Vaskos Not really because he doesn’t do that much on offence other than set picks and stand in the corner to stretch the floor! Dude has girth he’s just fine!
The fact he’s still a key piece in one of the best teams in the league despite being older than LeBron, lighter than KD, and shorter than Jaylen Brown is incredible.
Solid breakdown of the nuanced trade-offs of playing small. Everything is a trade... the question is.. how well do those trade-offs work for your team, your system, and your ability to play consistently. Houston is very, very early in this small ball development system.. odds are they will get better at it... and others will get better at playing against it... or not. As others have mentioned, not a lot of dominate post-up players in the NBA with mostly 5-out spacing and drive+kick 3pt tactics. The game... sorts itself out over time and rule changes. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thing is post up won't really work. They'll have significant speed advantage and versatility and they'll end up doubling whoever has the ball and it'll result either in a pick up, stolen ball or kick out, but once again considering the speed, they'll most likely recover to contest it. Honestly, if teams want to win, they'll have to play against them sort of like how Mitchell Robinson, Howard or Porzingis will play agaisnt them. A lot of picks to pick up the speed and a lot of lobs and offensive rebounds. For some reason not a lot of teams are crashing the board as hard as Mitchell Robinson did. Maybe slowing the game down will be effective, but the NBA nowadays is as fast as a league as it comes, so it'll be kinda hard.
A team needs to try forcing it inside and low posting continuously for either buckets or kick outs to see what getting them in foul trouble does. Haven't seen it yet. Problem is there are so few centers who could be effective at this.
@@Eltalstro Very few teams have the personnel for it and the Rockets only have one in their conference with the Lakers. Jokic has to be on a new level of nasty to put the Rockets front court in jail. I think Doncic can do it too with his Harden like ability to draw fouls but we'll see if he keeps that up in the postseason.
In short, in order for the Rockets to be a threat, Harden needs to man up and play some good and aggressive defense. As mentioned, Harden can play D; problem is, only whenever he wants to and that's not going to work in the playoffs.
It's a calculated risk. That's why harden is breaking scoring records is because he's always fresh on offense. I'm not saying it's a good one or that he should keep doing it but Harden NEVER looks tired on offense and handles the ball 70 percent of the time. Look at Klay. He's an elite defender but he only has to be an elite spot up shooter. He doesn't have to handle the ball. You can also look at other elite defensive starting guards and they're mostly non factors on the offensive side. You can argue a guy like Paul but even he is better as a distributor and not a guy who plays as much iso relentless attack offense like Harden. It's simple if Harden started locking guys down he wouldn't have the energy to be 35 ppg. The only anomaly right now is Westbrook. For all of the flack he gets, he truly has that legendary stamina and will to be great on offense and defense like Mj had.
@@antwanr5058 - On the flip side of that, if Harden plays defense, he doesn't have to score 35PPG to win. He can average 35PPG but if he allows the other players to score on him so easily, what good will that do. I read that he is a lot fitter now that he has lost 20lbs. Perhaps that will give him more energy to play at both ends of the floor.
He's not fast enough and seems not fit enough to play more than 10 minutes. I don't see him in the playoffs afterall. I see more of Carroll or Sefolosha in the playoffs than Green. But either way, it will be very interesting to see.
NavidErde I can see Green in situations where the other team have bigs that crash the boards a lot like Lakers and Bucks. Essentially games where the cliched “game slows down” . I saw him be more effective the other night vs the Knicks when Houston went on runs.
For brief stretches they'll play four guards and one forward. D'Antoni was a point guard and sees the game through that lens. He basically wants positionless basketball where everyone is a mid-size points guard.
1:47 Coach Daniel on James Harden’s defense “ But his issue is effort...” Yes thanks coach! We finally got someone qualified to tell the world the truth.
And THIS is how you use stats to support an argument: compare those stats to video footage, analyze the differences (from season to season, team to team or game to game) and apply context (e.g. pointing out the forced turnovers that don't pop up in the stat on post-defense). Great job, coach!
i think it works better if he doesnt because guarding the perimeter is usually more important against most teams and it helps cover westbrooks defensive weakness as well
McPrezy we clearly know who isn’t watching their games 🤣🤣 just wait ur talking smack when their best players aren’t even playing this season is try outs for their bench unit and who will run well wit steph and klay
But that's precisely why gap is so good because even though they are playing off of their man, if they do it right, they can still get back and contest a 3 or a drive if the ball is passed to their man
Malik Sharp they have to be very on point for it to work because it creates a lot of scrambling situations on defense. And with James Harden’s lack of effort (most times) and Russell Westbrook clueless offball defensive skills i can see how this approach can backfire in the playoffs. A different approach that could work is to keep playing the same way: switching and playing 1v1 and allow 2s and take away 3s, and then shoot a bunch of 3s (which they already do) and try to win that way. As I see this Rockets team currently constructed, they either have to really bring it on D and be ready to X out perfectly 24/7 or give up drives to the basket and trade 2s for 3s. They have to pick their poison if they’re not going to be super on point.
@@NoLongerGrilling "They have to pick their poison if they’re not going to be super on point." Pretty much D'antoni ball to the next level in this modern era. What works now is that Westbrook adds another layer for how their offense can score besides Harden's ISO and their stable of 3-and-D wing players.
Great video. Loved the breakdown. This won’t work against teams who slow down and have big post players that can post up properly though. Which we’ll see next round. As shown early in the video, AD posed a serious problem the first time they played them with this small lineup. If u wear this small team out by posting up their guards, they won’t be able to run, meaning they won’t be able to make as many 3s. In the next round, size wise they’ll be at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage from the 3 to the 5 vs a team that hustles and loves to grab offensive boards. Lakers have 3 big men that can do it too. Oh yea and they have LBJ. Just for kicks🤷🏽♂️
I think the that they can get better on their penetration defense, they should look at what Draymond does when he's in that place, since he almost always makes the right read and doesn't get stuck in no man's land
Imagine seeing Orlando Magic Shaq in the modern era. Not Laker Shaq, Heat Shaq or Suns Shaq for that matter. Orlando Magic Shaq his is own battering that any team will have no answer for and every 3-ball shooting team will be tested.
@@matthewuzamaki3510 you're right because they don't have a true rim protector. but that's the only contender in the west that the bucks can be in a 7 game series.
