Jeremy is back home in Cali playing in the arena where he won the Division II State Championship over Southern Cal power, Mater Dei. He was dominating back then as a skinny 6'2" 170 pounder.
The Kings have only one player that can scare the Rockets.
eb5attorney's guy Jimmer Fredette is that player.
Jimmer is a big time scorer in the NBA. Despite never having played more than 20 mpg this season under Lin's hated ex coach Keith Smart, Still, Jimmer easily gets double figures in points when he's unleashed.
What's scary about Jimmer is that he'll go into "the zone" and hit shot after shot regardless of difficulty. A lead can be quickly erased when Jimmer gets hot.
Jimmer reminds me a lot of ex Pistons great Vinne "Miceowave" Johnson, a player who often scored double figures as a small guard coming pff the bench.
On the Rockets, Jimmer would be a nice backup shooting guard. Pair him with Lin and Jimmer would explode.
Isaiah Thomas did his thing against Lin the last time they met. Lin got in foul trouble. He'll have to play smarter this time around/get a better feel for how the refs are officiating the game.
Post them all up and shoot over them, they're small. No use putting it on the floor with them cause they can catch up. Smaller players are usually quick and fast otherwise they will not be in the NBA.
Jimmer strikes me as a selfish gunner without NBA-level playmaking abilities or any defensive instincts. But KHuang believes in him and he's usually right about these things.
Coach Nick at Bballbreakdown compared Jimmer to JJ Redick, saying he might be good...in a few years...once he learns to move without the ball and be a catch-and-shoot sniper.
Jimmer is probably one of the best guys on that joke of a team. He was top 5 in points per minute (along with the likes of Durant, Melo, Kobe) as well as PER for the first 30 games of the season, but Smart decided to start cutting his playtng time and giving him DNPs while he starts Thomas who Jimmer had outplayed til that point by a mile.
He's actually a great passer and compared to Isaiah would average far more assists if given the minutes.
He only seems selfish because nobody on his team will pass to him, EVEN WHEN WIDE OPEN. His teammates constantly freeze him out, so of course when he has the chance he shoots.
He does move without the ball and if you watch his games he is deadly in catch-and-shoot situations already with a really fast release.
He will really be an offensive juggernaut once he gets off that horrid team and finds a proper organization that will utilize and develop his talent.
@solidz75 Jimmer's defense isn't great but not as bad as everyone claims. His defense is no worse than Steph Curry or Nash, nobody calls them terrible players. On other teams when you get picked or beat off the dribble you get a big man hedging or help defense. Kings have none of that and leave Jimmer on an island so he looks worse than he really is. The Kings are the very worst defensive team in the entire NBA, and with Jimmer only averaging maybe 14 minutes a game, why does he get singled out for bad defense? Because everyone already has it in their mind he's bad and so his mistakes are amplified. Much like people saying Lin is a "turnover machine".
He soon got a string of DNPs again after this performance. Jimmer has put up 15 point quarters and dominant scoring stretches over and over but still gets DNP or 5 minutes of playing time...while TONEY DOUGLAS is now ahead of him in the rotation. smh.
I am unconvinced that Jimmer Fredette is a bad defensive player.
Sure his teammates leave him out there alone, and sure he's not a super athletic shutdown guard like Lin. But Jimmer is definitely better than James Harden who refuses to defend and is better than Patrick Beverley who gets left crawling behind because of his slow reaction time.
When I've seen Jimmer play, he's actually making an effort on defense. That alone is about 75% of the battle right there. Besides, Jimmer scores so brilliantly that his net contribution is positive.
I never look at a player's single weakness and declare him a failure. I look at that player's overall effect on the team and especially on winning. Jimmer Fredette is a player whose explosive offense offsets his incorrectly perceived bad defense.
Most point guards can drive on other point guards. Jimmer lacks some lateral quickness but has strength. Stopping PGs from penetrating requires interior defense as well as help defense, which the Kings have none of.
Defense as an excuse to bench Jimmer is laughable...the entire team doesn't play defense, so maybe they just shouldn't put any players on the floor at all lol.
Kings allow the most opponents PPG than any other team in the NBA, they are at the bottom as far as defense.
Jimmer is no worse a defender than Marcus Thornton or Isaiah Thomas who gets burned by every PG in the NBA.
"Statistically speaking, Fredette should be playing. Of the six guards on the Kings’ roster, only Tyreke Evans boasts a higher player efficiency rating than Jimmer Fredette (18.32 to 16.41). True shooting? Only Brooks has Jimmer beat at 57 percent to 56.4 percent. And on a team that struggles with spacing from the perimeter, not only does Jimmer lead the Kings in 3-point shooting at 43.8 percent, he is among the top 10 best long-range marksmen in the entire league."
He's now stuck behind even Toney Douglas and continues to rack up DNPs. Defense is just an excuse Smart uses to not play Jimmer, much like he used anything as excuse to bench Lin who was statistically better than Acie Law.
I predict Lin gets substantial minutes this game. Well, to me, 30 minutes + is substantial. Unless this game is a blowout, of course. But the Kings shouldn't be a tough match if Rocket's play to their potential.
Interesting question. I think they will be extra motivated even though they have no beef with the Rocket's team. I know if I was in their shoes I would be extra focused to go up against my former team. Not sure how they've been playing recently.
I always thought Patterson was pretty solid and hasn't reached his ceiling, but truthfully, I'm happier with Greg Smith starting in the PF position and DMO as the backup. Greg Smith really impresses me.
Man if I was a scout, I wouldn't give Jeremy a scholarship either. I'd say he is too weak to play top level college basketball. Was he a junior there or senior? either way....No. He was just a late bloomer in the body.
I think you should take a look at some high school prospects, a lot are not that big, especially in the point guard position. I think at 170 for high school is pretty good considering Steve Nash is only 180 as a NBA player.
During Linsanity 1.0 with Knicks, I remember reading an article where Harvard scout first saw Lin at AAU game and wasn't impressed. Lin was playing against lesser competition and really wasn't trying to hard and just didn't stand out. I think scout thought Lin should go Division III then.
Same scout was scouting someone else a while later and Lin happened to be playing on another court, against much better competition, and scout was so impressed he called the Harvard coaches and told them they must recruit Lin.
Doc Scheppler has coached in Bay Area high schools for 34 years. He first saw Lin as a scrawny eighth-grader. But even then, “he had the ability to see the floor, make the right decision, make the correct angle pass. And that is just not done at 13, 14 years old.”
"The kid makes every one around him way better," Mater Dei coach Gary McKnight said. "He was very impressive."
Lin, though, was not so physically impressive when he entered Palo Alto. "I was only 5-3," Lin said. "Luckily I grew. Maybe I was meant to be a basketball player."
Despite Lin's lack of height, Diepenbrock knew Lin was a special player before he arrived at Palo Alto. "He was a youth league legend," the coach said. He brought Lin up to varsity during the playoffs his freshman season.
As a freshman, Harden was a 6-1 set shooter who often had to take breaks because of asthma. Pera, however, was impressed with his instincts.
By the middle of his junior year, after Harden had grown several inches and developed a more well-rounded game, Pera was impressed. Period.
He asked Harden to take more command of the offense, something he had been reluctant to do because, according to Pera, he didn’t want to be considered a “ball hog.” Pera called Willis, who soon marched into his office with Harden.
“She told him to do whatever the coach told him to do or he’d have to answer to her,” Pera said.
With Jimmer's work ethic, I think at some point, he could be starter in the league or, perhaps, a very excellent backup. I love his form/jump shot. It's beautiful and uniquely good.
Jimmer's got elite shooting skills and that's it. He'll need to find his Steve Kerr role in order to have a long career in the NBA. Just like Kerr, Jimmer isn't quick or explosive, two physical traits he needs to overcome his height. He'll be best on a team that doesn't rely on the point guard to create shots for other player, such as Miami or the Lakers.
If Lin gets his jersey retired as a NBA player that would be an incredible achievement. Hope he makes the NBA Hall of Fame too!
Mike D'Antoni was one of the main choices by the Buss heir, so if he remains the coach then it helps Lin's chances. The Asian fanbase also helps Lin in this case, since once Kobe retires the Lakers are going to be dying for another player that can put the franchise back on the map.
But the Clippers could end up getting him too. Sterling has a notorious history of caring about just making profit, even if it's while losing.
"I'm the leader of this team," Harden said. "I've got to go out there and do what I do. I'm not just going out there and taking 45 shots a game. I do a good job of passing and making my teammates better. I don't need any adjustment. I just need to go out there and play my game."
"I know what's best for me and how I can help my teammates out," Harden said. "And if I can't help them out at any point of the game, I shouldn't be out there. They've done a great job of responding and playing well. Two great games."
Harden is right in saying "And if I can't help them out at any point of the game, I shouldn't be out there. " which translate to "And if Harden can't help his teammates out at any point of the game, Harden shouldn't be out there playing"
Yeah, sounds a bit obnoxious to declare yourself the leader. I think the emphasis on team-ball in the last 2 games made him a bit uncomfortable about his game (which does iso more) so he's hyping himself a bit. But I hope he does make some sort of adjustment though (less iso and more defense).
