can win.
The NBA is not like the NFL, where the starting quarterback must be the undisputed alpha male for the team to function. NBA teams need more than 1 star playmaker/scorer. As Harden should understand as well as any NBA player, dynamic duos, and preferably big threes and even big fours, are the baseline standard to contend for the NBA championship. With the Knicks, the versatile Lin had the potential to form one of the best G/F combos in the NBA with the versatile Anthony, and at the point Lin was lost to injury, the two players under Woodson showed improving signs of an incipient dynamic duo. But leaving the Knicks to join the Rockets, Lin was going to be stuck as the lone star. Good for his personal stats, perhaps, but bad for team wins and the wear-and-tear load on him. Now Lin gets to play off Harden and vice versa. In principle, I'd still prefer a G/F combo like Lin/Anthony over a G/G combo, but a big/small-guard duo can work, too, especially when the big guard can take on point duties.
Harden sounds like his mind is right, which means the two smart, unselfish, multi-faceted, hungry young guards should be a joy to watch playing together.
1st overall
ReplyDelete36 mpg
22 ppg
10 apg
5 rpg
3 spg
1 bpg
2 topg
Just hoping ofcourse, but not impossible.
bold prediction for the rocket indeed. I would say 6th place and I'm being quite optimistic. Western conference is far more competitive (especially this year) unlike in the East.I predict that this is the year of the guards. So Lin should be ready to compete. And i also predict that this is going to be the real break out year for LIN. I know the run with the knicks is phenomenal but i think this is the year where he will gain the respect of all basketball fandom. No more D-league talks or those average players being better than him. This year those doubters will believe.
ReplyDeleteI think I have confident in Lin with his new teammate. They will make rockets an ineresting to watch.
ReplyDeletePs. Stay safe, people in ny. Sandy is so crazy!
*interesting team to watch I mean.
DeleteDaryl Morey: Discusses The Acquisition Of James Harden And Explains How He Can Help The Team Right Away
ReplyDeleteQ: Obviously this is a huge deal for the team. Now that you have Harden, is the process to keep building on that? What's the next step?
Morey: We're not a title contender yet. You need multiple top players. We had zero. Now we have one. We need to develop another all-star caliber player on the team or use our max cap room next year or when the opportunity comes to use that cap room to add another player.
http://www.yahoosportsradio1560.com/audio/daryl-morey-discusses-the-acquisition-of-james-harden-and-explains-how-he-can-help-the-team-right-away-7020/
So Morey does not really believe in Lin afterall
DeleteNot necessarily.
DeleteLin and Asik are not "top players" in the minds of NBA observers yet. Harden has already "proven himself", as far as most NBA observers are concerned.
We here are more aware of Lin's prowess than Morey is, but that doesn't mean the Rockets don't believe in Lin. Until they take the ball away from Lin and sit his yellow butt on the bench, the Rockets are moving forward with their "potential All Stars" in Asik and Harden and Lin.
Don't Forget Parsons
DeleteThese GMs can say what they want. Remember in NY, their GM and coach also claimed they have 3 all stars. But in the end it's the non all star Jeremy Lin who won them games and saved them from the lottery. This talking doesn't mean a damn thing on the court.
DeleteAgree - Morey may not refer to JLin as "top player" yet but Rockets think of JLin highly enough to throw 25 million dollars at him and make him face of the media campaign. As long as he is first team PG - Im good.
DeleteTo be clear, it was Les Alexander that wanted Lin personally so Morey has no choice but to offer him that 25 million regardless of his doubt of Jeremy's basketball skills as manifested in his statements above.
DeleteI have no doubt Morey thinks highly of Lin as a young developing player. People have to remember that 25 mil in 3 years is the average salary of a solid/average starting PG in the league. It's not a huge contract by NBA standards.
DeleteWhen Morey said "top player", he must have been referring to a top 30 player. Harden played on the national team so he is in that category for sure. Lin was invited to the "select" team. We all love him here, but until he completes a full, injury-free season, people around the league won't and shouldn't begin to be consider him a proven "top player".