@@ifheavenwashuman For the first time in years i think i could watch a Rockets game, they are playing free. When you have MDA as a coach you got to give him the tools he wants to use, and i think he has them now. They can play fast or slow, they switch, they have some deficiencies but they knew that all along. Better to just go 100% in than be undecided on what you want to do. Also last contract year, might as well test your theories, it will be at least interesting. And i think they are contenders now too, i can see many advantages to what they are doing.
*Main points* 1. Quick switching on man 2. Gap defenders (harass before penetration happens) 3. Fronting the post with a baseline 'sleeper' looking out for the over-the-top lob.
Very apt analysis coach. I think some folks lumped their defensive rebounding issues like how the C's have without a real big man inside. But its a trade they are willing to take to outmatch most of their opponents with better talent at the wings and just outscoring them. The Rockets are the same which have more balance in scoring from 3-ball and with Westbrook who handles midrange/drives/transition baskets. So I don't think its going to be an issue either come playoff time as long as they keep their offensive balance. But yeah for the most part the defensive performance post Capela with Covington has been about the same but may really be a big factor come playoff time. Sure they have theoretical bad matchups against the Lakers who are willing to take their bigger lineups against small-ball. But I think against the Clippers however, the Rockets are willing to see how their small ball and Westbrook as a battering ram may bother George and Kawhi.
This is a good point. Imo, I’d put Roco lower on the block or on the corners to be ready to rotate down in the paint and have tucker guard higher up around top of key to lock Perimeter players up since he’s so mobile and shorter than Roco. My D lineup: Harden and Roco in corners (Harden Weakside), Tucker and Westbrook guarding either ball or top right/top left, and Daniel House guarding paint/PnR.
It will probably come down to matchups. You don't want to set RoCo at the 5 against the Lakers lineup. AD and the bigs will attack through him and try get him in foul trouble. Which would suck because RoCo is probably a better answer to Lebron hanging at the perimeter. Worse case you put Tucker on those bigs and if he picks up 2 fouls fast, bring out other bodies like that freak Caboclo to take the hits. And you will still have RoCo giving Lebron hell while forcing AD to try demolish his matchup.
The rockets are honestly so hard to predict, b/c I could see scenarios where they go all the way, and also scenarios where all their weaknesses just add up and they get knocked out of the playoffs. I think the best barometer of this team would be russ' offensive efficiency. The small lineup works because he's been super efficient. If those big numbers and efficiency drops drastically, the rockets will probably lose.
Harden's plus/minus has a history of taking a dip from regular season to the playoffs. Meaning you pretty much know what you are getting if he gets in his groove and then some. Which will make Westbrook's matchups pretty key. He's shown to be able to fight against Kawhi defending him in the playoffs back in the Thunder-Spurs series then. But he's never faced Kawhi with another big wing accomplice with Paul George so that is going to be new. The Lakers also pose a threat. But other than whoever is their first round match they should be able to fight them, whether it be the Jazz, Thunder or Mavs.
BludAardvark that’s why I’m saying if westbrook can play AD like how he’s been playing him and attack kawhi off the dribble he’ll have success although last time westbrook played kawhi. Kawhi was load managing in game and not getting physical with westbrook. Harden needs to be a threat on the iso for westbrook to thrive or else they’re gonna close the paint off for westbrook.
@@SirTaeman Kawhi's defensive play style is great against small perimeter players who rely heavily on the dribble to get misdirection. Westbrook has proven to not be affected this because he takes a one-cut approach. He's big and strong enough so that when he gets enough speed going he can muscle past Kawhi and finish strong at the hoop to even get a call. Which is why I am very confident the Rockets can go toe to toe against the Clippers by virtue of match ups. AD and the Lakers are going to be a different animal come playoff time. In that game Westbrook has to be blisteringly efficient because if those jumpers aren't going (hint: In the playoffs its hot and cold) the Lakers front court will be ready.
The main thing I’m afraid of is when we are in the playoffs we will be going all in with the small ball. So even if we are getting killed, Chandler still might not hit the floor !
swalker0731 I agree fr, I feel like maybe this is the season for Westbrook & Harden to prove they can win. As well as D'Antoni show how “genius,” he is. I think both will happen if everyone is on the same page and performing at a high level!
swalker0731 I agree that the system hasn’t worked yet but I think this is the best personnel we’ve had to execute this small ball system. Westbrook thrives with the floor being spread out, he’s kinda playing like a mini Lebron in terms of like driving at a high level and Westbrook has the best shooters to pass to so far in his career!
swalker0731 Ik what you mean but Gs prioritized ball movement and setting up curry & klay with a variety of screens. Also they had multiple playmakers but I feel you. Hopefully we can make it work this year, Robert Convington has been a great addition.
swalker0731 yea we are getting smacked, the Celtics & Clippers are kinda our worst matchups. The long armed wings can match up good on both ends. Clippers have Leanord & George, the Celtics have Brown & Tatum. It’s looking bad rn though
I think no more illegal defense and zone being allowed helps playing small ball cuz its harder for bigs to score in the post nowadays when you can shadow/half doubleteam and pack the paint if big gets inside(giannis wall) and force kickout to spot up 3 point shooters
Ppl don’t understand that we also got green Carroll and chandler on the bench to play in the paint.... plus cabocolo from the grizzlies but he’s hurt so !!!! We’ll be fine we just gotta pray we get the clippers instead of the lakers
Gap help defense as you called it, allows easy 3 point shots though. Coach Nick of BBallBreakdown would shake his head if he saw you advocating for helping one pass away 😂. The thing with the Rockets is that they have to choose a playstyle that works for them and stick to it. Either choose helping one pass away to provide more rim protection or stay home on shooters to deny 3s. Since they’re so undersized i can see how they can choose the former. But at the same time, they shoot a ton of 3s and can try to trade 3s for 2s and beat teams that way. It’s very interesting to see what they’re going to do!
The Rockets have gone small ball because there are fewer big players. From a larger pool of players, you can find slightly shorter players who can do many things on the court (like Ro-Co for example). So that's why a guy like PJ Tucker doesn't cost 35$M/year because he's not 7'0". There are no trade offs in life. They sacrifice some staff like defensive rebounding. But they believe that by having an exceptional offense and a solid enough defense that they can go far in the playoffs and I support them. 🚀🚀🚀
Warriors and Dray been beating them playing small against them even when they had Capela in the playoffs. Maybe that is the destiny for the Rockets: To become small ball incarnates themselves.