Harden obviously feels somewhat "threatened" after the team won without him and under Jeremy's leadership. He probably thought the team didn't have a chance without him.
He is just trying to regain his place on the team. But honestly, u don't appoint yourself a leader to be a TRUE leader. U earn it from your peers.
I knew he would rush back tonight before the mini- Linsanity took a life of its own. He better hope he helps the team win because if the team looks out if sync or not as effective, guess who will get the blame?.......
........
Who am I kidding?... People and mchale will blame Lin no matter what..
Well, I think it's natural to want to be part of a team win and not be isolated. It's like us fans wanting JLin to play in the 4th quarter in a close game (rather than benched) and be part of the win. Last year with Linsanity, Melo wasn't happy sitting on the sidelines when the team started to win which led to locker room problems. I hope Harden is better than Melo in that regards. It shouldn't be a problem if Harden returns and the team continues to win.
I recall Melo was jumping off the bench and cheering for Lin during Linsanity last year... I think it was only after Melo started playing again then he had problems with Lin not passing the ball to him enough.
Hmm... I recall Melo cheering during the Nets game, or the first game that started the Linsanity run, when the Knicks really needed some wins. But at the Raptors game, when JLin drained a 3 pointer to win the game, I don't think Melo, who did not play, was cheering along with the rest of his teammates. I think he also got annoyed when people asked him how he would play (implying he was playing selfish-ball)when he's reinserted back into the team.
Everyone in NYC, including melo, got initially swept up in Linsanity. I mean how could u not. Linsanity took all the thunder away from even the NY Giants who had just won the Super Bowl. I mean that's huuuuuge.
But there were rumors that melo was quite jealous when he saw Lin getting the love that he had always envisioned himself getting when he came to ny. And the rest is history.
Seeing Melo play against Miami and score 50 points, I realize again that Melo really is an elite scorer (even though he doesn't get to the line as many times as Harden). Melo really is a great offensive player, even more so than Harden IMO. However, I saw how Tyson Chandler doesn't get to touch the ball when Melo without Lin.
One more thing. IMO, it's harder to guard Melo than it is to guard Harden. I believe a good defender can stop Harden but not Melo. He's too strong and tall, and have too many moves for anyone to stop. Melo can only stop himself. Only if Melo tried harder in D and had a better leadership qualities, the guy would be right there with LeBron and Durant. His offensive moves are so fluid, and he doesn't even try to get foul calls like Harden.
Anybody think Rocket's will make 6th seed? Looking at schedule if Rockets beat all the teams they have a better record than (which is a big if), losing to Denver and Memphis and GSW beat all the teams they have a better record than losing to OKC and San Antonio Rockets will still come up one game short. There will need to be an upset somewhere for them to pull it out. Rockets either got to beat Denver or Memphis or GSW got to lose in an upset perhaps to Lakers or Utah.
Everytime I think they were going to move up to the 6 seed I've been disappointed so I won't make any predictions.
However OKC and SAS are the class of the West while Den and Mem are good but second tier. Rox have been all WC playoff bound teams except Den, but they have beaten SAS, OKC, LAC in their last meeting in the regular season. Perhaps they can do the same with Den. But Den is on the road and the 2nd nite of a back to back. Mem is however at home.
GSW also has Utah and LAL who are fighting for a playoff spot. Rox only have LAL left.
I've been hopeful that Rox have turn the corner into consistent play only to be disappointed so I'll have to say no they won't make the 6 seed and maybe be wrong again.
IMHO I believe that JLin will always seem to have a horde of strange/biased fan base. Online people can hide behind multiple identities so it most likely is a hand full of people with multiple identities just trying to stir up attention for themselves. They use a popular figure like JLin and ride their coat tails for attention. Then some people who do not understand this will fall for the bait and believe there are a multitude of unreasonable fans (both for and against JLin) and then will try to defend JLin of ten while they are angry. It creates an infinite loop of insanity.
I believe it is best to remember the type of person JLin is. (The reason I became a fan of his in the first place was his calm, respectful, mature demeanor) try to stay positive. Try not to fall for the bait. He is a team player with dignity and ability beyond his years. Let JLin’s actions on and off the court speak for him.
We should use as much dignity and respect as we can when speaking about him/defending him to honor his restraint and calm … yes defend him and point out problems with his usage or treatment but try to stay out of the mudslinging and hate.
This is difficult to do at CF. It is filled with trolls and some too ignorant to know they are being led around by the nose. If you venture onto CF do so with caution and a constant reminder to yourself to take a deep deep breath before you reply.
Clutchfan can be annoying but you take the good with the bad. There are great analytical posts whether critical or in praise of Lin. But I try to avoid it after Lin plays bad, because u know the haters will be out in full force.
But but u r right. Clutch/ hardisty is the biggest douchebag there is. He bans Lin supporters while letting clearly racists posts stand. I remember realgm Knicks doing a much better job of warning and calling out trolls/ baiters. The earlier Lin leaves Houston the better it will be for all of us.
The earlier people STOP being what I call "hater fans" of Clutchfans, the more BORED those people will be.
I firmly believe that lots of Lin fans LOVE to go to Clutchfans because they want to see anti-Lin posts as evidence of racism. So when they whine in happy glee about the racism on Clutchfans, I just shake my head.
Since Lin is not my racial avatar, I only appreciate him as a basketball fan. He's not my social battering ram to carry the flag for oppressed Asians. Lin is just a very good basketball player to me, and I don't view him as my cultural hero. If Lin didn't have the level of game he has, I'd not follow him the way I didn't follow Yao Ming because I didn't like Yao's game.
And don't think for a second that Lin leaving Houston will change a darned thing about how Asians are viewed or treated.
I have one bit of advice for people who go on Clutchfans looking for racism fights and then gleefully complain about their findings on this site: QUIT YER BELLYACHING!
I was banned b/c I suggested that CF was allowing the LOF/LOH war to continue b/c it brought viewers to the site and therefore $$$ similar to bleacher reports and the constant JLin story headlines. Riding the popularity of a star like JLin for $$$ is nothing new.
I guess they couldn't take personal criticism very well although the site thrives on criticism of others.
Yes there are some great thoughtful and informative post there. Torocan is one I loved to read... but I really don't like to view the site and give the site hits and therefore $$
CF was feigning anger over the LOF/LOH war cluttering his site. I suggested he moderate the site more heavily then (since it was his site he could do something about it) or else maybe he actually liked the continued fighting b/c of site hits=$ in ads. So yeah I guess I was calling him to action...and he did not like it...so be it.
Khuang, don't know if your post is directed at me or not but let me interject..
When I say racism, I mean things like mocking the Chinese accent, using terms like "egg rolls", or "not being able to see" etc. These are clearly racist and should NEVER be tolerated on a supposedly moderated forum like clutch.
And for anyone to totally dissociate racism from Jeremy's critcism, in my opinion, is being completely ignorant. I don't have to go into details, but if u follow the trajectory of Jeremy's career u know the prejudices toward the Asian race has a lot to do with him being overlooked and continue to being overlooked.
And I don't think Lin's fans go to clutch to "experience racism". That is such a idiotic thing to say...That might be for a very small numbet but I believe most Lin fans go there to see if Rocket fans are giving props to Lin or to vent their frustration. And when Lin is unfairly being mocked at, that is when things start.
Whether Lin wants it it not, he is setting a precedence for Asian American players, who are not a genetic freak like Yao. Race will always be attached.
And khuang , for someone who doesn't go on clutch, u seem to act like what goes on. People like u would be probably be mocked at with ur outlandish posts, like saying Jeremy was the best player when he clearly was not. I would love to see u last a single day there. Lol.
But you are right about one thing. People who clearly get annoyed should not go on that site especially if u can't take it. But I do think the views expressed ther are a microcosm of the NBA fan basr in general with majority of none Asian fans think Lin is just okay and certainly not the players we believe him to be.
That's still LOOKING FOR A FIGHT when Lin fans like you go to Clutchfans hunting for concrete evidence of racism.
When I read criticism on clutchfans against Lin or Lin fans, I don't get excited about it. People are always going to criticize Lin and especially his Asian fans. Clutchfans is not a lin fansite.
Now when people come on this Lin fansite to take us on, we turn them into punching bags and let nature take its course.
Bear in mind that I don't have any problem with anybody going to Clutchfans looking for tangible evidence of anti Asian racism. It's when they gleefully WHINE about it on this site that I get very irritated.
Lin fans who mine Clutchfans in search of racism, you are the BIGGEST FANS of Clutchfans there are and your antics are ENTERTAINING!
Kong, u didn't deserve to get banned. But clutch is a dick and consistently and unfairly bans Lin fans. And it's his site, so he can do whatever he wants.
I think he could moderate his site much better by threatening to ban anyone starting obviously starting troll wars. But it is what it is.
Yes. It is also good see the evolution of their respect for Lin's game as well as seeing some of the haters STFU as Lin continues to improve. It's the occasional racist comments and the moderator's blatant tolerance of it that bother me.
It's okay to indulge in a little bit of guilty pleasure (u know it's not good for u but u still do it). And if you are a member, you can add the the trolls (or haters) on the ignore list and just read the other normal posts.
