Source 6. LUTHER HEAD, G, HOUSTON 9.8 PPG, 2.3 APG, .490 3PT Last week: unranked With Tracy McGrady still bothered by a bad back, Luther Head has started the last five games for the Rockets. Head led Houston with 28 points in Dallas on Tuesday and he recorded his first double-double against the Suns the following night. For the week he shot 15-29 from beyond the arc and 5-21 inside it. another postive thinking... i feel bad for luther... he was happy to go to the rockets since everonye thought they would win alot.... oh well
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> another postive thinking... i feel bad for luther... he was happy to go to the rockets since everonye thought they would win alot.... oh well</div> I'm pretty sure he's happy either way. Now at least he's getting more minutes and has a chance to develop. If Alston comes back, his numbers are no doubt going to see a drop but he'll probably shift over the shooting guard. Good for him, Luther Head's my favorite player on the Rockets right now.
JVG said Luther Head is a 2. Yes, Luther Head (6'3 185) is a undersized 2. Luther Head gets some athletic ability and good shooting touch. However, Head is undersized (SG in PG body), so come playoff time there will always be matchup problems if the Rockets is playing undersized SG with a PG. A normal size SG or bigger PG can post up Head easily to create match up problems (You can see how Chris Paul and TJ Ford abused by Baron Davis and Jason Kidd and make them totally ineffective. So "undersized" is always match up problem.) Also, Head came off as a senior in college, we cant expect 2 much improvements. I think Head's career is at best at David Wesley level and wont be a Derek Anderson.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Yes, Luther Head (6'3 185) is a undersized 2. Luther Head gets some athletic ability and good shooting touch. However, Head is undersized (SG in PG body), so come playoff time there will always be matchup problems if the Rockets is playing undersized SG with a PG. A normal size SG or bigger PG can post up Head easily to create match up problems (You can see how Chris Paul and TJ Ford abused by Baron Davis and Jason Kidd and make them totally ineffective. So "undersized" is always match up problem.)</div> Sure he's undersized, but he has quickness and can easily get his hand in his opponent's face. Right now, he just came out of college but I expect him to put on a bit more weight and muscle later on in his career so its really no big deal. The reason why players like Kidd and Davis can post them up is because of their strength. If Head gains a couple more pounds and hits the gym more, I think he can easily boost up that area. Besides, we really employ a zone defense anyways, so you wouldn't really see too many matchup problems glaring on the court. Wesley did fine in the playoffs against Stackhouse, and everyone says he's terribly undersized. In addition, compared to Wesley, Head is much more quick so he'll be able to stick to his man much better. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Also, Head came off as a senior in college, we cant expect 2 much improvements. </div> He's twenty two or three years old. A player's prime is around twenty seven. He's got plenty of time for improvement. Just to name a few players that improved- Desmond Mason, Matt Harpring, Jamaal Tinsley, Bobby Jackson, Tayshaun Prince, and Kyle Korver. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Head's career is at best at David Wesley level and wont be a Derek Anderson.</div> Oh please. If anything, David Wesley has had a better career than Anderson. He has a higher career field goal percentage, three point percentage, assists, and steals. Wesley has been a great defender back in his day while only recently did Anderson pick up a bit of slack on the defensive end. When you compare their best years so far, Wesley has more points, a better three point percentage, a slightly lower field goal percentage, more assists, and less turnovers. Seriously, who do you think Anderson is?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Sure he's undersized, but he has quickness and can easily get his hand in his opponent's face. Right now, he just came out of college but I expect him to put on a bit more weight and muscle later on in his career so its really no big deal. The reason why players like Kidd and Davis can post them up is because of their strength. If Head gains a couple more pounds and hits the gym more, I think he can easily boost up that area. Besides, we really employ a zone defense anyways, so you wouldn't really see too many matchup problems glaring on the court. Wesley did fine in the playoffs against Stackhouse, and everyone says he's terribly undersized. In addition, compared to Wesley, Head is much more quick so he'll be able to stick to his man much better.? He's twenty two or three years old. A player's prime is around twenty seven. He's got plenty of time for improvement. Just to name a few players that improved- Desmond Mason, Matt Harpring, Jamaal Tinsley, Bobby Jackson, Tayshaun Prince, and Kyle Korver.?</div> I do hope your analysis is true. But by your analysis, there just shouldnt be any bust like Kwame Brown, Stromile Swift, etc.. you name it. Bball is very easy for you, come to the league, add some muscles, play more years, than you'll be good. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post"> Oh please. If anything, David Wesley has had a better career than Anderson. He has a higher career field goal percentage, three point percentage, assists, and steals. Wesley has been a great defender back in his day while only recently did Anderson pick up a bit of slack on the defensive end. When you compare their best years so far, Wesley has more points, a better three point percentage, a slightly lower field goal percentage, more assists, and less turnovers. Seriously, who do you think Anderson is?</div> That's more interesting to claim DW has a better career than DA. With your analysis, I almost think DA is a scrub. DW's career was mostly with middle and low echlon teams. Numbers in middle and low echlon teams are always magnified. DW can shoot, bring the ball over court, and defend 1 & 2, thats it (Luther Head is exactly like DW, a undersized SG.). And DW is terrible in driving or finishing fast break. Is DW a better defender than DA. I dont think so. Last time i check DW is makeing 5 million in his last year of contract. DA's career play for Spurs and middle echlon team and he could stay with Spurs. But after his injury in the playoff, he wanted longer term security. That's why he left Spurs. DA can defend 1, 2 & 3, drive to the basket, catch a shoot, create his own shoot, can play 2 & 3. His injury and lack of incentive to play in Portland may hurt his numbers. He got released by Portland and still owned 18.8 million for 2 years. So, those General Manager must be idiot to pay for a scrub like DA DOUBLE the money while they can get a bargain in DW. BTW, the Rockets tried to get him anyway and trade JH for him in last February.