During the regular season, not putting out 100% on defense may somewhat work. But I do hope in the playoffs that it's different. What do yall think about the warriors next season? I personally think they'll be good but many teams have improved and they no longer have KD.
Warriors would’ve been really interesting if they kept Dlo or traded him for someone better than Wiggings. However, with or without Andrew they’re going to be very good with Steph Curry having the reign of the offense again. He might be back to Top 3 in MVP voting next year and ready to contend again. *That’s if they come back healthy and no apparent regression from the injuries.
Easily 50+ wins team with a healthy Steph/Klay/Dray. The ceiling could be higher if Wiggins knows how to play around them and their draft pick in 2020 becomes a dynamic contributor. Anyone who doesn't think so just has to look at the rest of the West and those teams are still missing big pieces to their playoff puzzle and still have to play the 'draft a franchise player' game to break out.
I also think that the issue right now is that most teams don't know how to feed the and properly feed the post thus making things easier for Houston. Which teams actually use schemes and plays designed for the post?
Then no one on they team is a lock down defense king like u ...but they better switch Harden every time....he would need to score 50 every night to win in the playoffs
If the rockets win the chip, this system would go down in history next to the triangle offense, warriors death lineup and greg pops team basketball system.
The recent game against the Knicks, The Rockets were outrebounded 65 -34. I think the Rockets will be exposed in the playoffs. Harden gets away with traveling.Good team going nowhwere.
@@mariohall4903 -a loss is a loss whether it is 2pts or 20 pts, I think Westbrook has been the MVP of the Rockets since the all star game, Rockets inconsistent game will be exposed come playoffs
People need to remember that size is not just about height. Strength/power, length, quickness, athleticism, IQ/awareness, and effort can all make up for a height mismatch in a defensive matchup.
regular season wonders. in a series, they are exploitable. one bad mismatch and they are done. and its not just from the elite teams. i’m thinking of teams like mavs or blazers. if westbrook and harden cant stop pgs like luka or dame then cuz guards of that caliber will destroy undersized teams. they might be out in the first round if they’re not careful.
Blazers IMO even more crippled this year with injuries killing their ability to try make a fight for the playoffs. And they aren't gonna put a fight first round with Melo and Whiteside being horrible mismatches against Westbrook and Harden. Mavs still lack wing defenders to keep Harden in check and Westbrook dices their lineup EZ. Luka will put a fight but he has nobody else who can tack on 30+ point performances and don't tell me its KP. Dude can't even attack the paint and feast on posting up against smaller defenders who are stronger than him. Which so happens the Rockets pretty much have.
im a long time warriors fan so i know the weaknesses of playing small ( nellieball) in the playoffs, if you get a opposing pg consistently penetrating, then i dont care how good your shooting is, you lose. dame can penetrate at will and luka will flat out bully anyone they put on him. what ur seeing now is rockets playing reg season, how they tried to play warriors in playoffs. they go analytics but the analytics is DIFFERENT IN THE PLAYOFFS AND OPPONENT DEPENDENT. when they went all in by trading capella, they lost all their flexibility to adapt. they might go deep, but more likely they get a bad draw and lose early.
^^ Both of you guys are right.........the post game in general (from both the post-entry down to the actual skills on the low block) is not being properly taught or emphasized at the high school and college levels, and the lack of fundamentals in the low post is translating over to the pro game with the big men coming in the last 4-5 draft years
@@zCausper it doesn't come out often but the mid range has always been key in recent championship. When KD was in the Warriors, it gave them tremendous balance on offense. Steph and Klay were primarily the 3-ball bombers and KD could force the situation mid range or get to the paint and score. With the Raptors run last season, they had enough 3-ball shooters with Lowry, VanVleet and Danny Green. Kawhi with a bit of Siakam was a force in mid range that helped the scoring balance. And of course for the most part Kawhi played like a top 5 player that no team in playoffs had a real answer for.
This is interesting because guys like Tucker have more value in today’s league. The power forwards who look like oversized small forwards. For example Paul millsap, Morris Twins, Tobias Harris, Draymond Green, Thaddeus Young, Montrez Harrell, etc....These guys have a little more height over PJ but they kind of have the same build. I think any of the guys I mentioned can play the 5 and create a very dangerous small ball lineup depending who’s on their teams. More GMs around the league are looking for guys like them because they make it very hard for teams to get into the paint and shoot.
Playing the 5 isn’t easy. Especially when you have bangers and post scorer like Joel Embid, Montrezl Harrell, Jokic, etc who can not only over power you but shoot jump hooks over shorter defenders at their leisure
@@coachdaniel8163 yooo, thanks man, appreciate it. Wasn't expecting you to reply lmao. Love your content you really do give a huge impact? you make me understand basketball more. Keep it up man much love to you.
Okay. But the real question is whether there defense will stand up up in the playoffs when they have to play the same team 4 5 6 7 times in a row. I do not think it will
Harden need to put his heart on D, n don't force things if it doesn't work.. there 5 player.. rocket still have chance if they keep balance scoring! Switch between layup, midrange, n 3pt.. don't rely on HARD-RUSS.. make plan A B n C or D
Rockets definitely have an interesting and gutsy setup. I just think that they are overly specialized. As in they will do very well against most teams, but certain teams/players will give them a lot of trouble. Specifically, defensively players like Giannis who can guard guards but also have the size to defend the rim. Which is admittedly pretty rare, but there are a couple. Offensively they have a problem with anyone who is amazing at drives, especially if they are also tall enough to exploit their short rim defense. So... also Giannis, but also Simmons, Lebron, and other big guards or agile forwards. Also, if the league had any decent traditional big men that could also be a problem, basically just Embiid. Basically, I am going to wait until they play the Bucks and 76ers before making a final judgment, but I am still skeptical.
76ers might be a problem and the clippers with Montrezl Harrell who’s a classic big man but the Rockets already beat the Lakers. They tried to put AD who’s arguably a better defender than Giannis on Westbrook and Westbrook had 40. The rockets have good on ball defenders. Post players would hurt them more than a driver like Giannis.
