<div class="quote_poster">Quoting devin:</div><div class="quote_post">Can't Head just start as a shooting guard instead? His performance thus far certainly seems more impressive than Wesley's.</div> I'm a huge fan of Head, but what makes you say he seems more impressive then Wesley? David hasn't even played this preseason, whereas Luther has played against weaker defences and offences then David has, they're similar in their shooting and quick hands, but its WAAAAAAAAY to soon to say Luther is more impressive then Wesley...
Due to Wesley's age I wouldn't play him too much. Houston need him in the playoffs. They have enough to keep his minutes in the low 20's. Head can product straight away and wouldn't be surprised If he is in the Rockets rotation fairly soon.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Dan Le:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm a huge fan of Head, but what makes you say he seems more impressive then Wesley? David hasn't even played this preseason, whereas Luther has played against weaker defences and offences then David has, they're similar in their shooting and quick hands, but its WAAAAAAAAY to soon to say Luther is more impressive then Wesley...</div> Eh, I don't mean to offend you but have you checked the box scores in the preseason games? David DID play in the preseason, as starter too. He played in 23 minutes in the opening preseason game against Phili and posted a horrid 1-7 field goal %. That's why Anderson started as SG in the game against orlando... Head's been more impressive than both of them in both Phili and Orlando game, while playing 20+ minutes as well. Even JVG has praised Head for his aggressiveness, which is a rare occasion. But more games in the future will determine their standings...
It's funny. I've stated since last year that Wesley wasn't good enough to be a starter, let alone get significant minutes. Go back to the "who should be a starter" thread, and you'll see I stated that Wesley shouldn't start. He's slow, old, and undersized. When I mentioned that, I caught all kinds of flak. Now that the preseason has come, I'm glad some of you have changed they're minds.
L.Head has come out this preseason running like I hope he would. I think his play is what made Mike James expendable. He is our spark off the bench now. If Sura comes back I think he and Head will work great off the bench together. No way he is a starter though. He is a Steve Francis type guard, get to the hole, or put up a shot, which can lead to over dribbling. No way JVG is going to rely on that. He is quick enough and a good change of pace from SKIP. The thing to watch is how his role will continue to increase if he can limit his mistakes and learn to make things happen for others. BUT Head is first and foremost a scorer not a starting point and undersized starting at 2.
More on Head Since I'm the President of the Luther Head Fan Club, I found some scouting reports about him; they're pretty damn good. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NBA Comparison: Eddie House Strengths: High speed, high energy player… Very hard to guard as he’s constantly moving… Good elevation and form on jumper… Can create his own shot… Gets to the rim and finishes well… good leaping ability… Attacks the hoop and doesn’t back down when he’s met by bigger players… Moves well without the ball and knows how to come off screens and use other players… Clutch. Not afraid to take big shots in crucial points of the game… Very confident… Not easily rattled or taken out of his game… Decent dribbling skills and can take his man off the dribble with ease… Terrific work ethic… Has shown a dramatic improvement in each of his four years at Illinois… Weaknesses: Head is between positions as he lacks the size to play the NBA 2-guard and hasn’t shown the overall skills to play the point full time… Hasn’t had the opportunity to play point at Illinois because of Deron Williams and Dee Brown, but has good passing and ball handling abilities… Needs to show that he can lead a team and control the offense… Poor shot selection at times… He has all the physical tools to be a great defensive player but has yet to show that he can lock someone down… Maturity issues as he had off-court problems during his junior year… Notes: Gets lost in the shuffle with Dee Brown and Deron williams on the team, but some feel he is the best player of the bunch.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Scouting Report: A great athlete ... Finishes on the break ... Has a long stride on his first step ... Excellent handle ... Finds his way into the lane ... Takes ball up strong to finish ... Impressive finger-roll ... Is a good set shooter from 3-point range but really struggles when he takes that shot off the dribble ... Needs to work on his form on jumper with his body moving laterally ... Can do a little bit of everything facing the bucket ... Great vision, creates for teammates off the penetration ... Cuts, elevates, and often dishes ... Almost elevates unnecessarily out of habit on the feed in the paint ... Still maintains his poise as a distributor ... Has cut down on turnovers ... Able to play either position in the backcourt, but is undoubtedly better suited for the 2-guard position.</div> http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=5109 His only weakness is that he's undersized. 6-3 isn't too undersized he's pretty quick and can defend anyone at the 2 guard position, except Lebron James.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">It's funny. I've stated since last year that Wesley wasn't good enough to be a starter, let alone get significant minutes. Go back to the "who should be a starter" thread, and you'll see I stated that Wesley shouldn't start. He's slow, old, and undersized. When I mentioned that, I caught all kinds of flak. Now that the preseason has come, I'm glad some of you have changed they're minds.</div> I don't think anyone can base their opinions of players on preseason games. TMac played like crap in the first game against Philadelphia, yet he's still our best player. Anderson didn't prove himself any more than Wesley did. I think the starting shooting guard spot is still very much up for the taking, but I'd be surprised if Head even beats out one of Wesley and Anderson. He's shown some good stretches in preseason, but let's not name him MVP yet.