As for my prediction for the Rockets season, 35-38 wins. The admin is way too optimistic. I'll be rooting for them and hope I am wrong.
That's was funny !
ReplyDeleteLin scared the living daylight off of Scott Machado by calling him to say Goodbye.
Do you think that was payback for what Machado said about Lin during the summer ?
Not at all.
DeleteLin thought he was calling Jeremy Lamb, not Machado. WRONG NUMBER!
On the other hand, Lin still called the right guy. Off to the D League with Machado!
Yeah, I wish they kept Livingston instead of Machado. This team has too many rookies and not enough experience. Livingston's a nine year NBA veteran, and a defensive stopper. I remember back when the Clippers used him to lock down Kobe. The Rockets need a defensive guy, like Shumpert for the Knicks.
DeleteShumpert doesn't really defend effectively, though.
DeleteHe gets the reputation as a great defender due to the eye test, but he's not half the defensive player Lin is.
I am infering maybe he played a joke on Machado on purpose, playing dumb like he thought he called Lamb.
DeleteThe article also suggests it was unintentional rookie hazing.
Lin would never do that to anyone. Seriously, he doesn't have a mean spirit (what Machado said was bad, but not that bad..... and I think the reporter baited the young fella).
DeleteI thought right away that Lamb's (L) and Machado's (M) cell phone numbers were alphabetically right next to each other, and Lin made an honest error, in haste.
I thought right away that Lamb's (L) and Machado's (M) cell phone numbers were alphabetically right next to each other, and Lin made an honest error, in haste.
Delete-----------------------
This can't be the case, because "Livingston" comes between "Lamb" and "Machado" alphabetically.
I have a gut feeling that Jeremy Lamb is going to have a Lin type breakout in a year or two, in OKC or in another team.
ReplyDeleteLin got cut by the Rockets. Sat on the bench for several months. Stars got injuried and then got the chance to play and star.
Lamb now got traded away by the Rockets. He will probably sit on OKC bench for a year. But once his body fully develops, I think he can play at a level that even Harden is incapable of although people will still claim how Harden is better than him, like people nowadays still claim how Lowry and Dragic are better than Lin.
Rockets can now claim how Harden is all star caliber all they want. Just like how they also claimed Lowry and Dragic were all star caliber before to try to justify the Lin release.
Talent will win out at the end. I just have a feeling Lamb can do what Lin did before him. I will definitely keep an eye on Lamb.
During Lin's rookie year summer league, you can see JLin scoring and passing, making plays.
DeleteDuring this year summer league, all I see was Lamb shooting. I think Lamb will turn into another KMart in a few years.
Yes, I could see another ballhog sprouting
DeleteThe way Lamb scored in college and summer league, he SHOULD be a ballhog.
DeleteLamb will be better than a mere ballhog, of course. The guy already has the skills that a top shooting guard should have. The body isn't quite there yet, but it will be. Lamb is one of those talents who doesn't have a ceiling, like Lin.
I was higher on Lamb's long term potential than I was on any player in the 2012 draft.
"It's like we got two top five picks in the draft with Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones"
DeleteKevin Durant after Jeremy Lamb's first practice with OKC.
I also see Jeremy Lamb is in the mold of KMart as a pure shooter but limited in defense, feltball.
DeleteCara, I don't see JLamb possesses the same aggressiveness, tenacity with JLin on the defensive end that leads to deflections and steals. Even in the GS year, JLin still played good defense as he was ranked #4 in +/- per game. Lamb can play the passing lanes to get some steals at best in college with his long wingspan.
It might be a little early to tell but Lamb would need to step up his defensive effort to get some playing time in the NBA. His draft profile is quite accurate in preseason reflecting the same strength in shooting and deficiency in looking disinterested when the shots are not falling.
What Lamb needs is EFFORT
DeleteBut how do you teach effort, defense, and sharing the ball?
DeleteYou can't, unless the player was already like that to some extent.