For the rebounding part... I think the Rockets will struggle more (and is struggling) unlike what you said, because opponent teams will be more focused on getting offensive boards when they go against the Rockets cuz they know that it's one of the Rockets' weak point. I mean 2nd chance point was what killed the Rockets when they went against the Knicks.
Even with rebounding being an issue they were right there with a chance to win that game and that’s with Harden having a garbage offensive game efficiency wise and Russell having a not so great game. IF they can be good to very good on a regular basis, they have a serious chance to contend even with that issue. However, that’s a big IF with RW and JH based on what we’ve seen in the playoffs from them...
You say, "I bet [Harden] is up for these challenges in the playoffs." I think you meant, "I [HOPE] he's up for these challenges..." Given his track record in the playoffs, he tends to fade when it matters... but, we'll see.
Daniel, Why don't more teams just post up P.J Tucker? If he is so small? Why not just for e.g in re: Celtics. They use Enes Kanter on him to get him into foul trouble and own him?
Bigs like Kanter are simply unplayable vs Houston cause they're super slow. PJ may be 6'5" but he's a tough physical defender and can hold his own against bigger players in the post. I mean he won't stop them every single time but he can make it difficult for them.
@@makis7383 That may be true, but AD gives him trouble in post ups. I can't imagine it's impossible to take advantage of him in the post. but I hear ya.
AD will be the that kill them yes they might make a good play or to but westbrook and harden have a good chance AD(in the pant and the perimeter )playing with that king James confidence... ..its gone look scary if the beard don't make his 1st 6 3s
@@NoLongerGrilling yeah, defensively Iggy is more impressive at his age, roco is a better two way player rn but if we're talking about same age Iggy takes it all
Can you do a video on the thunder and Chris paul. No one thought cp could do anything with a bad team in his old age. Well the rockets have gotten worse and the thunder have gotten better. Dive in
Much respect to Tucker who has to do too many difficult things in every game at the age of 35....His rehabilitation must be very hard every day.
Vaskos
Not really because he doesn’t do that much on offence other than set picks and stand in the corner to stretch the floor!
Dude has girth he’s just fine!
Tbh i worry more about the tall skinny guys that Tucker guards. Their backs are sore for sure.
i an pause
not just a sneaker guy lol
The fact he’s still a key piece in one of the best teams in the league despite being older than LeBron, lighter than KD, and shorter than Jaylen Brown is incredible.
Solid breakdown of the nuanced trade-offs of playing small. Everything is a trade... the question is.. how well do those trade-offs work for your team, your system, and your ability to play consistently. Houston is very, very early in this small ball development system.. odds are they will get better at it... and others will get better at playing against it... or not. As others have mentioned, not a lot of dominate post-up players in the NBA with mostly 5-out spacing and drive+kick 3pt tactics. The game... sorts itself out over time and rule changes. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thing is post up won't really work. They'll have significant speed advantage and versatility and they'll end up doubling whoever has the ball and it'll result either in a pick up, stolen ball or kick out, but once again considering the speed, they'll most likely recover to contest it. Honestly, if teams want to win, they'll have to play against them sort of like how Mitchell Robinson, Howard or Porzingis will play agaisnt them. A lot of picks to pick up the speed and a lot of lobs and offensive rebounds. For some reason not a lot of teams are crashing the board as hard as Mitchell Robinson did. Maybe slowing the game down will be effective, but the NBA nowadays is as fast as a league as it comes, so it'll be kinda hard.
second round exit at best
A team needs to try forcing it inside and low posting continuously for either buckets or kick outs to see what getting them in foul trouble does. Haven't seen it yet. Problem is there are so few centers who could be effective at this.
@@Eltalstro Very few teams have the personnel for it and the Rockets only have one in their conference with the Lakers. Jokic has to be on a new level of nasty to put the Rockets front court in jail. I think Doncic can do it too with his Harden like ability to draw fouls but we'll see if he keeps that up in the postseason.
@@t4d0W Zubac currently 100% FG against them. Clippers pushing it inside to him and Harrell. Covington on 5 fouls in the 3rd.
Capela is barely 2 inches taller then Covington if even that and Covington is athletic with long arms so I'm not surprised
Yeah but capela can pretect the rim like not many others
Leoranga5 Facts
@@leowinsnever7027 debateable, considering covington is averaging almost 3 blocks with the rockets
Raj Krishnan blocks don’t = protecting the rim
@@leowinsnever7027 factual.
In short, in order for the Rockets to be a threat, Harden needs to man up and play some good and aggressive defense. As mentioned, Harden can play D; problem is, only whenever he wants to and that's not going to work in the playoffs.
It's a calculated risk. That's why harden is breaking scoring records is because he's always fresh on offense. I'm not saying it's a good one or that he should keep doing it but Harden NEVER looks tired on offense and handles the ball 70 percent of the time. Look at Klay. He's an elite defender but he only has to be an elite spot up shooter. He doesn't have to handle the ball. You can also look at other elite defensive starting guards and they're mostly non factors on the offensive side. You can argue a guy like Paul but even he is better as a distributor and not a guy who plays as much iso relentless attack offense like Harden. It's simple if Harden started locking guys down he wouldn't have the energy to be 35 ppg. The only anomaly right now is Westbrook. For all of the flack he gets, he truly has that legendary stamina and will to be great on offense and defense like Mj had.
@@antwanr5058 - On the flip side of that, if Harden plays defense, he doesn't have to score 35PPG to win. He can average 35PPG but if he allows the other players to score on him so easily, what good will that do. I read that he is a lot fitter now that he has lost 20lbs. Perhaps that will give him more energy to play at both ends of the floor.
and they got Jeff Green is another lengthy defender who can shoot 3s
He's not fast enough and seems not fit enough to play more than 10 minutes. I don't see him in the playoffs afterall. I see more of Carroll or Sefolosha in the playoffs than Green. But either way, it will be very interesting to see.
He's also very inconsistent and has always been that way his whole career.
Robert Balu yea
Robert Balu idk why but I read this as “legendary defender”
I was like tf this dude talking about???
NavidErde
I can see Green in situations where the other team have bigs that crash the boards a lot like Lakers and Bucks. Essentially games where the cliched “game slows down” .
I saw him be more effective the other night vs the Knicks when Houston went on runs.