I dont see why you guys are so hyped up on Head. He hasnt been that great, he hit some big threes, but doesnt look mature. He too bad shots and didnt want to pass the ball at all. He doesnt look like he is going to earn much time at the one.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont see why you guys are so hyped up on Head. He hasnt been that great, he hit some big threes, but doesnt look mature. He too bad shots and didnt want to pass the ball at all. He doesnt look like he is going to earn much time at the one.</div> Yeah really, at this point I'd label him as a Mike James lite- which can be good or bad. If he continues to keep scoring and not that much passing, I can see him earning himself a back up energy point role. Still, I think he needs to develop better passing abilities.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Locke:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think anyone can base their opinions of players on preseason games. TMac played like crap in the first game against Philadelphia, yet he's still our best player. Anderson didn't prove himself any more than Wesley did. I think the starting shooting guard spot is still very much up for the taking, but I'd be surprised if Head even beats out one of Wesley and Anderson. He's shown some good stretches in preseason, but let's not name him MVP yet.</div> Tmac played like crap? That's a bit of a overstatement. I would say he played very well. What I was trying to say in previous threads was that DA should be the starter for many reasons. First off, his athletism and speed give us more options on the fast break. People in here foolishy criticized his defense, but I stated all along that he plays very good D. He's a better player across the board than Wesley, and theres no way in hell Wesley should be starting. I've stated this on numerous times. There isn't one legitmate reason why DA shouldn't be starting, and I'm glad some of ya'll reconize this now..............................
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">What I was trying to say in previous threads was that DA should be the starter for many reasons. First off, his athletism and speed give us more options on the fast break. People in here foolishy criticized his defense, but I stated all along that he plays very good D. He's a better player across the board than Wesley, and theres no way in hell Wesley should be starting. I've stated this on numerous times. There isn't one legitmate reason why DA shouldn't be starting, and I'm glad some of ya'll reconize this now..............................</div> I'm going to stay neutral in this whole argument, since I think it can go either way and I really don't have a problem with either one. Since Anderson has so much speed and athleticism, don't you think he'll make a great spark off the bench? I'd honestly see Anderson being more productive coming off the pine than compared to Wesley, who relies more on defense to play. Wesley won't make as much impact compared to if he was a starter while Anderson basically hovers between starting and bench. Is that legitimate enough? By the way, who actually recognizes this incredible and amazing statement that Anderson should be starting? Certainly none in this thread. Feeling good to think that you were supposedly one of the firsts?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting devin:</div><div class="quote_post">Eh, I don't mean to offend you but have you checked the box scores in the preseason games? David DID play in the preseason, as starter too. He played in 23 minutes in the opening preseason game against Phili and posted a horrid 1-7 field goal %. That's why Anderson started as SG in the game against orlando... Head's been more impressive than both of them in both Phili and Orlando game, while playing 20+ minutes as well. Even JVG has praised Head for his aggressiveness, which is a rare occasion. But more games in the future will determine their standings...