Mark my words. Reed’s minutes will disappear in the playoffs.

Our role players suck. We need a new overhaul.

Only reed/KD/Sengun/Amen/Bari should be on this team next year.

 

I have a feeling that the sudden insertion of Holiday to the rotation is preparation of FVV coming back to the playoffs and replacing him in the rotation.

Maybe if we’re able to advance to the 2nd round.

 

What does this statement mean? If this means players need a certain amount of minutes to be able to play well then this simply isn’t true. This would mean all bench players need “rhythm” to score. Caruso only played around 19 min in the lakers 2020 title year. Did he need “rhythm”? How about JJ Barea who played the same in Dallas’ run? Or even Cason Wallace last year for OKC?

Sheppard played at least 18 min last 2 games with mediocre or sub par performances. He had his chance last night and got to play in that critical 4th but missed a few threes, layups, and threw a pass out of bounds.

All players are expected to perform when their numbers are called. Those that do are the more successful players.

Let’s be honest with our statements and analysis

 

None of them players you namedropped are rhythm shooters though. Caruso's the epitome of "stay ready" archetype role player, I'd have no fear of him coming in and hitting a cold shot, it's what he does. JJ was a hustle and grind player (who actually, I think would be an amazing type of player for us.) Reed's an undersized volume shooting guard if you look at his background, it doesn't mean "this player needs constant minutes" it means "you need to give this player a steady diet of shots to keep his rhythm to maximise the skill." At the top end you're talking Klay Thompson, KD etc - these players need to get in their flow, you don't just leave them cold. At the roleplayer level Buddy Hield would be a great example - in rhythm he can fill up a stat sheet, off-rhythm he can brick you into a hole. It's not so much that Reed needs loads of minutes, but when he does get his minutes it should be a sub-strategy within the offense to get him a couple of early looks to get him in rhythm - if he does and the shooting connects then you keep feeding him, if he's not getting in rhythm and stays cold you pin him to the bench and don't waste the minutes further. That's how you play rhythm shooters, it's a long-time basic fundamental strategy that's been in the game since I was a child, and I'm in my 40's now.

 

I’m saying at the pro level I don’t agree with that theory. Players are expected to play at a high level when they get the opportunity. Anything else is an excuse in my opinion.

You don’t just force the ball to players if that’s not within the flow of the offense or game script. Guys like Dale Ellis or Steve Kerr made a living shooting 3’s straight off the bench cold. If you’re open you take the shot. That’s drilled into every player. Again Reed had his opportunities this year and he’s been amazing in some winning games for us while coming up empty in others.

 

It's not a theory, it's an objective truth. Just because you deny it doesn't remove the validity of several of decades basketball showing it's true. Seriously. How arrogant do you have to be to discount 70+ years of NBA history? Genuine question.

 

Consistent minutes matter to every player, shooters, need to shoot - even if you miss a couple you need to keep playing so you can keep shooting.

Ime doesn't coach he reacts, he has no ****ing clue how to win anything meaningful, he is like the wolf in 3 little pigs, he huffs and he puffs, but ultimately he is just full of hot air....including between his ears.

DD

 

Preach. And as most people know, proactive is always better than reactive. There's a clear lacking in strategic fundamentals with our coaching direction.

 

Genuine question can you have a discussion without being triggered going from 0-100 without insults? I didn’t insult you did I?

“Rhythm scorers” is a theory. It has not been scientifically studied and its findings not documented. Not everyone uses that term just like not everyone uses the term “position-less basketball” which is also a misnomer. Who uses it? The media? There’s many theories in basketball. Some think motion is the best way you can execute while others like read and react. what you call objective truth is simply a theory and a convoluted one.

There may be such thing as a player who is slower and needs to get warmed up in a game with touches and reps to get going. Maybe Maxey, or Banchero or even JG. Those players are streaky and need reps and touches. Their games are dynamic and they’re not just limited to shooting jumpshots. I don’t agree Klay Thompson or players like him fit this especially when a lot of their scoring is catch and shoot or dribble pullup. Also no one is benching prime Klay after a couple missed shots. But at the end of the day they’re all expected to perform when their number is called.

As I said there’s a lot of players in the history of the game that are great role players that come into the game “cold” and does their job bombing threes no problem. Sheppard isn’t a dynamic guard that relies on dribble drive or one on one play. That’s not his game. If his role is to be a fourth or 5th option on offense or bench 6th man then why would he need a large share of touches or shots?

Role players aren’t dominating in shots or getting fed as a number one scorer. This isn’t realistic. So what are we saying here? That the team needs to force feed him and that he needs to shoot when they do? Again it’s about what the defense gives and the flow of the offense. Besides he got 12 shots off last night. They continue to screen for him to get him open and pass to him when he has a shot. So what’s the issue?

 

It's almost playoff time and the dude still doesn't have a set starting lineup. It changes all the time. I have no faith in him as a coach. He's too wishy washy and set in his ways.

 

OKC always switches their lineups between Wallace or Mitchell or when they want to go small they take Hartenstein out. This isn’t uncommon for coaches to use different lineups

 

That may be true, but Ime's choices aren't always about big or small. I just can't stand the guy, so maybe I'm biased.

 

Then explain Tari playing more minutes in the wolves game. Scoring nothing and playing horrible? Explain Tate playing minutes over reed to close out the first half. Explain Tate playing mid to late 4th quarter?

 

I think he is a narcissist who wants it to be about him and not the players.

DD

 

What does any of what you said have to do with the topic of “rhythm scoring” and how the twitter post said Sheppard is a “rhythm scorer?”

I never said I agreed with giving Tari minutes while playing terrible

 

interesting take, in it’s own way…

 

What it means is a player doesn’t need to be on the court for 4-5 minutes at a time then pulled, only to be put back in 3-4 minutes later. Players also need to get comfortable with a certain role. If you think that doesn’t matter, then we disagree big time and that’s fine.

 

I think roles matter and Sheppard’s role is clearly defined. And just as coaches need to be flexible, players need to be flexible. How many times have you heard players say whatever coaches want I’ll do it? Or wherever they put me or play me I’ll do it as long as we win games? I just think as a professional player when you’re called upon you go out and execute.

 

Yeah, catching the double hidden meaning you hint at, the difference, is I don't care about it being about me, others make it that way, I care about talking about the Rockets and fixing things, and having a team that can win.

So, while the weak minded focus on me, or that I post a lot, or whatever their issues lead them to...they fail to see, that it isn't ever about the poster, but the message.

When has IMe ever said....you know this was on me, it was a bad coaching job, we have to do better to help the players?

WTF are you smoking? He has no clearly defined role - he gets inconsistent minutes, he gets staggered minutes - he is the guy that is yanked in and out more than anyone else?

Ime doesn't like him - clearly would rather have a 33 year old that can finish at the rim, can't shoot anymore - and is slower than dirt at walking the ball up - watch how bad FVV plays next year when we add his sorry ass back into the lineup.

DD

 

Where was the insult? Calling it arrogant the way you arrogantly talk down at everybody? That's another fact, not an insult.