Is no one talking about how james harden got his ankles taken by marcus smart? 7:04
that hoe hit the ground
Jackson Plays Games nah he just flopped
And got blown by from Joe Ingles
Is it odd that me being a Celtics fan with guys like Tatum, brown or walker and yet smart has always been my favorite player since he was drafted
LMFAOOOO
For brief stretches they'll play four guards and one forward. D'Antoni was a point guard and sees the game through that lens. He basically wants positionless basketball where everyone is a mid-size points guard.
True.....imagine Zion playing for the Rockets ?
still I think they need a back-up center to size up opposite big men in certain moments of the game
They have Tyson Chandler and Isiah Harkenstein.
@@mikegriffin5440 Just put a Zion Jersey on Westbrook and it's about the same thing.
@@The1stFishBone Agreed--Zion is a PG in a PF body
I appreciate your videos a lot, they make watching basketball much more entertaining
1:47 Coach Daniel on James Harden’s defense “ But his issue is effort...”
Yes thanks coach! We finally got someone qualified to tell the world the truth.
And THIS is how you use stats to support an argument: compare those stats to video footage, analyze the differences (from season to season, team to team or game to game) and apply context (e.g. pointing out the forced turnovers that don't pop up in the stat on post-defense). Great job, coach!
nice to see a bball youtuber who doesnt speak in generalities. great vid bro youre killing it
This video was great. I can appreciate games so much more now that I understand some of the strategies and plays teams use.
I love how nuanced your analysis is! 👌🏻
Great video Coach!
Great vid. Good, clear analysis and use of footage.
Keep it up!
I think the rockets should play covington at the 5 on defence because he’s 6’8 with really long arms and great defense
i think it works better if he doesnt because guarding the perimeter is usually more important against most teams and it helps cover westbrooks defensive weakness as well
Chadwicked tucker can do that
Tucker is tougher though
@@PropiaPersona & thicker (that Kanter play is a *perfect* demonstration)
In the west the wings are more dangerous than the front-court most of the time, and if not the wings, the guards. Let Covington do what he does best
Great analysis! Kudos to DiAntoni for finally having the balls (pun intended) go small ball. He said he has planned this since his days with the Suns.
was very looking forward to rockets small ball in the play-offs. Hopefully it still comes this year!
Wow thanks for the breakdown. I look forward to more for the future.
8:37 rivers thought he is on a pickup game
They better win it this year before the warriors come back
no way
Warriors are done. They are not coming back.
McPrezy we clearly know who isn’t watching their games 🤣🤣 just wait ur talking smack when their best players aren’t even playing this season is try outs for their bench unit and who will run well wit steph and klay
zayvian wilson KD.. the main powerhouse of the team got traded to the nets. We don’t know if klay and Steph still got it, warriors are over.
@@zayvianwilson3284 what would watching the worst team in the league change?
Other teams are way more stacked now.
Great video.
But as I see it, the gap defense only works when players mostly look for 1v1 opportunities. Quick passing would ruin it.
But that's precisely why gap is so good because even though they are playing off of their man, if they do it right, they can still get back and contest a 3 or a drive if the ball is passed to their man
Malik Sharp they have to be very on point for it to work because it creates a lot of scrambling situations on defense. And with James Harden’s lack of effort (most times) and Russell Westbrook clueless offball defensive skills i can see how this approach can backfire in the playoffs.
A different approach that could work is to keep playing the same way: switching and playing 1v1 and allow 2s and take away 3s, and then shoot a bunch of 3s (which they already do) and try to win that way.
As I see this Rockets team currently constructed, they either have to really bring it on D and be ready to X out perfectly 24/7 or give up drives to the basket and trade 2s for 3s. They have to pick their poison if they’re not going to be super on point.
@@NoLongerGrilling "They have to pick their poison if they’re not going to be super on point."
Pretty much D'antoni ball to the next level in this modern era. What works now is that Westbrook adds another layer for how their offense can score besides Harden's ISO and their stable of 3-and-D wing players.
Great video. Loved the breakdown.
This won’t work against teams who slow down and have big post players that can post up properly though. Which we’ll see next round.
As shown early in the video, AD posed a serious problem the first time they played them with this small lineup. If u wear this small team out by posting up their guards, they won’t be able to run, meaning they won’t be able to make as many 3s. In the next round, size wise they’ll be at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage from the 3 to the 5 vs a team that hustles and loves to grab offensive boards. Lakers have 3 big men that can do it too. Oh yea and they have LBJ. Just for kicks🤷🏽♂️
Great video, based on facts. I like it. H-Town🚀🚀🚀
Tucker should get a raise :)
Yeah, that man be working double overtime on minimum wage since he got to the Rockets
I think the that they can get better on their penetration defense, they should look at what Draymond does when he's in that place, since he almost always makes the right read and doesn't get stuck in no man's land
Every single NBA player should look at Draymond film. That man is a god on D, especially offball D.
Another great breakdown. As an aside, I personally find Houston's offense boring to watch, but their defense actually intrigues me.
Imagine Shaq is being defended by tucker lol
too bad shaq like 45
Lmao I was thinking the sane shit
Imagine seeing Orlando Magic Shaq in the modern era. Not Laker Shaq, Heat Shaq or Suns Shaq for that matter. Orlando Magic Shaq his is own battering that any team will have no answer for and every 3-ball shooting team will be tested.
BludAardvark pretty sure 2000 shaq was better
Hack a shack then
Great analysis!
7:03 why did he have to pause on harden like that 😂
i believe they are legit contenders. the only team i see blowing them out the water is the lakers, but even that series would be quite entertaining.
pjredpill bucks will have fuck with em.
@@matthewuzamaki3510 you're right because they don't have a true rim protector. but that's the only contender in the west that the bucks can be in a 7 game series.
@@ifheavenwashuman For the first time in years i think i could watch a Rockets game, they are playing free. When you have MDA as a coach you got to give him the tools he wants to use, and i think he has them now. They can play fast or slow, they switch, they have some deficiencies but they knew that all along. Better to just go 100% in than be undecided on what you want to do. Also last contract year, might as well test your theories, it will be at least interesting. And i think they are contenders now too, i can see many advantages to what they are doing.
well they were blown out.
Did you not see them getting blown away by Kawhi and co?
Being a rockets fan, great season but in need of a center/power forward player.
Even a very defensive center would do.
Andre Drummond is perfect!