We all need to be smart when posting in CF to know what angles to pursue.
This forum has Lin's bias and CF has the Rockets' bias as they should be, meaning that we forgive Lin's mistakes and focus on his positives instead as CF does the same for the Rockets.
We should only post in CF to demonstrate how much Lin is helping the Rockets win and never to put Lin above the Rockets.
The exuberant Lin fans and trolls pretending to be LOFs definitely riled up some CF old-timers thinking Lin fans want to take over CF forums.
Just continue to show how much Lin helps the Rockets win by playing team ball, even the possibility of 1st round upset and the good CF old-timers will come around.
As for the haters/racists, just ignore them or give them one-liners to rebuke them because they love it when we fall for it and waste our time responding to them.
psalm234 is correct in his analysis. Too often I see Lin fans post too much Lincentric posts that have nothing to do with Rockets' overall interest. As psalm states, each site has its own focus or "bias". For example, I learned to not post certain types of posts here (as I used to do earlier) that might give a wrong impression that I am not a Lin fan. I believe no matter how it plays out, this first year experience with Rockets has been good for Lin from a long term perspective in that he was forced to realize and improve his weaknesses.
There are several posters at CL site who are clearly really biased and stupid also, but generally, they are pretty ok who just happen to be non-Lin-centric who are time to time slightly annoyed by too many Lin-centric posts. Look, if I were more of Rockets fan, I would also get bothered by too many posts which focus on Lin.
I am even beginning to appreciate Parsons now, but I rather have Gordon Hayward than Parsons any day.
Whoa, didnt mean to spark so many comments and NO, I don't go to that site, I don't even want you guys bringing shit over from that place to here. I do check out the dreamshake and realgm though. People see what they want to see and the Lin conversations are so different there than the Lin conversations here.
Communications in Internet forum is always tricky because there is no tone or non-verbal feedback so it's good to communicate well the positives first in our responses so people know where we're coming from.
I can't say I like Keith Smart's coaching - and that's with leaving out the Jeremy Lin debacle in Golden State.
Earlier this season, Keith Smart was experimenting with all sorts of schemes and lineups. He even instituted a triangle offense, which works in the NBA only if you have dominant players that can shoot over the top of any defense. Keith Smart even benched his favorite player Isaiah Thomas and stuck Thomas in the corner until the Kings players mutinied against Smart and forced him to reinsert Thomas.
Keith Smart's basic problem is the same one that plagues Bobby Knight motion offense influenced coaches like Kevin McHale. Smart thinks that when a player like Lin or Jimmer puts the ball on the floor and probes the defense for openings, he thinks that player is being SELFISH and BREAKING THE OFFENSE. That's why low percentage high crash players like Tyreke Evans and James Harden are allowed to stumble and brick and turnover while smart probing players like Lin and Jimmer get benched.
Like McHale, Smart doesn't have a clue as to how committed NBA defenses can stop any kind of motion scheme. In the NBA, you sometimes need gunners like Lin and Fredette to attack powerful defenses on an individual level. I am always partial to players like Lin and Fredette who can individually score no matter how tight the defense is.
Also, the difference between Keith Smart and Kevin McHale is that Kevin McHale is one of the greatest player development coaches in the NBA particularly of big men.
Ex Kings player Omri Casspi came to Cleveland after being benched by Smart. When coach Byron Scott started working with Casspi, Casspi declared "This is the first time I've ever been actually coached in the NBA".
Players just don't develop under Smart. Look at Thomas Robinson who looks HORRIBLE after half a season with Smart. Yet Robinson will look much better next season after McHale works with him in the offseason. Watch.
2:05 -Coach Diepenbrock -"I am looking forward to where he gets... more of an opportunity in the NBA.. when maybe the game is on the line... and he's out there.. because that's what makes him really special. He will get it done at the most critical moments."
According to the 2nd article, his dream job was food taster or NBA player. His dream came true. Also, Lin was never into his stats but always helping his team to win.
Is it just me or have the Rox big men particularly GS started to play better the last two games because a) they have more minutes b) Harden isn't suited up?
They way the big men have been playing with Lin lately looks like they've been playing together for quite some time. Yet, before the past two games, both GS and OA didn't finish or even catch Lin's passes at a high rate.
With Harden out, there was no need to clear the path to the rim for Harden so Asik and GSmith are welcomed to roam the paint :)
I've been impressed with GSmith's better D although sometimes he still had lapses. He can really turn out to be the Mini-Me version of Dwight Howard!
I'm surprised some old-timer CFs had been calling out the team plays better without Harden. The tide is turning and Harden better adjusts when he comes back. Let's hope they keep on winning so Harden would feel the need to adjust his game.
True. I followed the gamethread on CF and people noticed that right from the beginning. They were praising Lins PG play, they noticed the ball movement, the flow... that everything was better.
I guess thats what happens if you let people play their roles :)
However - I cant point out often enough that I dont blame Harden. Harden - just like Lin - has his own skillset and he does what he is told to do.
It's true that Harden has been assigned to be the first playmaker by coaches then Parsons/Lin but I also see Harden's "tunnel vision" like all great scorers in the past few games that he played where Harden just ignored the trailing Parsons who was wide-open during fastbreak and used his Euro-Step to score instead.
This sets a bad example as the leader if he wants to encourage "move the ball" philosophy and not reward the trailing man for running so hard to get open during fastbreaks.
We all know Lin would have the "pass first, score second" mentality in that situation.
So Harden also has "hero syndrome" mentality where he feels the need to save his team by scoring so much.
On the other hand, Lin also needs to work on not overpassing when he can make simple layups and throwing in too much risky passes resulting in ugly TOs if he hasn't had much chemistry with the big men (i.e DMo). Lin has the propensity to overpass probably to prove a point to McHale that he's a pass first PG. In NY, he just took what the defense gave him.
I'm hoping to see a beautiful team ball again tonight :) It's so contagious and great to see how FGarcia made one extra pass to Delfino who made the 3PT that rolled-in although he was super-hot from 3PT land!
I want Harden to take notes and integrate himself within the team ball structure, even when he defies McHale's order.
Yah the lack of team play or any structure is the FO/coaches' fault. However, Harden is overly competitive with his own teammates at least it seems that way to me.
And, this manifests itself in ways that makes the whole team ball sticky as well as Harden going into ISO mode in the 4th Q not because the team needs his scoring but because someone else on his team has a higher scoring total than he does.
Harden holds on to the ball to try to find a way to score, whereas Lin holds on to the ball to try to pass. Therefore, when Lin has the ball, other Rockets players they try to hard to get good positions because they know there is good chance that they will get the ball, whereas when Harden has the ball, they don't try so hard to get good openings because they know there is a greater chance that Harden will shoot.
Yeah, agreed. Harden was marginalized in OKC so there is a lot to prove for him to stick it to Westbrook and management. In a league centered around ppt and stats, young players can become selfish and big headed. It takes a good coach to guide them away from that self stroking ego driven style of play. The Rox instead have someone actually stoking the flames of that ego to the detriment of the so call manifesto of anti "sticky". What we see instead is ball stopping iOS. The bigs no knowing what to do; should clear the middle, should they PNR?
I have high hopes for Lin and harden together because they can really compliment each other. My hope is that harden will grow out of it next year and play team ball and just ignore Mchale.
Despite the poor record, the Kings is the one tough team to beat. The guards are quick and they have streaky shooters. I think the key to win is to somehow slow down the pace and disrupt their offensive rhythm...
Perimeter shooting is like passing in football. A team that depend on passing will get defensive linemen spread wide out to get better pass rushing angles. This also spreads the offensive linemen and it opens the protection up for middle linebacker blitzes. Teams that live by the pass like basketball teams that live by perimeter shooting have to have some interior threat to collaps the bigs. If that doesn't happen, it's only a quick half step out for the defense to challenge a shot. It's a cliche that championship football teams must run the ball. It's also cliche that championship bball teams must attack the rim. To play in the playoffs, you have to take the ball into the gut of the defense and pound it for 2s in order to open up the perimeter 3s.
How much better the Rox would have been had Lin been able to develop the bigs by taking the ball into the paint. Mchale in his genius, place his trust in Harden and Parsons' perimeter shooting to win his games. We all expect that this trend will continue again tonight, just as it has for the whole season. I had predicted that comes crunch time, they will start to choke and miss shots, that harden wouldn't get the freebies at the charity line.
After watching Lin play a couple of great games of lin's ane bball, I go to CF to read a few LOH and it brings me down to earth. I hope for the best, but expect the same dumb Mchale.
I've been watching a lot of Jazz games since I'm a Lakers fan, and if I was Daryl Morey I would seriously consider trading Harden for Hayward and Millsap (I don't know if that's possible though, it sounds like Utah wants to build around Hayward). For sure Utah is going to deal Millsap this offseason as they already have Favors.
I've been a huge Hayward fan for a long time (he's going to be a star). A lineup with Lin, Hayward, and Asik will absolutely shut teams down defensively.
Ugh this is all fantasy...back to watching Harden give up career highs to everyone.
