Vicious Rants of an Angry Yellow Man

Dwight Howard chooses Houston over LA.  Not a surprise here as the Lakers are only going to be older next year whereas Houston was going to improve even without Howard as their main guys are all young and have not peak yet.  Don't hand the Rockets the trophy yet though.  I think that they are only going to be #4 in the west.   I think the Clippers, Thunder and Spurs are going to finish ahead of them as I think it will take at least a year for them to jell.  While the Spurs are eventually going to be too old, the Clippers and Thunder are just about as young as the Rockets.  How each team improve will determine who will be the king of the west.  Then, they have to beat the heat and possibly Nets.  So yes, Howard will help the Rockets, particularly on defense, but it is no sure thing that Howard will get his ring in Houston.

So what about Jeremy Lin?  I think it will be better for his career if he is traded.  But that will be hard to do as his contract kicks in big time after next season.  Who wants to pay him 10 million in 2014-15?  If he stays in Houston his role may diminish next season and he won't be able to develop to his capability.  Lets face it, Houston's offense this past season consists of fast breaks, quick 3 pt shots and failing that, Harden drives the lane.  In the half court, Lin stands to the side as the other 3 players while Harden shoots the 3, drives to draw a foul or drives and kicks out to a 3 pt shooter.  Lin's ability to run the pick and roll is of no use when Harden is on the court.  That is why the best game Lin played last year was when Harden was out and Lin scored 38 against the Spurs.  With Howard there Harden will give it up some to Howard inside, but that means even less touches for everyone else, including Lin.

There is talk that Houston is better off with Patrick Beverly as point guard.  Well, if it is the Harden, Howard show then it does not matter who is the point guard anyway.  But Beverly is not as good as Lin if Harden is out.  Beverly will NEVER get you 30 points in any game.  He is a great hustler and is a good backup.  But even his defense, which everyone consider better than Lin, is not as good as it appears.  Remember, Lin plays against the starting point guards like Chris Paul, Russell Westbrooke and Tony Parker whereas Beverly comes in against back ups so he is going to look better in comparison.  In fact, if Houston does not make any more trades, I think it would be better for Lin to come off the bench.  That way, he will run the offense when Harden is out and is going against backups.  He will save energy as Beverly will chase people like Parker.  Lin's total will be down but his points and assists per 48 minutes will increase.  He will actually get more chance to run the team.  There is no shame to be a 6th man, just ask Ginobili, and Jason Terry.