*Main points*
1. Quick switching on man
2. Gap defenders (harass before penetration happens)
3. Fronting the post with a baseline 'sleeper' looking out for the over-the-top lob.
you did harden dirty with that pause at the end 😭
U have some good points and real facts
Facts aren’t fake ;)
Very apt analysis coach. I think some folks lumped their defensive rebounding issues like how the C's have without a real big man inside. But its a trade they are willing to take to outmatch most of their opponents with better talent at the wings and just outscoring them. The Rockets are the same which have more balance in scoring from 3-ball and with Westbrook who handles midrange/drives/transition baskets. So I don't think its going to be an issue either come playoff time as long as they keep their offensive balance. But yeah for the most part the defensive performance post Capela with Covington has been about the same but may really be a big factor come playoff time. Sure they have theoretical bad matchups against the Lakers who are willing to take their bigger lineups against small-ball. But I think against the Clippers however, the Rockets are willing to see how their small ball and Westbrook as a battering ram may bother George and Kawhi.
Cant wait for the playoffs to see how this all goes down...
yeahhh... no
Seriously if all 5 play together as a unit they are gonna be a tough matchup for a lot of teams.
Shouldn’t Covington be playing center over tucker considering how well he protects the rim?
He can't. Because he is such a great defender and guarding the best perimeter player is more important than protecting the rim
This is a good point. Imo, I’d put Roco lower on the block or on the corners to be ready to rotate down in the paint and have tucker guard higher up around top of key to lock Perimeter players up since he’s so mobile and shorter than Roco.
My D lineup: Harden and Roco in corners (Harden Weakside), Tucker and Westbrook guarding either ball or top right/top left, and Daniel House guarding paint/PnR.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
@@wotwom3235 Yeah but I think Tucker could do a pretty similar job guarding the perimeter while Covington's rim protection is a huge improvement
It will probably come down to matchups. You don't want to set RoCo at the 5 against the Lakers lineup. AD and the bigs will attack through him and try get him in foul trouble. Which would suck because RoCo is probably a better answer to Lebron hanging at the perimeter. Worse case you put Tucker on those bigs and if he picks up 2 fouls fast, bring out other bodies like that freak Caboclo to take the hits. And you will still have RoCo giving Lebron hell while forcing AD to try demolish his matchup.
The rockets are honestly so hard to predict, b/c I could see scenarios where they go all the way, and also scenarios where all their weaknesses just add up and they get knocked out of the playoffs.
I think the best barometer of this team would be russ' offensive efficiency. The small lineup works because he's been super efficient. If those big numbers and efficiency drops drastically, the rockets will probably lose.
💯
ReCharredSigh harden still has to shoot at least decent too aswell or they will start playing off him and cut off westbrooks drives
Harden's plus/minus has a history of taking a dip from regular season to the playoffs. Meaning you pretty much know what you are getting if he gets in his groove and then some. Which will make Westbrook's matchups pretty key. He's shown to be able to fight against Kawhi defending him in the playoffs back in the Thunder-Spurs series then. But he's never faced Kawhi with another big wing accomplice with Paul George so that is going to be new. The Lakers also pose a threat. But other than whoever is their first round match they should be able to fight them, whether it be the Jazz, Thunder or Mavs.
BludAardvark that’s why I’m saying if westbrook can play AD like how he’s been playing him and attack kawhi off the dribble he’ll have success although last time westbrook played kawhi. Kawhi was load managing in game and not getting physical with westbrook. Harden needs to be a threat on the iso for westbrook to thrive or else they’re gonna close the paint off for westbrook.
@@SirTaeman Kawhi's defensive play style is great against small perimeter players who rely heavily on the dribble to get misdirection. Westbrook has proven to not be affected this because he takes a one-cut approach. He's big and strong enough so that when he gets enough speed going he can muscle past Kawhi and finish strong at the hoop to even get a call. Which is why I am very confident the Rockets can go toe to toe against the Clippers by virtue of match ups.
AD and the Lakers are going to be a different animal come playoff time. In that game Westbrook has to be blisteringly efficient because if those jumpers aren't going (hint: In the playoffs its hot and cold) the Lakers front court will be ready.
The main thing I’m afraid of is when we are in the playoffs we will be going all in with the small ball. So even if we are getting killed, Chandler still might not hit the floor !
swalker0731 I agree fr, I feel like maybe this is the season for Westbrook & Harden to prove they can win. As well as D'Antoni show how “genius,” he is. I think both will happen if everyone is on the same page and performing at a high level!
swalker0731 I agree that the system hasn’t worked yet but I think this is the best personnel we’ve had to execute this small ball system. Westbrook thrives with the floor being spread out, he’s kinda playing like a mini Lebron in terms of like driving at a high level and Westbrook has the best shooters to pass to so far in his career!
swalker0731 Ik what you mean but Gs prioritized ball movement and setting up curry & klay with a variety of screens. Also they had multiple playmakers but I feel you. Hopefully we can make it work this year, Robert Convington has been a great addition.
swalker0731 yea we are getting smacked, the Celtics & Clippers are kinda our worst matchups. The long armed wings can match up good on both ends. Clippers have Leanord & George, the Celtics have Brown & Tatum. It’s looking bad rn though
swalker0731 I feel you my guy, we can’t just lean on this system in the playoffs. We gotta make adjustments fasho
i dont even play bball but i keep coming back for awesome tactical obesrvations:))
Would the rockets gameplan change any if they had a legit stretch 5 playing instead of PJ Tucker? Like a Porzingis or something.
He can’t guard the perimeter like tucker
Ro Co is sooo good he has an efficient 3 and masterful defence.
1:56 an odd footage of James Haren playing D
I think no more illegal defense and zone being allowed helps playing small ball cuz its harder for bigs to score in the post nowadays when you can shadow/half doubleteam and pack the paint if big gets inside(giannis wall) and force kickout to spot up 3 point shooters
Yooo mike dantoni playing houston like their 2k
I love it
We need a Pascal siakam type player at center somebody who can create their own shot but play great defense and have good rim protection
Ppl don’t understand that we also got green Carroll and chandler on the bench to play in the paint.... plus cabocolo from the grizzlies but he’s hurt so !!!! We’ll be fine we just gotta pray we get the clippers instead of the lakers
Gap help defense as you called it, allows easy 3 point shots though. Coach Nick of BBallBreakdown would shake his head if he saw you advocating for helping one pass away 😂.