No way Rockets will trade Harden, but Rockets should trade Parsons for Hayward IMO, or might be able to get Love next year by trading Parsons and another player, because I am sure Love will be pissed if MN gives max contract to Rubio. IMO, no way Rubio deserves a max K, and if he does, Love has a justifiable reason to get upset.
I love to talk about trading Harden The salary of Asik + Lin + Parsons + Smith + Anderson < Harden Talking about capsize, trading Harden can rebuild the whole team. Moreover you can give a raise to everyone. Cheers.
Someone mentioned that Lin seems to shoot better or have a smoother shooting form when he releases shots quickly rather than slowly. I think Lin should and could also improve his FTs to around 85% level.
I think he was trying to change his shooting mechanism. He went back to his old form in the middle of the season (After Nov I believe). Maybe he will try again later in the summer.
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman One nugget that didn't make that story: Since March 1, the Rockets own the 6th best D efficiency rating in NBA. 7th best offense as well.
Im at that point where I know exactly whats going to happen tonight but Im still hoping. Thats the cool thing about basketball. No matter how bad it gets theres always a new game - and at the beginning of each game theres always renewed hope. I dont think it will last very long with Harden back tonight but at least theres always a hope.
Two very-well made Linsanity videos made me miss Lin's old buddies in NY (Landry, Tyson, Shump, Novak, TD)
The good old days :(
Jeremy Lin : Chances (4:41) Lin found ways to showcase his teammates.Teammates are the most important part of "Linsanity". Note: Watch Melo's reaction on 0:20-0:22
The Journey of Jeremy Lin (14:05) Linsanity in NY and college highlights, D-League Why did it look like Lin was much more of a dunker in Harvard? And his feet looked like they were on skates.
To all lin's fan if you want to see Rockets vs Suns on NBATV fan night on tuesday please go vote now. The Lakers have more vote as of now......vote vote vote....
A Royal Threat Rockets well aware of peril posed by suddenly potent Sacramento Kings
... That mindset, it should be noted, mimics what McHale said minutes earlier when asked about Harden’s integration into a slightly modified starting five.
“We play better when we don’t hold it,” says McHale. “We play better when we play off the catch, when bodies are moving and stuff like that. We have to do that no matter who’s out there.
“(Harden is) going to have to get better – everybody does – of moving without the ball, too. That makes our offense go.”
Houston’s All-Star shooting guard saw the exact same thing from his vantage point on the bench the last two games. On multiple occasions this week he has praised the ball movement and defensive improvement he witnessed during his absence. His goal, then, is to make sure his return coincides with the continuation of those winning characteristics.
“I see how well my teammates have been playing,” he said following this morning’s shootaround. “I can’t just come back in the game with a not knowing mindset of how my teammates have been playing and who’s been playing well. For me to get back in the game, I need to get them going a little bit and feed off them a little bit.
“I see the growth we’ve built, the maturity. We’ve been progressing every game. We’ve got a little ways to go, but with only eight games to go in the season I think we’ve done a good job of building every game.”
Im not sure they have learned anything. Yes - no one should hold the ball - EXCEPT for Lin. The beauty of Lins game is that he does move the ball - right after he holds the ball, probes and moves the defense to set up his guys. The fact that the team had a nice flow during last game is because everyone played their role -> that aint rocket science!
Unleash the Lin - let him orchestrate offense and Hardens TOs will go down as his efficiency will go up.
Hardens iso-ball WORKS VERY WELL - at times. Its not a matter of whether he should go iso - its a matter of when and how often and who he plays against. Hardens iso-ball doesnt suck - unless it becomes the sole gameplan.
Yes - defense was better without Harden. Thats because he doesnt play d all the time. You cant expect a dude to play intense on both ends for 40 minutes a night. Not even JLin could do that on a regular basis. Cut his minutes (30-35) so that he has more energy to spend on d. Make him play d! His d is not that bad! He has a solid backup who deserves PT as well!
Its all about balance. Its the coaches job to get it right.
The Kings have only one player that can scare the Rockets.
ReplyDeleteeb5attorney's guy Jimmer Fredette is that player.
Jimmer is a big time scorer in the NBA. Despite never having played more than 20 mpg this season under Lin's hated ex coach Keith Smart, Still, Jimmer easily gets double figures in points when he's unleashed.
What's scary about Jimmer is that he'll go into "the zone" and hit shot after shot regardless of difficulty. A lead can be quickly erased when Jimmer gets hot.
Jimmer reminds me a lot of ex Pistons great Vinne "Miceowave" Johnson, a player who often scored double figures as a small guard coming pff the bench.
On the Rockets, Jimmer would be a nice backup shooting guard. Pair him with Lin and Jimmer would explode.
sorey about the bad spelling.
DeleteIsaiah Thomas did his thing against Lin the last time they met. Lin got in foul trouble. He'll have to play smarter this time around/get a better feel for how the refs are officiating the game.
DeletePost them all up and shoot over them, they're small. No use putting it on the floor with them cause they can catch up. Smaller players are usually quick and fast otherwise they will not be in the NBA.
DeleteLin has had no trouble with Isaiah Thomas in the past.
DeleteEven with the referees cheating, the Rox can still win provided Harden doesn't play.
Referee garbage was why Lin got knocked out of the last Sacramento game.
Saw Jimmer play in person when Jeremy came to play last time, I was NOT impressed. He couldn't defend anyone.
DeleteSaw Jimmer play in person when Jeremy came to play last time, I was NOT impressed. He couldn't defend anyone.
DeleteJimmer strikes me as a selfish gunner without NBA-level playmaking abilities or any defensive instincts. But KHuang believes in him and he's usually right about these things.
DeleteCoach Nick at Bballbreakdown compared Jimmer to JJ Redick, saying he might be good...in a few years...once he learns to move without the ball and be a catch-and-shoot sniper.
@zxcvb
DeleteYou can't be further from the truth.
Jimmer is probably one of the best guys on that joke of a team. He was top 5 in points per minute (along with the likes of Durant, Melo, Kobe) as well as PER for the first 30 games of the season, but Smart decided to start cutting his playtng time and giving him DNPs while he starts Thomas who Jimmer had outplayed til that point by a mile.
He's actually a great passer and compared to Isaiah would average far more assists if given the minutes.
He only seems selfish because nobody on his team will pass to him, EVEN WHEN WIDE OPEN. His teammates constantly freeze him out, so of course when he has the chance he shoots.
He does move without the ball and if you watch his games he is deadly in catch-and-shoot situations already with a really fast release.
He will really be an offensive juggernaut once he gets off that horrid team and finds a proper organization that will utilize and develop his talent.
@solidz75 Jimmer's defense isn't great but not as bad as everyone claims. His defense is no worse than Steph Curry or Nash, nobody calls them terrible players. On other teams when you get picked or beat off the dribble you get a big man hedging or help defense. Kings have none of that and leave Jimmer on an island so he looks worse than he really is. The Kings are the very worst defensive team in the entire NBA, and with Jimmer only averaging maybe 14 minutes a game, why does he get singled out for bad defense? Because everyone already has it in their mind he's bad and so his mistakes are amplified. Much like people saying Lin is a "turnover machine".
Angers me what Smart is doing to the kid...it's Lin all over again.
DeleteJimmer 14 points in 9 mins vs Bucks
He soon got a string of DNPs again after this performance. Jimmer has put up 15 point quarters and dominant scoring stretches over and over but still gets DNP or 5 minutes of playing time...while TONEY DOUGLAS is now ahead of him in the rotation. smh.
Dystopia1980, it really does appear he's getting a raw deal.
DeleteIf jimmer wants more playing time, he needs to be a much better defender... We know he can score...
DeleteI am unconvinced that Jimmer Fredette is a bad defensive player.
DeleteSure his teammates leave him out there alone, and sure he's not a super athletic shutdown guard like Lin. But Jimmer is definitely better than James Harden who refuses to defend and is better than Patrick Beverley who gets left crawling behind because of his slow reaction time.
When I've seen Jimmer play, he's actually making an effort on defense. That alone is about 75% of the battle right there. Besides, Jimmer scores so brilliantly that his net contribution is positive.
I never look at a player's single weakness and declare him a failure. I look at that player's overall effect on the team and especially on winning. Jimmer Fredette is a player whose explosive offense offsets his incorrectly perceived bad defense.
Like I said when I saw him play I saw players easily driving by him. And u thought harden was bad.
DeleteI suspect that is why he doesn't get playing much time.
Most point guards can drive on other point guards. Jimmer lacks some lateral quickness but has strength. Stopping PGs from penetrating requires interior defense as well as help defense, which the Kings have none of.
DeleteDefense as an excuse to bench Jimmer is laughable...the entire team doesn't play defense, so maybe they just shouldn't put any players on the floor at all lol.
Kings allow the most opponents PPG than any other team in the NBA, they are at the bottom as far as defense.
Jimmer is no worse a defender than Marcus Thornton or Isaiah Thomas who gets burned by every PG in the NBA.
