Jazz VS Rockets Game Thread

[Handlogten's Heros]

Let's also remember that the mean exists for a reason. Rubio was great to end the year, but that level of play is the exception that proves the rule. Furthermore, he's in a contract year, so this isn't just an academic question. If he reverts back to his mean - even if he has spurts of good play - there is no way in hell I'm committing eight-figures per year to that.

I just wonder if all the work-arounds are worth the other stuff he provides. He will get better than his first 4 games obviously. The same questions apply to Favs... its really the same Ricky, Favs, Rudy combo question. Like maybe it clicks in when DM and Ricky are running hot, but what does it look like with a consistent shooter at one or both of those spots.

If you were to list out the attributes of the ideal backcourt mate to play with DM and Rudy I don't think Ricky checks a lot of boxes, so maybe you run with a lesser player that ticks more of the boxes and you get a better overall product. I also wonder if DL will have the strength to cut ties with one or both of Ricky and Favs if it isn't working... it'd be tough to risk the culture. That's the biggest question/conundrum this season imo. Would be great if Favs was banging threes or if Ricky was doing his Rick Curry routine. We have the assets and space to really address this and design intelligently and with purpose.

 

[LoPo]

Rubio would be an excellent guy to run our 2nd unit. I don't believe he is a starter on a title contender. Maybe if we replaced Favors with a great stretch 4. Maybe. But Rubio as our 2nd unit catalyst and strong lockerroom presence would provide us amazing depth.

We have to find out if Exum is our franchise PG or just a key part of the 2nd unit with Rubio. That doesnt mean Exum starts now, but we also cant drag our feet should Rubio continue to struggle.

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[str8line]

I just wonder if all the work-arounds are worth the other stuff he provides. He will get better than his first 4 games obviously. The same questions apply to Favs... its really the same Ricky, Favs, Rudy combo question. Like maybe it clicks in when DM and Ricky are running hot, but what does it look like with a consistent shooter at one or both of those spots.

If you were to list out the attributes of the ideal backcourt mate to play with DM and Rudy I don't think Ricky checks a lot of boxes, so maybe you run with a lesser player that ticks more of the boxes and you get a better overall product. I also wonder if DL will have the strength to cut ties with one or both of Ricky and Favs if it isn't working... it'd be tough to risk the culture. That's the biggest question/conundrum this season imo. Would be great if Favs was banging threes or if Ricky was doing his Rick Curry routine. We have the assets and space to really address this and design intelligently and with purpose.

Exum is great at lobs, especially off the pick and roll.

 

[LogGrad98]

AB and Allen each played about 5 minutes tonight, that's not enough time to find any kind of a rhythm. I think Quin is going to have to choose one or the other to be in the rotation and give them solid minutes. Continuing to split their minutes isn't going to work.

I think they both need to play. Problem is they are pretty much redundant, but I would give the early edge to Allen. I think we have seen what AB is, and it isn't really going to change much. But Allen seems to have a good head on his shoulders, once he settles in he could be a very valuable piece. His shooting alone will earn him time, but if he can bring some defensive intensity, combined with the fact that he already has a much higher BBall IQ than Burks, he could be a solid rotation guy at 15 per.

 

[LogGrad98]

I think he prefers AB, but he came in and immediately took a one dribble pull-up 20 footer and Quin said alright, that's enough of that lol.

Relatively early in the shot clock too iirc. That is the bigger problem. If it had been a short clock situation maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I think part of the problem is AB does not realize who he is. At times he thinks he is Kobe or something. Not in a good way, that he has good confidence or something, but in a way where he does not realize his own limitations. The great players know what they can and cannot do and play within themselves, hitting that stride then just killing it. They do, of course, continue to add to their game (Kobe and the 3 ball, Malone at FTs and mid-range shots, etc.), but on the court, Malone never tried to be Olajuwon with some weird spin **** or something. I think at times Burks just thinks he has to make the play and does stuff he just cannot do. Low BBall IQ guy.

I really hope both Allen and Burks end up putting the pieces together to where they are fighting for the PT every night, and both are deserving. That would be a good situation to be in. And would give us hella flexibility come trade time to help us maneuver to set us up to sign a solid 3rd star alongside Mitchell and Gobert.

Just imagine this lineup and prepare to faint in pure ecstasy:

Rubio (or Exum, take your pick)
Mitchell
Ingles
Anthony Davis
Gobert

Then we win all the chips.




No I am not going to give up the AD fantasy...not even when he signs for 7 years for max or whatever with the Lakers next summer.

 

[LogGrad98]

I would have played X over Rubio for sure but not AB. Maybe have him play behind Joe at the 3 cause Royce was mostly trash tonight but I think AB is a liability on D at the 3. That said Royce is a bit of a liability everywhere at the moment (I have faith both he and Ricky will bounce.) I suppose yeah what im saying is i wouldn't play AB and DM together.

Royce has been pretty much trash all season so far. Did he hurt his foot too?

 

[zyzz]

The good thing about AB's shot was that it gave us this gem from Melo.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Man we must have really pissed them off cuz now Woj says they offering 4 first round picks for Jimmy Butler... some Brooklyn Nets stuff right there. I don't think they could retain him if he wants a max but I'm not sure what the limitations are. Getting him for a one year run now at the expense of 4 picks would be amazing short term thinking.

 

[NAOS]

Man we must have really pissed them off cuz now Woj says they offering 4 first round picks for Jimmy Butler... some Brooklyn Nets stuff right there. I don't think they could retain him if he wants a max but I'm not sure what the limitations are. Getting him for a one year run now at the expense of 4 picks would be amazing short term thinking.

Nothing could be better than the completion of that trade + Butler leaving in the offseason.

 

[NAOS]

+ Durant going East .... or just dying or something.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Nothing could be better than the completion of that trade + Butler leaving in the offseason.

On the flipside, if he stays, that's a team to be reckoned with. If all they have is Paul, Harden, Butler, Tucker, and Capela, they can just fill in the rest of the roster with ring-chasers, G-leaguers, 2nd rounders, whatever. That's still a ****ing contender.

For a couple of seasons, anyway.

 

[LogGrad98]

I think Ricky is too much in his own head regarding his shooting, which is why he is hesitating. He did very best last season when he took what the defense gave him in the flow of the offense. Maybe it is because our offense has yet to find a good flow, but this season he just seems so much more forced. He need to relax, and take what they give him, and keep shooting. If they back off, shoot it. I don't care if he has a few games of 3-12 or 4-15 something, he needs to make the best bball play and there will be times when that is for him to take the shot. I think he will settle down and get into it, but for a while it is going to be painful. And if he doesn't well, we will need to make some changes that is for sure.