The thing with the Rockets is that they have to choose a playstyle that works for them and stick to it. Either choose helping one pass away to provide more rim protection or stay home on shooters to deny 3s. Since they’re so undersized i can see how they can choose the former. But at the same time, they shoot a ton of 3s and can try to trade 3s for 2s and beat teams that way.
It’s very interesting to see what they’re going to do!
The Rockets have gone small ball because there are fewer big players. From a larger pool of players, you can find slightly shorter players who can do many things on the court (like Ro-Co for example). So that's why a guy like PJ Tucker doesn't cost 35$M/year because he's not 7'0". There are no trade offs in life. They sacrifice some staff like defensive rebounding. But they believe that by having an exceptional offense and a solid enough defense that they can go far in the playoffs and I support them. 🚀🚀🚀
Warriors and Dray been beating them playing small against them even when they had Capela in the playoffs. Maybe that is the destiny for the Rockets: To become small ball incarnates themselves.
Great video
Do they have bearing any particular strong teams in mind with this switch or is it more to maximize what strengths they already have?
During the regular season, not putting out 100% on defense may somewhat work. But I do hope in the playoffs that it's different.
What do yall think about the warriors next season? I personally think they'll be good but many teams have improved and they no longer have KD.
Warriors would’ve been really interesting if they kept Dlo or traded him for someone better than Wiggings. However, with or without Andrew they’re going to be very good with Steph Curry having the reign of the offense again. He might be back to Top 3 in MVP voting next year and ready to contend again.
*That’s if they come back healthy and no apparent regression from the injuries.
Easily 50+ wins team with a healthy Steph/Klay/Dray. The ceiling could be higher if Wiggins knows how to play around them and their draft pick in 2020 becomes a dynamic contributor. Anyone who doesn't think so just has to look at the rest of the West and those teams are still missing big pieces to their playoff puzzle and still have to play the 'draft a franchise player' game to break out.
Please, can you do playlist about Houston Rockets 🚀. They tactics are so different. If they won Finals Basketball 🏀 going to change.
I also think that the issue right now is that most teams don't know how to feed the and properly feed the post thus making things easier for Houston. Which teams actually use schemes and plays designed for the post?
That was the Lakers problem. AD had a great game but some of his touches were limited due to bad post entry passes and force feeding.
Lakers must be salivating with this matchup in the playoffs.
I mean isn't the point of switching to get mismatches? Like you said they have 3 players who are almost built the same anyway
Then no one on they team is a lock down defense king like u ...but they better switch Harden every time....he would need to score 50 every night to win in the playoffs
If the rockets win the chip, this system would go down in history next to the triangle offense, warriors death lineup and greg pops team basketball system.
I think we might have reached the next stage of basketball. Ever since the 3 became popular its been coming towards this.
where do you get the data from? I want to make a project for college about the evolution of the 3-point shot as an offensive weapon in the nba.
I get a lot of my stats from cleaningtheglass.com
What’s that instrumental in the background lowkey
A basic drumbeat.
Teams will likely start using a lot of STS actions to prevent them from switching and then expose their rim protection.
The recent game against the Knicks, The Rockets were outrebounded 65 -34. I think the Rockets will be exposed in the playoffs. Harden gets away with traveling.Good team going nowhwere.
Mike Griffin they only lost by 2 points that game so rebounds don’t matter much also harden shot like shit
@@mariohall4903 -a loss is a loss whether it is 2pts or 20 pts, I think Westbrook has been the MVP of the Rockets since the all star game, Rockets inconsistent game will be exposed come playoffs
People need to remember that size is not just about height. Strength/power, length, quickness, athleticism, IQ/awareness, and effort can all make up for a height mismatch in a defensive matchup.
Only to an extent. PJ tucker can’t guard guys like Shaq, KG, Embid, Aldridge, Jokic, etc. 1 on 1. It requires lots of help and fronting.
regular season wonders. in a series, they are exploitable. one bad mismatch and they are done. and its not just from the elite teams. i’m thinking of teams like mavs or blazers. if westbrook and harden cant stop pgs like luka or dame then cuz guards of that caliber will destroy undersized teams. they might be out in the first round if they’re not careful.
Blazers IMO even more crippled this year with injuries killing their ability to try make a fight for the playoffs. And they aren't gonna put a fight first round with Melo and Whiteside being horrible mismatches against Westbrook and Harden. Mavs still lack wing defenders to keep Harden in check and Westbrook dices their lineup EZ. Luka will put a fight but he has nobody else who can tack on 30+ point performances and don't tell me its KP. Dude can't even attack the paint and feast on posting up against smaller defenders who are stronger than him. Which so happens the Rockets pretty much have.
im a long time warriors fan so i know the weaknesses of playing small ( nellieball) in the playoffs, if you get a opposing pg consistently penetrating, then i dont care how good your shooting is, you lose. dame can penetrate at will and luka will flat out bully anyone they put on him. what ur seeing now is rockets playing reg season, how they tried to play warriors in playoffs. they go analytics but the analytics is DIFFERENT IN THE PLAYOFFS AND OPPONENT DEPENDENT. when they went all in by trading capella, they lost all their flexibility to adapt. they might go deep, but more likely they get a bad draw and lose early.
New subscriber
All the post up fundamentals are gone now in the NBA. How do you not exploit this
Not enough big men left that can actually score on the low block and punish smaller defenders
@@toyin71 the bigger problem is the entry pass
^^
Both of you guys are right.........the post game in general (from both the post-entry down to the actual skills on the low block) is not being properly taught or emphasized at the high school and college levels, and the lack of fundamentals in the low post is translating over to the pro game with the big men coming in the last 4-5 draft years
I agree with you all But isn’t because teams has gotten better at 3s? Why use all that effort for 2 points?
@@zCausper it doesn't come out often but the mid range has always been key in recent championship. When KD was in the Warriors, it gave them tremendous balance on offense. Steph and Klay were primarily the 3-ball bombers and KD could force the situation mid range or get to the paint and score. With the Raptors run last season, they had enough 3-ball shooters with Lowry, VanVleet and Danny Green. Kawhi with a bit of Siakam was a force in mid range that helped the scoring balance. And of course for the most part Kawhi played like a top 5 player that no team in playoffs had a real answer for.
coach how they doin' now they have jeff green?