This article was from January:
Deletehttp://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/01/26/its-time-for-jimmer-fredette-to-speak-up/
"Statistically speaking, Fredette should be playing. Of the six guards on the Kings’ roster, only Tyreke Evans boasts a higher player efficiency rating than Jimmer Fredette (18.32 to 16.41). True shooting? Only Brooks has Jimmer beat at 57 percent to 56.4 percent. And on a team that struggles with spacing from the perimeter, not only does Jimmer lead the Kings in 3-point shooting at 43.8 percent, he is among the top 10 best long-range marksmen in the entire league."
He's now stuck behind even Toney Douglas and continues to rack up DNPs. Defense is just an excuse Smart uses to not play Jimmer, much like he used anything as excuse to bench Lin who was statistically better than Acie Law.
Maybe you guys (including me) just like underdog type players. Players who haven't gotten a fair shot for whatever reason.
Deletedo you like me now?! lol.....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdtgUOiWHJg
I loved him as a player. But not so much as a coach.
DeleteMchale's up and under move is to Harden's Euro-step... no wonder the likes him so much...
ReplyDeleteI predict Lin gets substantial minutes this game. Well, to me, 30 minutes + is substantial. Unless this game is a blowout, of course. But the Kings shouldn't be a tough match if Rocket's play to their potential.
ReplyDeleteDo you think TD/Ppat (and their teammates) are going to be a little extra motivated? Haven't they been playing well recently?
DeleteInteresting question. I think they will be extra motivated even though they have no beef with the Rocket's team. I know if I was in their shoes I would be extra focused to go up against my former team. Not sure how they've been playing recently.
DeleteI always thought Patterson was pretty solid and hasn't reached his ceiling, but truthfully, I'm happier with Greg Smith starting in the PF position and DMO as the backup. Greg Smith really impresses me.
Man if I was a scout, I wouldn't give Jeremy a scholarship either. I'd say he is too weak to play top level college basketball. Was he a junior there or senior? either way....No. He was just a late bloomer in the body.
ReplyDeleteI think you should take a look at some high school prospects, a lot are not that big, especially in the point guard position. I think at 170 for high school is pretty good considering Steve Nash is only 180 as a NBA player.
Delete6'2" 170?
DeleteThere are NBA players who play at that weight!
Besides, a Cal state championship is a serious achievement.
He was deceptively big?
DeleteDuring Linsanity 1.0 with Knicks, I remember reading an article where Harvard scout first saw Lin at AAU game and wasn't impressed. Lin was playing against lesser competition and really wasn't trying to hard and just didn't stand out. I think scout thought Lin should go Division III then.
DeleteSame scout was scouting someone else a while later and Lin happened to be playing on another court, against much better competition, and scout was so impressed he called the Harvard coaches and told them they must recruit Lin.
Doc Scheppler has coached in Bay Area high schools for 34 years. He first saw Lin as a scrawny eighth-grader. But even then, “he had the ability to see the floor, make the right decision, make the correct angle pass. And that is just not done at 13, 14 years old.”
Deletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/25/sports/basketball/the-evolution-of-jeremy-lin-as-a-point-guard.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
"The kid makes every one around him way better," Mater Dei coach Gary McKnight said. "He was very impressive."
Lin, though, was not so physically impressive when he entered Palo Alto. "I was only 5-3," Lin said. "Luckily I grew. Maybe I was meant to be a basketball player."
Despite Lin's lack of height, Diepenbrock knew Lin was a special player before he arrived at Palo Alto. "He was a youth league legend," the coach said. He brought Lin up to varsity during the playoffs his freshman season.
http://www.sfgate.com/preps/article/BOYS-PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR-Jeremy-Lin-A-knack-for-2538272.php#ixzz2PMrg3jUU
Harden story line:
DeleteAs a freshman, Harden was a 6-1 set shooter who often had to take breaks because of asthma. Pera, however, was impressed with his instincts.
By the middle of his junior year, after Harden had grown several inches and developed a more well-rounded game, Pera was impressed. Period.
He asked Harden to take more command of the offense, something he had been reluctant to do because, according to Pera, he didn’t want to be considered a “ball hog.” Pera called Willis, who soon marched into his office with Harden.
“She told him to do whatever the coach told him to do or he’d have to answer to her,” Pera said.
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/11/harvey-harden’s-beard-only-part-of-intriguing-story/
With Jimmer's work ethic, I think at some point, he could be starter in the league or, perhaps, a very excellent backup. I love his form/jump shot. It's beautiful and uniquely good.
ReplyDeleteJimmer is a natural scorer, as good as they get.
DeleteHe also reminds me of a poor man's Nick Galis.
He could already be an elite scorer if he were given 15-20 shots per game and 30 minutes of playing time.
DeleteJimmer's got elite shooting skills and that's it. He'll need to find his Steve Kerr role in order to have a long career in the NBA. Just like Kerr, Jimmer isn't quick or explosive, two physical traits he needs to overcome his height. He'll be best on a team that doesn't rely on the point guard to create shots for other player, such as Miami or the Lakers.
DeleteParsons, Harden back on court for Rockets before road trip
ReplyDeletei wonder where jeremy would retire his jersey?
ReplyDeletehahaha, we have to wait and see, its long way to go....
DeleteLakers...once Kobe retires in 2-4 years.
Deletei'm hoping it will be Lakers too :>
DeleteI question the competence of the Buss heir.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIf Lin gets his jersey retired as a NBA player that would be an incredible achievement. Hope he makes the NBA Hall of Fame too!
DeleteMike D'Antoni was one of the main choices by the Buss heir, so if he remains the coach then it helps Lin's chances. The Asian fanbase also helps Lin in this case, since once Kobe retires the Lakers are going to be dying for another player that can put the franchise back on the map.
But the Clippers could end up getting him too. Sterling has a notorious history of caring about just making profit, even if it's while losing.
"I'm the leader of this team," Harden said. "I've got to go out there and do what I do. I'm not just going out there and taking 45 shots a game. I do a good job of passing and making my teammates better. I don't need any adjustment. I just need to go out there and play my game."
ReplyDelete"I know what's best for me and how I can help my teammates out," Harden said. "And if I can't help them out at any point of the game, I shouldn't be out there. They've done a great job of responding and playing well. Two great games."
DeleteI think he meant "And if I can't help them out at any point in the game, (THEY) shouldn't be out there"
Deletelink please?
DeleteHarden is right in saying "And if I can't help them out at any point of the game, I shouldn't be out there. " which translate to "And if Harden can't help his teammates out at any point of the game, Harden shouldn't be out there playing"
DeleteHere is a link with a video of him saying what he said:
Deletehttp://www.csnhouston.com/basketball-houston-rockets/talk/harden-no-adjustment-needed-upon-return
I interpret this as him just expressing confidence. But that's just me.
Thanks, Bamboo Forest.
DeleteI hope he plans to put more effort on D, that'd be nice too.
DeleteDidn't he say Lin was the leader couple weeks ago?
DeleteYeah, sounds a bit obnoxious to declare yourself the leader. I think the emphasis on team-ball in the last 2 games made him a bit uncomfortable about his game (which does iso more) so he's hyping himself a bit. But I hope he does make some sort of adjustment though (less iso and more defense).
DeleteHarden obviously feels somewhat "threatened" after the team won without him and under Jeremy's leadership. He probably thought the team didn't have a chance without him.
DeleteHe is just trying to regain his place on the team. But honestly, u don't appoint yourself a leader to be a TRUE leader. U earn it from your peers.
I knew he would rush back tonight before the mini- Linsanity took a life of its own. He better hope he helps the team win because if the team looks out if sync or not as effective, guess who will get the blame?.......
........
Who am I kidding?... People and mchale will blame Lin no matter what..
I was watching the highlights to the Clippers game provided by nba.com (I think).
DeleteDuring the very last few seconds of the video, the camera panned to Harden. He didn't look particularly ecstatic about the win.
In fact, he looked like he was contemplative, introspective, like he's taking an inner journey of self discovery.
Well, I think it's natural to want to be part of a team win and not be isolated. It's like us fans wanting JLin to play in the 4th quarter in a close game (rather than benched) and be part of the win. Last year with Linsanity, Melo wasn't happy sitting on the sidelines when the team started to win which led to locker room problems. I hope Harden is better than Melo in that regards. It shouldn't be a problem if Harden returns and the team continues to win.
DeleteI recall Melo was jumping off the bench and cheering for Lin during Linsanity last year... I think it was only after Melo started playing again then he had problems with Lin not passing the ball to him enough.
DeleteHmm... I recall Melo cheering during the Nets game, or the first game that started the Linsanity run, when the Knicks really needed some wins. But at the Raptors game, when JLin drained a 3 pointer to win the game, I don't think Melo, who did not play, was cheering along with the rest of his teammates. I think he also got annoyed when people asked him how he would play (implying he was playing selfish-ball)when he's reinserted back into the team.
DeleteEveryone in NYC, including melo, got initially swept up in Linsanity. I mean how could u not. Linsanity took all the thunder away from even the NY Giants who had just won the Super Bowl. I mean that's huuuuuge.
DeleteBut there were rumors that melo was quite jealous when he saw Lin getting the love that he had always envisioned himself getting when he came to ny. And the rest is history.
Seeing Melo play against Miami and score 50 points, I realize again that Melo really is an elite scorer (even though he doesn't get to the line as many times as Harden). Melo really is a great offensive player, even more so than Harden IMO. However, I saw how Tyson Chandler doesn't get to touch the ball when Melo without Lin.