Lamb doesn't really lack effort or aggressiveness. As KHuang said previously, Lamb is one of those who got misunderstood that he's disinterested because of his "sleepy eye look". Just like Lin got misunderstood that he's not that quick or he doesn't play D because of his "clean Asian look".
DeleteWhat Lamb has going for that Lin has but a player like Harden doesn't have, is his out of the world athleticism. Combined with his shooting ability and SG know how should carry him into a very fine career as a nba SG. I would be surprised if Lamb doesn't become a starter by the time he reaches Harden/Lin age. Whether it's with OKC or not then I have no idea.
OKC coach Scott Brooks really likes Lamb.
DeleteIt took all of one practice for Kevin Durant to take Jeremy Lamb under his wing. Durant and Lamb were shooting together in practice.
I would trust Kevin Durant's and Scott Brooks' high opinions of Jeremy Lamb over neph's and ABC's low opinions.
Amazingly, Lamb and Harden have almost the exact height, length, and athleticism:
Deletehttp://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Harden-1241/
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jeremy-Lamb-6380/
However, Harden is 40lbs heavier, stronger, and has produced more and more over 3 years. This year, I expect:
21pts
5rebs
4 asts
Lamb may eventually be a very good player but it will take at least 2-3 years. By then, Lin and Harden will be vying for Championships.
JLinfan#1,
DeleteYou proved the point that Lamb is underrated that as a #12 pick, he has the exact numbers as a former #3 pick and a nba all star. If anything, it bodes well for Lamb's future prospect.
Harden's heavier and stronger but this is not as important at a wing position as it makes him slower.
I think Lamb can become another Tyreke Evans, K-mart, or Brandon Jennings. A good shooter and scorer, but doesn't use his length and athleticism on the defensive end. Those things can't be taught. The only thing that kept those guys from becoming great all stars, is a lack of playmaking and basketball IQ. They can hit shots, but when they don't create shots for others.
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't say that Brandon Jennings is lacking in basketball IQ.
DeleteI really like Jennings and think he's an outstanding point guard. I rank him higher than guys like Ty Lawson or Ricky Rubio.
Just because Jennings doesn't have a strong team doesn't mean Jennings doesn't know the game. He's carried that weak Milwaukee team especially with Andrew Bogut injured and now traded.
ABC Baller, Tyreke Evans is the opposite of what you described!
DeleteEvans is a great athlete who could guard 3 positions, from PG to SF. He's also a playmaker at wing position who averaged over 5 assists in his rookie season. He can get to the basket off the dribble to create for himself and others. His weakness actually is his shooting.
I don't know why you said something that is totally not true.
Evans is a talented player that has a low basketball IQ.
DeleteI'm certain that both Morey and McHale, while definitely not as high on Lin as Les (thank God he is the owner, a sharp one), know that Lin is a *good* acquisition (they don't yet know it's *great* one for the price). The following answer by Morey proves that he is merely putting everything in perspective, based on the amount of experience each of those star players have.
ReplyDeleteJason Friedman: Daryl, can a player like Harden make Houston more attractive as an NBA destination?
Morey: I do think that’s a big factor in the NBA. I think we have an unbelievable city, top-five in the league, for players wanting to play here. When you add to that a James Harden as our All-Star, and we’ve got now multiple other players who players around the league say, ‘Hey, I want to play with that guy.’
Omer Asik is someone who’s going to emerge to be that. He might not be there (now), but I think the fans who are here who are obviously diehards know that, the way Omer is playing, he’s going to be someone everyone is going to want to play with with his ability to pass, defend and rebound. Jeremy Lin is obviously someone who is exciting to play with and it going to keep improving at his age. Chandler Parsons obviously only going into his second year but it such a team guy, defender, passer. We’re really putting together a young core that other players around the league are going to say, ‘Hey, I want to play there.’
And after we extend James we’re going to have max salary room going forward as well to add a very significant player when the time is right.
I actually think it's perfectly fine that Morey market Harden as their "all star" despite his actual playing ability. Because like it or not, Harden is universally loved by nba people and his peers, Lin not so much whether it's due to racism, jealousy etc. If Morey's goal is to attract other nba stars to join in or fans to buy in the hype, of course Harden is an easier sell.