Jeff Green was a nice addition. Kind of worried about them though if Westbrook misses 2+ games.
Jeff Green should start Center then . He is 6’8 wing with solid Paint Defensive. Long arms and a 3 point shot
Somehow Harden starts to play really good defense again 😃
They needed a 6'9" with a +8" wingspan 3 and D player
This is interesting because guys like Tucker have more value in today’s league. The power forwards who look like oversized small forwards. For example Paul millsap, Morris Twins, Tobias Harris, Draymond Green, Thaddeus Young, Montrez Harrell, etc....These guys have a little more height over PJ but they kind of have the same build. I think any of the guys I mentioned can play the 5 and create a very dangerous small ball lineup depending who’s on their teams. More GMs around the league are looking for guys like them because they make it very hard for teams to get into the paint and shoot.
Playing the 5 isn’t easy. Especially when you have bangers and post scorer like Joel Embid, Montrezl Harrell, Jokic, etc who can not only over power you but shoot jump hooks over shorter defenders at their leisure
Whats the name of the backround music?
ua-cam.com/video/rmYxVZjjyPU/v-deo.html
@@coachdaniel8163 yooo, thanks man, appreciate it. Wasn't expecting you to reply lmao. Love your content you really do give a huge impact? you make me understand basketball more. Keep it up man much love to you.
The rebound will be a more glaring weakness in playoffs wit less possessions
Okay. But the real question is whether there defense will stand up up in the playoffs when they have to play the same team 4 5 6 7 times in a row. I do not think it will
i agree because Covington is defensive stopper
Small ball is fire..
Who’s here after Lakers take 3-1?
Harden need to put his heart on D, n don't force things if it doesn't work.. there 5 player.. rocket still have chance if they keep balance scoring! Switch between layup, midrange, n 3pt.. don't rely on HARD-RUSS.. make plan A B n C or D
Rockets definitely have an interesting and gutsy setup. I just think that they are overly specialized. As in they will do very well against most teams, but certain teams/players will give them a lot of trouble. Specifically, defensively players like Giannis who can guard guards but also have the size to defend the rim. Which is admittedly pretty rare, but there are a couple. Offensively they have a problem with anyone who is amazing at drives, especially if they are also tall enough to exploit their short rim defense. So... also Giannis, but also Simmons, Lebron, and other big guards or agile forwards. Also, if the league had any decent traditional big men that could also be a problem, basically just Embiid.
Basically, I am going to wait until they play the Bucks and 76ers before making a final judgment, but I am still skeptical.
76ers might be a problem and the clippers with Montrezl Harrell who’s a classic big man but the Rockets already beat the Lakers. They tried to put AD who’s arguably a better defender than Giannis on Westbrook and Westbrook had 40. The rockets have good on ball defenders. Post players would hurt them more than a driver like Giannis.
7:04 somebody always making Harden fall lol
1:50 you won't see this in harden too often great defense
For the rebounding part... I think the Rockets will struggle more (and is struggling) unlike what you said, because opponent teams will be more focused on getting offensive boards when they go against the Rockets cuz they know that it's one of the Rockets' weak point. I mean 2nd chance point was what killed the Rockets when they went against the Knicks.
Even with rebounding being an issue they were right there with a chance to win that game and that’s with Harden having a garbage offensive game efficiency wise and Russell having a not so great game. IF they can be good to very good on a regular basis, they have a serious chance to contend even with that issue.
However, that’s a big IF with RW and JH based on what we’ve seen in the playoffs from them...
Can you analyze why the rockets lost to the knicks?
m c killed on boards. Mad extra opportunity
Knicks have roster full of PFs which counters their small ball strat
@@NoLongerGrilling Lol. Maybe that was the Knicks roster building strategy all along.
They played with the intensity of a summer pick up game. It's that simple.
How r they gonna stop Tako tho
Sure it looks good in the regular season but let's see how good they'll be in the playoffs
Hope they could pick up a player ala Millsap
8:40 in the corner of my eye I thought harden throwing that towel was a angry coach throwing a clipboard
You say, "I bet [Harden] is up for these challenges in the playoffs." I think you meant, "I [HOPE] he's up for these challenges..."
Given his track record in the playoffs, he tends to fade when it matters... but, we'll see.
Can't wait until they go ultra instinct
Daniel, Why don't more teams just post up P.J Tucker? If he is so small? Why not just for e.g in re: Celtics. They use Enes Kanter on him to get him into foul trouble and own him?
Bigs like Kanter are simply unplayable vs Houston cause they're super slow. PJ may be 6'5" but he's a tough physical defender and can hold his own against bigger players in the post. I mean he won't stop them every single time but he can make it difficult for them.
@@makis7383 That may be true, but AD gives him trouble in post ups. I can't imagine it's impossible to take advantage of him in the post. but I hear ya.
Because he's strong. His strength is a weapon in post defense, but his height is a liability in rim protection
@@coachdaniel8163 Thanks for quick reply! Keep up the good work! Love your videos! Especially the Celtics ones.
3:42 *turns back and just tries to push Davis away from hoop* lmao
With Convington 19.... @2:17 No one is going to... alright.... carry on.
0:01 before you even start there is nobody on the defense or side of Houston they can't stop AD ONE ON ONE. PERIOD
Dante Thomas why is that relevant?
Ro-Co, Tucker and Harden can hold their own against AD in the post. Even for a big guy AD roams around the perimeter a lot.
AD will be the that kill them yes they might make a good play or to but westbrook and harden have a good chance AD(in the pant and the perimeter )playing with that king James confidence... ..its gone look scary if the beard don't make his 1st 6 3s
@@furquawn7067 ur rockets will get murder bye him 1st or 2nd round ....[4-2] sorry
@@makis7383 I already made bets on what I said....lol
the game is changing fast,so they need to be faster
Roco is the modern Iggy
Very good comparison, tho not quite as valuable as Iggy (so far, but that could change soon).
@@NoLongerGrilling yeah, defensively Iggy is more impressive at his age, roco is a better two way player rn but if we're talking about same age Iggy takes it all
Clyde Buris right
How do you feel about your opinion now? Like did you expect this already?
Adding jonathan isaac will be good
Can you do a video on the thunder and Chris paul. No one thought cp could do anything with a bad team in his old age. Well the rockets have gotten worse and the thunder have gotten better. Dive in