DeleteOne more thing. IMO, it's harder to guard Melo than it is to guard Harden. I believe a good defender can stop Harden but not Melo. He's too strong and tall, and have too many moves for anyone to stop. Melo can only stop himself. Only if Melo tried harder in D and had a better leadership qualities, the guy would be right there with LeBron and Durant. His offensive moves are so fluid, and he doesn't even try to get foul calls like Harden.
DeletePatterson's thoughts on the upcoming game:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/04/02/patrick-patterson-not-out-for-revenge-against-houston-rockets/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnybody think Rocket's will make 6th seed? Looking at schedule if Rockets beat all the teams they have a better record than (which is a big if), losing to Denver and Memphis and GSW beat all the teams they have a better record than losing to OKC and San Antonio Rockets will still come up one game short. There will need to be an upset somewhere for them to pull it out. Rockets either got to beat Denver or Memphis or GSW got to lose in an upset perhaps to Lakers or Utah.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I think they were going to move up to the 6 seed I've been disappointed so I won't make any predictions.
DeleteHowever OKC and SAS are the class of the West while Den and Mem are good but second tier. Rox have been all WC playoff bound teams except Den, but they have beaten SAS, OKC, LAC in their last meeting in the regular season. Perhaps they can do the same with Den. But Den is on the road and the 2nd nite of a back to back. Mem is however at home.
GSW also has Utah and LAL who are fighting for a playoff spot. Rox only have LAL left.
I've been hopeful that Rox have turn the corner into consistent play only to be disappointed so I'll have to say no they won't make the 6 seed and maybe be wrong again.
It really sucks that Lin plays for a team with such a shitty, low iq fanbase.
ReplyDeleteHope you didnt go to CF and get yourself upset unnecessarily with those biased comments.
DeleteIMHO I believe that JLin will always seem to have a horde of strange/biased fan base. Online people can hide behind multiple identities so it most likely is a hand full of people with multiple identities just trying to stir up attention for themselves. They use a popular figure like JLin and ride their coat tails for attention. Then some people who do not understand this will fall for the bait and believe there are a multitude of unreasonable fans (both for and against JLin) and then will try to defend JLin of ten while they are angry. It creates an infinite loop of insanity.
DeleteI believe it is best to remember the type of person JLin is. (The reason I became a fan of his in the first place was his calm, respectful, mature demeanor) try to stay positive. Try not to fall for the bait. He is a team player with dignity and ability beyond his years. Let JLin’s actions on and off the court speak for him.
We should use as much dignity and respect as we can when speaking about him/defending him to honor his restraint and calm … yes defend him and point out problems with his usage or treatment but try to stay out of the mudslinging and hate.
This is difficult to do at CF. It is filled with trolls and some too ignorant to know they are being led around by the nose. If you venture onto CF do so with caution and a constant reminder to yourself to take a deep deep breath before you reply.
I'm glad I've never been or will ever go to that site. :>
DeleteThe site admin of CF is himself part of the problem. He sets an example of making it acceptable and even right to discredit Lin fans.
DeleteIf you guys don't like Clutchfans, DON'T GO.
DeleteMe? The few times I've read it, I was OK with it even if they were criticizing Lin.
I prefer to stick to this site because we can talk openly and intelligently here.
The awesome level of knowledge on this site is the highest I've ever encountered on the Internet.
Clutchfan can be annoying but you take the good with the bad. There are great analytical posts whether critical or in praise of Lin. But I try to avoid it after Lin plays bad, because u know the haters will be out in full force.
DeleteBut but u r right. Clutch/ hardisty is the biggest douchebag there is. He bans Lin supporters while letting clearly racists posts stand. I remember realgm Knicks doing a much better job of warning and calling out trolls/ baiters. The earlier Lin leaves Houston the better it will be for all of us.
The earlier people STOP being what I call "hater fans" of Clutchfans, the more BORED those people will be.
DeleteI firmly believe that lots of Lin fans LOVE to go to Clutchfans because they want to see anti-Lin posts as evidence of racism. So when they whine in happy glee about the racism on Clutchfans, I just shake my head.
Since Lin is not my racial avatar, I only appreciate him as a basketball fan. He's not my social battering ram to carry the flag for oppressed Asians. Lin is just a very good basketball player to me, and I don't view him as my cultural hero. If Lin didn't have the level of game he has, I'd not follow him the way I didn't follow Yao Ming because I didn't like Yao's game.
And don't think for a second that Lin leaving Houston will change a darned thing about how Asians are viewed or treated.
I have one bit of advice for people who go on Clutchfans looking for racism fights and then gleefully complain about their findings on this site: QUIT YER BELLYACHING!
I was banned b/c I suggested that CF was allowing the LOF/LOH war to continue b/c it brought viewers to the site and therefore $$$ similar to bleacher reports and the constant JLin story headlines. Riding the popularity of a star like JLin for $$$ is nothing new.
DeleteI guess they couldn't take personal criticism very well although the site thrives on criticism of others.
Yes there are some great thoughtful and informative post there. Torocan is one I loved to read... but I really don't like to view the site and give the site hits and therefore $$
You DESERVED to be banned, wu kong.
DeleteIf you don't like the site, what the heck were you doing there in the first place? No wonder you got banned for LOOKING FOR TROUBLE.
The general rule of Internet forums is to NOT antagonize the moderators. You don't like what you read, don't participate.
CF was feigning anger over the LOF/LOH war cluttering his site. I suggested he moderate the site more heavily then (since it was his site he could do something about it) or else maybe he actually liked the continued fighting b/c of site hits=$ in ads. So yeah I guess I was calling him to action...and he did not like it...so be it.
DeleteSo LET IT REST.
DeleteIf you keep going back there, then you're a FAN of Clutchfans.
Khuang, don't know if your post is directed at me or not but let me interject..
DeleteWhen I say racism, I mean things like mocking the Chinese accent, using terms like "egg rolls", or "not being able to see" etc. These are clearly racist and should NEVER be tolerated on a supposedly moderated forum like clutch.
And for anyone to totally dissociate racism from Jeremy's critcism, in my opinion, is being completely ignorant. I don't have to go into details, but if u follow the trajectory of Jeremy's career u know the prejudices toward the Asian race has a lot to do with him being overlooked and continue to being overlooked.
And I don't think Lin's fans go to clutch to "experience racism". That is such a idiotic thing to say...That might be for a very small numbet but I believe most Lin fans go there to see if Rocket fans are giving props to Lin or to vent their frustration. And when Lin is unfairly being mocked at, that is when things start.
Whether Lin wants it it not, he is setting a precedence for Asian American players, who are not a genetic freak like Yao. Race will always be attached.
And khuang , for someone who doesn't go on clutch, u seem to act like what goes on.
DeletePeople like u would be probably be mocked at with ur outlandish posts, like saying Jeremy was the best player when he clearly was not. I would love to see u last a single day there. Lol.
But you are right about one thing. People who clearly get annoyed should not go on that site especially if u can't take it. But I do think the views expressed ther are a microcosm of the NBA fan basr in general with majority of none Asian fans think Lin is just okay and certainly not the players we believe him to be.
That's still LOOKING FOR A FIGHT when Lin fans like you go to Clutchfans hunting for concrete evidence of racism.
DeleteWhen I read criticism on clutchfans against Lin or Lin fans, I don't get excited about it. People are always going to criticize Lin and especially his Asian fans. Clutchfans is not a lin fansite.
Now when people come on this Lin fansite to take us on, we turn them into punching bags and let nature take its course.
Bear in mind that I don't have any problem with anybody going to Clutchfans looking for tangible evidence of anti Asian racism. It's when they gleefully WHINE about it on this site that I get very irritated.
Lin fans who mine Clutchfans in search of racism, you are the BIGGEST FANS of Clutchfans there are and your antics are ENTERTAINING!
And I'm NOT a Clutchfans member because unlike you, Solidz75, I'm NOT a fan of Clutchfans!
DeleteI post on a pro Lin website. I'm supposed to be a pro-Lin NUTCASE.
Anybody who goes back to clutchfans after fake complaining about it here is a TOTAL CLUTCHFAN!
Kong, u didn't deserve to get banned. But clutch is a dick and consistently and unfairly bans Lin fans. And it's his site, so he can do whatever he wants.
DeleteI think he could moderate his site much better by threatening to ban anyone starting obviously starting troll wars. But it is what it is.
I look forward to hearing more SOB AND SNIFF stories from you Clutchfans about that site.
Deletewhine whine booger
Dude I'm not going on the site to ACTIVELY look for signs of racism. Could u stop saying ignorant things? Who da hell does that anyways?
DeleteI go to his site to gain a better insight into how other people view what I see.
If clutch did a much better job of keeping trolling to a min, I think it would a great place to go.
If I go to clutch and that makes me clutch fan then so be it.
at least you are honest in admitting you LIKE that site.
DeleteHis site is ad supported? If flame wars cause higher page views, then I'd support flame wars if I were running a forum too.
Deletestill fun to hear the crying against Clutchfans BY Lin fans who are actually fans of that site!