</div> My bad, you're right, Wesley did play poorly...Against San Antonio as well, but i'm still not ready to say Luther Head is a better player then David, Like I said i'm a huge fan of Head so i'd rather watch him play then Wesley but whoever helps the team more is who we should use... And I still think Luther is unproven, he had 2 great games (for a rookie) and a decent one this preseason, wheras David knows what he's doing, is a veteran at this and has a career average of 13 points in the regular season, Luther has an average of about 10 points in the preseason! But in all fairness he was probably nervous and still working out the teams system, but I know i'm repeating myself but I stand by it... At this point in time, I still think David Wesley is more productive then Luther Head.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm going to stay neutral in this whole argument, since I think it can go either way and I really don't have a problem with either one. Since Anderson has so much speed and athleticism, don't you think he'll make a great spark off the bench? I'd honestly see Anderson being more productive coming off the pine than compared to Wesley, who relies more on defense to play. Wesley won't make as much impact compared to if he was a starter while Anderson basically hovers between starting and bench. Is that legitimate enough?</div> It does matter who starts. I strongly disagree with that! Wesley is a very, very streaky shooter. So is Anderson, but the difference is Anderson can do more than shoot. When Wesley ain't hittin, he's non-existent out there. I understand it's the preseason, but there are some very glaring signs I've already noticed: - Anderson plays better with the starters (Like I stated before preseason) - Teams are going to play off Wesley when he shoots like he's shooting - Wesley should be banned from playin the point guard position, some of you foolishly said he could run point, but like I've stated previously, he's too slow to bring the ball up court. - Anderson is a better ball handler, and will give us 3 starters that can handle pg duties (Skip, Tmac, DA). All these things point to DA being the starter. If he doesn't begin the season as a starter, it'll only be because he hasn't learned the system yet.
I'm with Aznxballer on this one with staying nuetral. Both players bring alot to the lineups, but I would much rather have wesley start over anderson because anderson is more of a spark off the bench. Assuming Stro starts, imagine Howard, Luther , Barry, and anderson coming off the bench. sure the spurs have a stacked bench, but thats intense. Especially since Luther Head is ranked 4rth among rookies with most pts in preseason and is #1 in steals. If he gets legitamate time...He might have a chance of getting that ROY, but most likely won't because of chris paul and deron Williams, but he'll give them a run for their money.
Rookie Of The Year is definitely out of the question for Head. Let's keep in mind he is a rookie and a rookie who has done well only in the preseason games. He didn't do too well in the summer league, and there's no guarantee he will do anything once the regular season begins. This year, Chris Paul, Andrew Bogut and Deron Williams are the frontrunners for the award, and it would be ludicrous to think that Head can average their numbers, no matter how many minutes he gets. Unless Head can turn into that Ben Gordon type player, he won't be anywhere near third option on offense. How will he get a chance to score at least 15 points per game which is seen as the benchmark for even contending for the ROY?
The only way Bogut is getting ROY is with rebounds...and he isn't nearly aggresive enough to get those over players in the league who all have at least 1 good PF or C. He isn't getting 15 points because of Redd, Simmons, Mason, and Ford. They will dominate the ball most of the time. Yes...I agree he has a very very slim chance of the award, but you never know what injuries this aging backcourt might experience. I think the only player that can average 15 points is Chris Paul. Deron Williams is playing along side AK-47, Boozer, and Okur. His assist count will be high, but points won't be near 15.