DeleteBTW, I think Morey is really not as smart as people and his fans made him out to be. I heard a report that Morey insisted on sending out 2 1st round picks than Parsons. I like Parsons but I think he is really a role player talent that is easily replacable, certainly not worthy of 2 picks. It reminds me of KHuang's "beta male" theory. Morey is a beta, so he is easily attached to another beta in Parsons, despite both seemingly aggressive leader act. It made Morey outsmart himself and overvalue his fellow beta.
Also, I found it very interesting that Les Alexander didn't attend Harden's press conference. But he attended Lin's.
Ztrta, don't be so confident in Lin's Rockets future despite the owner's backing. Let's not forget Lin also was GSW owner's signing too but still got dumped.
Hi Cara, You have a point there. I'd have been pissed if they traded Parsons, Ugh.
DeleteThe admin posted another article shortly after I posted this. so I was going to transfer this post. Hahah.
Hi again Cara,
DeleteHahahaha, I had to step out in a real hurry. (I'm not a good speed reader I guess! LOL)
I didn't realize that you actually preferred they trade Parsons instead.... Well... Heck no! (;~D).
I really like Parsons: He's a great player, but just as good as a leader in the locker room. He gave Lin a very mature advice about how to handle pressure the right way. He have a good head on his shoulder. And he's always upbeat and positive. I think that's what Morey was saying and I do agree with him.
I think Morey is smart, but not as smart as he thinks he is... The same with McHale. But McHale is a good coach, imo (pundits thinks he's average, but just wait).
Parsons acts like a leader in public. Morey acts like a leader. But they are not ture alpha males like Lin and Alexander. We will see.
DeleteCara.... C'mon, don't be a KHuang with that alpha and beta thing, haha. I also like having the racial mix there. Parsons will be a great teammate to everyone - just like Lin. I'm certain Harden will be also.
DeleteIronically with harden onboard, I think Lin will score more than I believed he would before harden. Kmart and Lin didn't mesh. Now I see two co-captains with a single purpose. I actually think Lin will have more green lights to shoot and score now, along with Harden. It will be expected of both to carry the team and to highlight the benefits of other all-stars to join the team. This team can play different styles of basketball depending on whatever team they play. The passing will be amazing. The defense will be top notch. The passing, slashing and movements without the ball will drive opposing defenses crazy. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds. I think the x-factor will be Delfino. Good pickup by Morey. Love his shooting mechanics. Nice touch. I think Morey did a tremendous job this summer of overhauling the team in light of losing dwight howard. Gotta give him credit for going after howard as well. Say what you will about Morey not being high on Lin. Fact is Lin got paid handsomely and he's a Rocket.
ReplyDeleteYou are right.... KHuang was the first one to astutely observe this. Also, there were so many posts here, so you may have missed it.... but somewhere here I posted a youtube link where the guy said that Martin will be traded so that Lin would handle *and* shoot the ball more. A day later, it happened.
Delete@mt - I found it:
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SORgLp6XFBU
Starting at 2:44 mark
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJames Harden is traded to the Houston Rockets to join forces with Jeremy Lin !
ReplyDeleteWill Jeremy reduce his turnovers with the help of Harden?
http://www.jenports.com/2012/10/linsane-over-james-harden-trade.html#post-title
Lin is already reducing his turnovers *ON HIS OWN* (preseason game he had zero). It's called more practice and more experience - in a normal environment to boot this time; also increasingly conditioning his body as a young person; add to that Lin is learning VERY FAST. Lin's TO last season was because he was practically a rookie. I've watched/looked at many rookie starters' boxscores last season: Even the rookies playing other positions than PG (PGs handle the ball more) had a lot of TOs...... Lin's high TO games were also the WINNING GAMES. Besides, on average, Lin's TOs weren't that much more than most of the top PGs..... You've apparently listened to pundits and haters too much.
ReplyDeletecorrection.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Lin's turnovers, I meant: [The last] preseason game had had zero.