DeleteYes. It is also good see the evolution of their respect for Lin's game as well as seeing some of the haters STFU as Lin continues to improve. It's the occasional racist comments and the moderator's blatant tolerance of it that bother me.
DeleteIt's okay to indulge in a little bit of guilty pleasure (u know it's not good for u but u still do it). And if you are a member, you can add the the trolls (or haters) on the ignore list and just read the other normal posts.
DeleteWe all need to be smart when posting in CF to know what angles to pursue.
DeleteThis forum has Lin's bias and CF has the Rockets' bias as they should be, meaning that we forgive Lin's mistakes and focus on his positives instead as CF does the same for the Rockets.
We should only post in CF to demonstrate how much Lin is helping the Rockets win and never to put Lin above the Rockets.
The exuberant Lin fans and trolls pretending to be LOFs definitely riled up some CF old-timers thinking Lin fans want to take over CF forums.
Just continue to show how much Lin helps the Rockets win by playing team ball, even the possibility of 1st round upset and the good CF old-timers will come around.
As for the haters/racists, just ignore them or give them one-liners to rebuke them because they love it when we fall for it and waste our time responding to them.
psalm234 is correct in his analysis. Too often I see Lin fans post too much Lincentric posts that have nothing to do with Rockets' overall interest. As psalm states, each site has its own focus or "bias". For example, I learned to not post certain types of posts here (as I used to do earlier) that might give a wrong impression that I am not a Lin fan. I believe no matter how it plays out, this first year experience with Rockets has been good for Lin from a long term perspective in that he was forced to realize and improve his weaknesses.
DeleteThere are several posters at CL site who are clearly really biased and stupid also, but generally, they are pretty ok who just happen to be non-Lin-centric who are time to time slightly annoyed by too many Lin-centric posts. Look, if I were more of Rockets fan, I would also get bothered by too many posts which focus on Lin.
DeleteI am even beginning to appreciate Parsons now, but I rather have Gordon Hayward than Parsons any day.
Whoa, didnt mean to spark so many comments and NO, I don't go to that site, I don't even want you guys bringing shit over from that place to here. I do check out the dreamshake and realgm though. People see what they want to see and the Lin conversations are so different there than the Lin conversations here.
Deleteglad you feel the same way, eb.
DeleteCommunications in Internet forum is always tricky because there is no tone or non-verbal feedback so it's good to communicate well the positives first in our responses so people know where we're coming from.
CF fans cherished the idea of trading Lin to increase the capsize for who knows.
DeleteI can't say I like Keith Smart's coaching - and that's with leaving out the Jeremy Lin debacle in Golden State.
ReplyDeleteEarlier this season, Keith Smart was experimenting with all sorts of schemes and lineups. He even instituted a triangle offense, which works in the NBA only if you have dominant players that can shoot over the top of any defense. Keith Smart even benched his favorite player Isaiah Thomas and stuck Thomas in the corner until the Kings players mutinied against Smart and forced him to reinsert Thomas.
Keith Smart's basic problem is the same one that plagues Bobby Knight motion offense influenced coaches like Kevin McHale. Smart thinks that when a player like Lin or Jimmer puts the ball on the floor and probes the defense for openings, he thinks that player is being SELFISH and BREAKING THE OFFENSE. That's why low percentage high crash players like Tyreke Evans and James Harden are allowed to stumble and brick and turnover while smart probing players like Lin and Jimmer get benched.
Like McHale, Smart doesn't have a clue as to how committed NBA defenses can stop any kind of motion scheme. In the NBA, you sometimes need gunners like Lin and Fredette to attack powerful defenses on an individual level. I am always partial to players like Lin and Fredette who can individually score no matter how tight the defense is.
Also, the difference between Keith Smart and Kevin McHale is that Kevin McHale is one of the greatest player development coaches in the NBA particularly of big men.
DeleteEx Kings player Omri Casspi came to Cleveland after being benched by Smart. When coach Byron Scott started working with Casspi, Casspi declared "This is the first time I've ever been actually coached in the NBA".
Players just don't develop under Smart. Look at Thomas Robinson who looks HORRIBLE after half a season with Smart. Yet Robinson will look much better next season after McHale works with him in the offseason. Watch.
JLin - "feels good to be back in Cali!"
ReplyDeleteConsequently, it feels good to reminisce his basketball roots with this vid -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dB4-7-RPNKM#!
2:05 -Coach Diepenbrock -"I am looking forward to where he gets... more of an opportunity in the NBA.. when maybe the game is on the line... and he's out there.. because that's what makes him really special. He will get it done at the most critical moments."
JLin is CLUTCH! When will they ever realize that?
According to the 2nd article, his dream job was food taster or NBA player. His dream came true. Also, Lin was never into his stats but always helping his team to win.
DeleteIs it just me or have the Rox big men particularly GS started to play better the last two games because a) they have more minutes b) Harden isn't suited up?
ReplyDeleteThey way the big men have been playing with Lin lately looks like they've been playing together for quite some time. Yet, before the past two games, both GS and OA didn't finish or even catch Lin's passes at a high rate.
I completely agree.
DeleteToo bad it probably will end once Harden returns.
We will see tonight if it's lin or their just natural progression.
DeleteI think because they anticipate the pass more from JLin. Maybe JLin told them to be ready to receive the pass and dunk or do post ups.
DeleteDuring last game the starters all looked like they have been playing together for some time...
DeleteCome to think of it, it must be because McHale has been working diligently with them on their post plays. (rolls eyes)
Deletelol :O
DeleteWith Harden out, there was no need to clear the path to the rim for Harden so Asik and GSmith are welcomed to roam the paint :)
DeleteI've been impressed with GSmith's better D although sometimes he still had lapses. He can really turn out to be the Mini-Me version of Dwight Howard!
I'm surprised some old-timer CFs had been calling out the team plays better without Harden. The tide is turning and Harden better adjusts when he comes back. Let's hope they keep on winning so Harden would feel the need to adjust his game.
True. I followed the gamethread on CF and people noticed that right from the beginning. They were praising Lins PG play, they noticed the ball movement, the flow... that everything was better.
DeleteI guess thats what happens if you let people play their roles :)
However - I cant point out often enough that I dont blame Harden. Harden - just like Lin - has his own skillset and he does what he is told to do.
It's true that Harden has been assigned to be the first playmaker by coaches then Parsons/Lin but I also see Harden's "tunnel vision" like all great scorers in the past few games that he played where Harden just ignored the trailing Parsons who was wide-open during fastbreak and used his Euro-Step to score instead.
DeleteThis sets a bad example as the leader if he wants to encourage "move the ball" philosophy and not reward the trailing man for running so hard to get open during fastbreaks.
We all know Lin would have the "pass first, score second" mentality in that situation.
So Harden also has "hero syndrome" mentality where he feels the need to save his team by scoring so much.
On the other hand, Lin also needs to work on not overpassing when he can make simple layups and throwing in too much risky passes resulting in ugly TOs if he hasn't had much chemistry with the big men (i.e DMo). Lin has the propensity to overpass probably to prove a point to McHale that he's a pass first PG. In NY, he just took what the defense gave him.
I'm hoping to see a beautiful team ball again tonight :) It's so contagious and great to see how FGarcia made one extra pass to Delfino who made the 3PT that rolled-in although he was super-hot from 3PT land!
I want Harden to take notes and integrate himself within the team ball structure, even when he defies McHale's order.
Yah the lack of team play or any structure is the FO/coaches' fault. However, Harden is overly competitive with his own teammates at least it seems that way to me.
DeleteAnd, this manifests itself in ways that makes the whole team ball sticky as well as Harden going into ISO mode in the 4th Q not because the team needs his scoring but because someone else on his team has a higher scoring total than he does.
At this point in his career or age, I really believe Harden rather "look good" than have Rockets win but he doesn't score many points.
DeleteHarden holds on to the ball to try to find a way to score, whereas Lin holds on to the ball to try to pass. Therefore, when Lin has the ball, other Rockets players they try to hard to get good positions because they know there is good chance that they will get the ball, whereas when Harden has the ball, they don't try so hard to get good openings because they know there is a greater chance that Harden will shoot.
DeleteYeah, agreed. Harden was marginalized in OKC so there is a lot to prove for him to stick it to Westbrook and management. In a league centered around ppt and stats, young players can become selfish and big headed. It takes a good coach to guide them away from that self stroking ego driven style of play. The Rox instead have someone actually stoking the flames of that ego to the detriment of the so call manifesto of anti "sticky". What we see instead is ball stopping iOS. The bigs no knowing what to do; should clear the middle, should they PNR?
DeleteI have high hopes for Lin and harden together because they can really compliment each other. My hope is that harden will grow out of it next year and play team ball and just ignore Mchale.
Great stuff psalm234.
DeleteHey guys, if you want to chat Jeremy Lin on a more traditional forum, please visit my site and forum at:
ReplyDeleteyinmouworld.blogspot.com
yinmouworld.forumatic.com
The site is more than just Jeremy Lin. It's more about community as well and connecting with other people who share the same goals.
See you all there.