derek anderson can't shoot.. look at his FG% in the last few seasons including this one... under 40%..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting johnny33:</div><div class="quote_post">derek anderson can't shoot.. look at his FG% in the last few seasons including this one... under 40%..</div> DA's career FG% is .411 & 3 pt FG% .342 (even as I mentioned above he got 2 subpar season in Portland) versus DW's career FG% is .426 & 3 pt FG% .371. So, I dont know how far better we can say DW is a better shooter than DA. I agree DW shoot a little bit better than DA by now. However, DA is a more complete player and does everything as good if not better than DW. That's why there is huge gap in their salary. This season all the rockets guards are shooting poorly.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I do hope your analysis is true. But by your analysis, there just shouldnt be any bust like Kwame Brown, Stromile Swift, etc.. you name it. Bball is very easy for you, come to the league, add some muscles, play more years, than you'll be good.</div> Both those guys were drafted because of fundmentals, something that Head learned from Illinois. They still have years ahead of them before you can officially consider them busts. Plus, Brown and Swift (prior to this season at least) have had horrible attitudes and work ethics so thats the glaring reason anyone would think they are "busts". Sometimes players can succeed in the league if they work hard, even if they have the odds stacked against them. Cuttino Mobley and Ben Wallace are both great examples of this. So far, Head looks like he's doing that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">That's more interesting to claim DW has a better career than DA. With your analysis, I almost think DA is a scrub. DW's career was mostly with middle and low echlon teams. Numbers in middle and low echlon teams are always magnified. DW can shoot, bring the ball over court, and defend 1 & 2, thats it (Luther Head is exactly like DW, a undersized SG.). And DW is terrible in driving or finishing fast break. Is DW a better defender than DA. I dont think so. Last time i check DW is makeing 5 million in his last year of contract.</div> Interesting indeed. In about three of his years with the Hornets. Several times, they lost in the playoffs to eventual Finals contenders. Plus, they got to the Eastern Conference Semifinals multiple times but were just short. Head actually has much better handles than Wesley and can dribble past his defender as well as driving through the lane. Wesley was brought here for the sole reason of his defense and shooting. In fact, Wesley was a better career defender but its just that age has caught up with him at last this past year with his injury. Meanwhile, Anderson still has the gift of youth (or younger). Wesley is making five million in the last year of his contract because of his great leadership and contributions to the Hornets. Truth is, he was a great player and you're just in denial. A lot of players get offered long term contracts because of their contributions to their team when they're in their prime. Mckie is a great example. He was a former sixth man of the year, but last year, his contract was fairly bloated for someone barely contributing anything to the Sixers. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">DA's career play for Spurs and middle echlon team and he could stay with Spurs. But after his injury in the playoff, he wanted longer term security. That's why he left Spurs. DA can defend 1, 2 & 3, drive to the basket, catch a shoot, create his own shoot, can play 2 & 3. His injury and lack of incentive to play in Portland may hurt his numbers. He got released by Portland and still owned 18.8 million for 2 years. So, those General Manager must be idiot to pay for a scrub like DA DOUBLE the money while they can get a bargain in DW. BTW, the Rockets tried to get him anyway and trade JH for him in last February.</div> When Anderson played for the Spurs, they got to the Western Finals. Besides the Spurs, he played on mediocre teams. Cavaliers, Clippers, and Blazers (except for one year). Anderson can do all those things, but all that really shows to me is that he's got a better all around game than Wesley. Does that mean anything? Is Luke Walton better than someone like Peja Stojakovic? If he's a true team player, wouldn't be play hard regardless if there's lack of incentives? He signed with the team, then he should stay devoted. The GM must be an idiot, based on the numbers he averaged, he isn't worth that amount of money anyway. GM's can be idiots at times, its part of the game. BTW, I think Wesley was locked up at that time by Charlotte. I could care less if the Rockets wanted Anderson, I didn't think it was a good move then, now I think its a dismal move, we could have done. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> DA's career FG% is .411 & 3 pt FG% .342 (even as I mentioned above he got 2 subpar season in Portland) versus DW's career FG% is .426 & 3 pt FG% .371. So, I dont know how far better we can say DW is a better shooter than DA. I agree DW shoot a little bit better than DA by now. However, DA is a more complete player and does everything as good if not better than DW. That's why there is huge gap in their salary.</div> There's a huge gap in their salary, but sorry to disapoint, but Wesley has the bigger contract. Hm, I wonder why.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post"> Interesting indeed. In about three of his years with the Hornets. Several times, they lost in the playoffs to eventual Finals contenders. </div> It must be once in a lifetime experience to you for some mediocre team lost to the champions. LOL If Derek Anderson wasn't injured by Juwan Howard in the playoff, he might have a ring already with everything clicking in the highest notch in his career and played alongside with Tim Duncan. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post"> There's a huge gap in their salary, but sorry to disapoint, but Wesley has the bigger contract. Hm, I wonder why.</div> What are you talking about? Derek Anderson still gets pay close to 10 million this season and next season by Portland. LOL It almost make me feel David Wesley was an all-star. U must be a good salesman.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> It must be once in a lifetime experience to you for some mediocre team lost to the champions. LOL </div> A mediocre team? Does a lineup of PJ Brown, Jamaal Magloire, Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn, and Elden Campbell sound like a mediocre team? They had the third best record in the league, believe it or not. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Derek Anderson wasn't injured by Juwan Howard in the playoff, he might have a ring already with everything clicking in the highest notch in his career and played alongside with Tim Duncan.</div> Could have, would have, should have. Wesley never had the luxury of playing alongside Tim Duncan at all. Meanwhile, Anderson did, perhaps even getting a boost off double teams from Duncan. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">What are you talking about? Derek Anderson still gets pay close to 10 million this season and next season by Portland. LOL</div> I thought you were referring to the salary the Rockets are giving him. Nonetheless, who cares? There's tons of overpaid players out there, and Anderson was just one of them. He is no where near that talent with the numbers he put at Portland. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It almost make me feel David Wesley was an all-star. U must be a good salesman.</div> Erm, thanks. But just to prove my point, in Wesley's career, he led the league in total assists, he has the highest steals total for Boston, ranks second on the Hornets all time assists, and sixth on the Hornets all time points.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">A mediocre team? Does a lineup of PJ Brown, Jamaal Magloire, Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn, and Elden Campbell sound like a mediocre team? They had the third best record in the league, believe it or not. Could have, would have, should have. Wesley never had the luxury of playing alongside Tim Duncan at all. Meanwhile, Anderson did, perhaps even getting a boost off double teams from Duncan. I thought you were referring to the salary the Rockets are giving him. Nonetheless, who cares? There's tons of overpaid players out there, and Anderson was just one of them. He is no where near that talent with the numbers he put at Portland. Erm, thanks. But just to prove my point, in Wesley's career, he led the league in total assists, he has the highest steals total for Boston, ranks second on the Hornets all time assists, and sixth on the Hornets all time points.</div> Wesley led the league in total assists? THAT'S MUST BE FROM YOUR STATS BOOK. HAHA Just answer me one question: Have David Wesley's team go to conference final? Have Derek Anderson's team go to conference final? SO, WHOSE TEAM GO TO CONFERENCE FINAL? It's clear NBA players career is defined by playoff results not numbers. You are arguing for arguing sake, it just like Elton Brand whining why his number is not good enough to be an all star. I leave you off right here!!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Wesley led the league in total assists? THAT'S MUST BE FROM YOUR STATS BOOK. HAHA Just answer me one question: Have David Wesley's team go to conference final? Have Derek Anderson's team go to conference final? SO, WHOSE TEAM GO TO CONFERENCE FINAL? It's clear NBA players career is defined by playoff results not numbers.</div> Oops. My bad, I read the stat wrong. Led the team in total assists. Still a pretty nice accomplishment considering they had Baron Davis. That's actually three questions, but I'll answer them nonetheless. 1. No 2. Yes, alongside Tim Duncan on the Spurs and Wallace/Stoudamire/Rider on Portland. Wesley had who? Davis who was usually injured? Thats the biggest name player he has played with and perhaps Glen Rice for one year. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">You are arguing for arguing sake, it just like Elton Brand whining why his number is not good enough to be an all star. </div> Why else would anyone be arguing? No, Brand isn't an all star because there aren't enough Clippers fans. Great team by the way. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I leave you off right here!!!</div> Erm, I'm going to go watch TV now.
i made this thread to be positive.... "sigh" back to arguing about DA and DW... all i can say that anderson had a player that would casue double team and he would shoot the 3... thast why we signed him. not for his expirence, not for his penetration, it was about his shooting... and unfortanely he can;t do wat he is supose to do.... the major effective thing he can do is penetrate like he did yesterday game.... david wesley has been doing that NOW: SHOOTING 3s, PENETRATING, BEING AN OK PG CONSIDERING HES A SG.... WHO CARESD ABOUT THE PAST??? this all maters wat happens now... right now DW > DA
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting RockStar:</div><div class="quote_post">It's clear NBA players career is defined by playoff results not numbers.</div>Hold on. So Mark Madsen, who has two rings, is a more successful player than say Kevin Garnett or Jason Kidd?