Wow I am in the middle. Both options come with good and bad things. I kinda want Anderson to start, because......well if it works out well for Anderson on the Rockets than our line up would be....WOW. Every position would be deadly, and contribute something needed for the team. PG-Alston-Assits - Good 3s (when left open mostly) SG -Anderson- Shooting - Slashing SF - T-Mac - Everything+Clutch+Leadership PF - Stro- Athleticism - Potential to dominate and score easily - Blocking - Rebounding+Yao's sidekick) C - Yao - Clog up lanes - Extreme Height - Some Dominance - Scoring - Defensive presense -Rebounding+Sidekick Bench-We started 3/10 players on our bench this year (assuming the players I mentioned above start). We have a nice bench with pure depth and potential starters playing even at our third string [well just as role players on most other teams] including: baxter, bowen, and head, and 2nd stringers including: Sura, Howard, Deke, Wesley, Barry...All of our second sringers bring in something great to the team (note we have a great second stringer for each position),give us a spark off the bench (not just for scoring), and bring cosistency at the position It is uncanning how the Rockets improve each year, and this year they have followed up. WOW. That sounds very good. Its really going to come down to Anderson's play, because everyone else knows their job on the team. And if you think about it, Wesley did just bring inconsistency off the bench for a good amount of time last season, so keep that in mind. At the same time I believe it might be better for the team if Anderson sparked off the bench. But the possibilities with him starting is mind blowing. Rather than just good outide D and inconsistent scoring, we could trade that up to Anderson's okay D, and better scoring/slashing/shooting/playing. Sorry if I came out sounding cocky in this post (unless anyone else sees the great potential for the Rockets line up this season). Let me know if I am going over the edge and being completely biased. I do have high hopes for my Rockets this season though. If we don't get to WCF this year, I know we should be ready next year. Edit: As I was writing this post, I have raised my hopes a little higher than just WCF.
Wesley came in the last preseason game 1-15 from the field. That's unexceptable. I realize it's preseason, but I will say that Head is going to have a very good season. His confidence alone makes me a believer. I admit though, when we got him I was one of the naysayers. But his style of play fits in good with the Rockets. Obcourse the people who haven't seen the preseason are going to remain "nuetral". But I believe this kid is going to eventually break the rotation.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It does matter who starts. I strongly disagree with that! Wesley is a very, very streaky shooter. So is Anderson, but the difference is Anderson can do more than shoot. When Wesley ain't hittin, he's non-existent out there. I understand it's the preseason, but there are some very glaring signs I've already noticed: - Anderson plays better with the starters (Like I stated before preseason) - Teams are going to play off Wesley when he shoots like he's shooting - Wesley should be banned from playin the point guard position, some of you foolishly said he could run point, but like I've stated previously, he's too slow to bring the ball up court. - Anderson is a better ball handler, and will give us 3 starters that can handle pg duties (Skip, Tmac, DA).</div> Wesley isn't non existent, he plays better defense than Anderson so I don't know where you're trying to go on that one. Although Wesley has been shooting horribly these past few games, you need to keep in mind he just came off an injury and should be fine by the time season starts. Wesley's shot is just currently off, I mean he did take much of the summer off. Just give him a couple games to regain his shooting form. By the way, you would know that Anderson plays better with the starters before the preseason how? Just a wild guess I suppose. Besides, even during the presason games when he did put up respectable numbers against San Antonio and Philadelphia, he came off the bench. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Wesley came in the last preseason game 1-15 from the field. That's unexceptable. I realize it's preseason, but I will say that Head is going to have a very good season. His confidence alone makes me a believer. I admit though, when we got him I was one of the naysayers. But his style of play fits in good with the Rockets. Obcourse the people who haven't seen the preseason are going to remain "nuetral". But I believe this kid is going to eventually break the rotation.</div> True, but at Seattle he went for 5-13. He's improving his shot. All's going on with him is he's in a shooting slump- I mean, everyone goes through that time and time again, he just needs to shoot himself out of it. Since its preseason, its really hard to tell whether or not Head will have a very good season. Right now he's playing in a controlled environment that allows mistakes and sloppy plays but once the real season starts, I doubt he'll make as much of an impact. What do you have against "nuetrality"? Is that an attack against fellow members I smell?
I love Luther and I think in 2-3 years he's going to be a dynamite player...for right now, he's taking advantage of his preseason minutes and is producing...I like how confident he looks for a rookie, and he has more offensive ability than I imagined...he's also quick and is a versatile defender, which is always a plus...he's a CLUTCH shooter- that man has led the Rockets in fourth quarter scoring and was solely responsible for the wins against philly and seattle...he's a great shooter and penetrator off the pick-and-roll, yet leaves much to be desired as a finisher...but I am impressed with his current showings and I do believe that he will be ready to contribute this season if he is called upon...