-David
Despite the poor record, the Kings is the one tough team to beat. The guards are quick and they have streaky shooters. I think the key to win is to somehow slow down the pace and disrupt their offensive rhythm...
ReplyDeleteRockets can beat any team and lose to any team, especially if they don't utilize their players to their strengths.
DeletePerimeter shooting is like passing in football. A team that depend on passing will get defensive linemen spread wide out to get better pass rushing angles. This also spreads the offensive linemen and it opens the protection up for middle linebacker blitzes. Teams that live by the pass like basketball teams that live by perimeter shooting have to have some interior threat to collaps the bigs. If that doesn't happen, it's only a quick half step out for the defense to challenge a shot. It's a cliche that championship football teams must run the ball. It's also cliche that championship bball teams must attack the rim. To play in the playoffs, you have to take the ball into the gut of the defense and pound it for 2s in order to open up the perimeter 3s.
ReplyDeleteHow much better the Rox would have been had Lin been able to develop the bigs by taking the ball into the paint. Mchale in his genius, place his trust in Harden and Parsons' perimeter shooting to win his games. We all expect that this trend will continue again tonight, just as it has for the whole season. I had predicted that comes crunch time, they will start to choke and miss shots, that harden wouldn't get the freebies at the charity line.
After watching Lin play a couple of great games of lin's ane bball, I go to CF to read a few LOH and it brings me down to earth. I hope for the best, but expect the same dumb Mchale.
I like your comments Bob and I agree. If Mac could only trust Lin more, he would make his job easier and look like a genius.
Deletehttp://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=truehoop&id=56208&src=desktop
ReplyDeleteSolid analysis on "superstar calls."
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9103972/what-trendiest-team-nba-houston-rockets-denver-nuggets-golden-state-warriors
ReplyDeleteHouston Rockets, the trendiest nba team right now.
I've been watching a lot of Jazz games since I'm a Lakers fan, and if I was Daryl Morey I would seriously consider trading Harden for Hayward and Millsap (I don't know if that's possible though, it sounds like Utah wants to build around Hayward). For sure Utah is going to deal Millsap this offseason as they already have Favors.
ReplyDeleteI've been a huge Hayward fan for a long time (he's going to be a star). A lineup with Lin, Hayward, and Asik will absolutely shut teams down defensively.
Ugh this is all fantasy...back to watching Harden give up career highs to everyone.
No way Rockets will trade Harden, but Rockets should trade Parsons for Hayward IMO, or might be able to get Love next year by trading Parsons and another player, because I am sure Love will be pissed if MN gives max contract to Rubio. IMO, no way Rubio deserves a max K, and if he does, Love has a justifiable reason to get upset.
DeleteI love to talk about trading Harden
DeleteThe salary of Asik + Lin + Parsons + Smith + Anderson < Harden
Talking about capsize, trading Harden can rebuild the whole team.
Moreover you can give a raise to everyone. Cheers.
Can Jeremy Lin be "the" Point Guard or "a" Point Guard tonight? Let's find out tonight.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned that Lin seems to shoot better or have a smoother shooting form when he releases shots quickly rather than slowly. I think Lin should and could also improve his FTs to around 85% level.
ReplyDeleteI think he was trying to change his shooting mechanism. He went back to his old form in the middle of the season (After Nov I believe). Maybe he will try again later in the summer.
DeleteWth is Harden and Parsons starting today? Sh*t
ReplyDeleteI wish Rockets will get Jimmer and Love next year.
ReplyDeleteToo bad Morey didn't ask for him in that trade, he's not getting any PT so I doubt he would've costed anything.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJason Friedman @JasonCFriedman
ReplyDeleteOne nugget that didn't make that story: Since March 1, the Rockets own the 6th best D efficiency rating in NBA. 7th best offense as well.
Im at that point where I know exactly whats going to happen tonight but Im still hoping. Thats the cool thing about basketball. No matter how bad it gets theres always a new game - and at the beginning of each game theres always renewed hope. I dont think it will last very long with Harden back tonight but at least theres always a hope.
ReplyDeleteInsanity... Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Einstein
DeleteTwo very-well made Linsanity videos made me miss Lin's old buddies in NY (Landry, Tyson, Shump, Novak, TD)
ReplyDeleteThe good old days :(
Jeremy Lin : Chances (4:41)
Lin found ways to showcase his teammates.Teammates are the most important part of "Linsanity".
Note: Watch Melo's reaction on 0:20-0:22
The Journey of Jeremy Lin (14:05)
Linsanity in NY and college highlights, D-League
Why did it look like Lin was much more of a dunker in Harvard? And his feet looked like they were on skates.
Those guys had great chemistry with Lin. The fans supported him too. Thanks for the memories, we'll never see this again.
DeleteNever say never, k.smith. You know Dolan will shell out money to bring them back when they're all past 35 years old :D
DeleteThe man likes to sell a good Broadway show!
To all lin's fan if you want to see Rockets vs Suns on NBATV fan night on tuesday please go vote now. The Lakers have more vote as of now......vote vote vote....
ReplyDeleteA Royal Threat
ReplyDeleteRockets well aware of peril posed by suddenly potent Sacramento Kings
...
That mindset, it should be noted, mimics what McHale said minutes earlier when asked about Harden’s integration into a slightly modified starting five.
“We play better when we don’t hold it,” says McHale. “We play better when we play off the catch, when bodies are moving and stuff like that. We have to do that no matter who’s out there.
“(Harden is) going to have to get better – everybody does – of moving without the ball, too. That makes our offense go.”
Houston’s All-Star shooting guard saw the exact same thing from his vantage point on the bench the last two games. On multiple occasions this week he has praised the ball movement and defensive improvement he witnessed during his absence. His goal, then, is to make sure his return coincides with the continuation of those winning characteristics.
“I see how well my teammates have been playing,” he said following this morning’s shootaround. “I can’t just come back in the game with a not knowing mindset of how my teammates have been playing and who’s been playing well. For me to get back in the game, I need to get them going a little bit and feed off them a little bit.
“I see the growth we’ve built, the maturity. We’ve been progressing every game. We’ve got a little ways to go, but with only eight games to go in the season I think we’ve done a good job of building every game.”
Gasp! McHale and Harden said all the right things about playing off the catch, not so much ISO.
DeleteBut let's see if they walk the talk.
Harden's comment about "the defensive improvement during his absence" is very INTERESTING.
Jason Friedman certainly put a lot of subliminal messages in his articles recently.
I will believe it when I see it. Good thing that I don't have to wait too long..
DeleteIm not sure they have learned anything. Yes - no one should hold the ball - EXCEPT for Lin. The beauty of Lins game is that he does move the ball - right after he holds the ball, probes and moves the defense to set up his guys. The fact that the team had a nice flow during last game is because everyone played their role -> that aint rocket science!
DeleteUnleash the Lin - let him orchestrate offense and Hardens TOs will go down as his efficiency will go up.
Hardens iso-ball WORKS VERY WELL - at times. Its not a matter of whether he should go iso - its a matter of when and how often and who he plays against. Hardens iso-ball doesnt suck - unless it becomes the sole gameplan.
Yes - defense was better without Harden. Thats because he doesnt play d all the time. You cant expect a dude to play intense on both ends for 40 minutes a night. Not even JLin could do that on a regular basis. Cut his minutes (30-35) so that he has more energy to spend on d. Make him play d! His d is not that bad! He has a solid backup who deserves PT as well!
Its all about balance. Its the coaches job to get it right.
I don't think McHale wants Lin to even do that. In his mind, he wants then to play hot potatoes and shoot. Otherwise it's too sticky. Effin moron.
DeleteHarden doesn't really move without the ball though. He kind of just stands behind the 3pt line when he doesn't have the ball.
DeleteMcHale can't practice what he preaches. He has Harden-centered ball-hogging offense that can bore you to death.
Deletewillydilly, it IS "Rocket science" to McHale . . .
DeleteA DAY IN THE LIFE OF JEREMY LIN
ReplyDeleteGood link. What kind of car does he drive? Can't recognize the emblem in the wheel.
Deletenice to watch. need more of it.
Deletehes sponsored by volvo so it gotta be a volvo
DeleteThat was really cool.
DeleteGood find, isabelijane. It's very informative to get to know a player's routine on game day.
DeleteI want to try that cryogenic machine some day :)
Good thing they won the Lakers game that night!
I wonder if they threw away other outtakes ending with a game loss.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDenver is trying to pull away from Utah now.
ReplyDeleteJust hope the Lakers will get into the playoff.
why? they dont deserve to be in the playoffs... watch this.
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZatX_6i5WY&sns=fb
Any team that can whip the Dallas by 20 deserves lots of attention in the playoff.
DeleteUtah has played some good basketball with Jefferson shooting well. 5 points lead for Denver at half time.
ReplyDeleteDenver winning
DeleteIf Lin win any more game w/o Harden, McHale and Sampson would loss lots of sleep.
ReplyDeleteGosh! I wonder if Lin will handle the ball in this game.
ReplyDeleteSooner than you can tell. 2 assists from Lin; my man.
ReplyDeleteHarden can play ???
ReplyDelete60 Minutes preview - Jeremy Lin 林書豪"60分鐘"專訪預告
ReplyDelete