The Dream Shake - The Dream Shake’s player seasons in reviewThe best footwork on the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/34031/32x32.png2017-07-05T14:00:02-05:00http://www.thedreamshake.com/rss/stream/156256372017-07-05T14:00:02-05:002017-07-05T14:00:02-05:00Rockets season in review: Ryan Anderson
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was an up-and-down year for Anderson, and now the Rockets are rumored to be shopping him.</p> <p id="fNSzcp">There was no way <span>Ryan Anderson</span> was going to live up to that contract. </p>
<p id="dRIOCv">Last offseason, the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> signed the stretch four to a four-year, $80 million deal, and though he was immediately thought of as a good fit for Moreyball and Mike D’Antoni, we all knew that was a lot of cheddar for an injury-prone and defensively challenged power forward.</p>
<p id="VriutN">And while Anderson did manage to stay relatively healthy — his 72 games played were the second-most of his career — he had an underwhelming season.</p>
<p id="POg4JS">Ryno averaged just 13.6 points per game, which was his lowest total since the 2011 season, his third year in the league. He was also extremely streaky for the majority of the year, showing a marked difference between what’s now become known as “Home Ryno” and “Road Ryno”.</p>
<p id="yuNVzo">Road Ryno was what the Rockets paid $20 mil per season for. He averaged 16.2 points per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 46 percent from beyond the arc, making 3.5 triples per game.</p>
<p id="T0jBCU">Consequently, Home Ryno was a complete bust, averaging only 11 points per game on 37 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from deep. He made one full less triple per game.</p>
<p id="8XMNs0">Combine the two and you get a player who was decidedly average from an offensive standpoint. Anderson’s defense was as bad as ever, and his offensive rebounding, formerly a strength (he averaged 3.0 offensive rebounds per game from 2012-2015), fell off a cliff. Ryno’s 1.6 offensive boards per game was his worst mark since his sophomore campaign in 2010.</p>
<p id="3F9nXT">He also didn’t show up in the postseason. While he wasn’t nearly as bad defensively as one would think filling in at center after Nene went down, his offensive performance was atrocious. Anderson averaged just 9.4 points per game in the playoffs, while shooting a rock-bottom 39.1 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from deep.</p>
<p id="TskVyK">Add all of those things together, and you get a player who clearly wasn’t worth the monster deal he received.</p>
<p id="UOvMwf">But what you don’t see in the individual box score was the effect Anderson had on the Rockets as a whole. His mere presence helped make last year’s Houston team the offensive juggernaut it became. Anderson’s ability to stretch the floor and the fear opposing teams had of his ability to get scorching hot and change the complexion of any game is what opened up the rest of the court for the Rockets. Add in James Harden’s ability to get to the cup and the ever-present threat of easy lobs inside to <span>Clint Capela</span>, and you had the “pick your poison” scenario Houston’s opponents were forced to deal with night in and night out.</p>
<p id="uL76zN">The Rockets finished with 55 wins on the year, which was the fourth-highest win total in franchise history, yet they were no better than a .500 ball club (5-5) in the 10 games Anderson missed on the year. The effect of a stretch four in this system cannot be understated. But neither can Anderson’s shortcomings.</p>
<p id="F6srcP">It’s why he’s been on the block all offseason, and he’s <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/7/3/15914826/houston-rockets-new-york-knicks-and-carmelo-anthony-have-mutual-interest">been one of the key pieces</a> (and possibly even the hold up) in Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s overtures for Carmelo Anthony. It’ll be tough moving Ryno in a deal for one of the game’s premier scorers, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Daryl Morey.</p>
<p id="NuKH7e">Should he remain on the roster, he’s still a good fit for Mike D’Antoni and for Moreyball. In fact, with <span>Chris Paul</span> now on the roster and some added defensive help in <span>P.J. Tucker</span>, he may even be a better fit this year than last. As <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/7/4/15916950/rockets-trade-free-agency-chris-paul-carmelo-anthony">Ethan mentioned yesterday,</a> this Rockets team already looks better on paper than last year’s third-seeded team.</p>
<p id="0SzREG">But there’s no doubt team management is looking for an upgrade and a way to get out from under that deal, so at this point, it’s anyone’s guess how much longer Ryno remains in H-town.</p>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/7/5/15921690/houston-rockets-season-in-review-ryan-andersonDarren Yuvan2017-06-30T13:25:44-05:002017-06-30T13:25:44-05:00Rockets season in review: Clint Capela
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Swiss Roll took another step up in 2017.</p> <p id="SlWN9e">Last season was uncharted territory for the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, and coming into the season they made the decision to not retain <span>Dwight Howard</span> and hand the starting job on over to <span>Clint Capela</span>. </p>
<p id="JDAHM1">The Rockets faith in the 22-year-old big man was rewarded as Capela continued his devolvement and took another step forward. </p>
<p id="vWrAy1">He was no Prime Howard, but the Rockets didn't really need that. They needed someone who was going to dunk the ball and block shots, and that's what Capela brought to the team. </p>
<p id="p1plrC">Capela, to the T, fit exactly what the Rockets needed in Mike D'Antoni's system with <span>James Harden</span> running the offense. </p>
<p id="A6a3V2"> In 65 games, Capela posted career highs with 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds a game.</p>
<p id="0wiIYO">During the preseason, Capela struggled with stamina, and many people wondered if Nene would end up starting over him, but D'Antoni stuck with the Swiss big man. </p>
<p id="uh3DR5">Thanks to D'Antoni's rotation of bigs with Nene and <span>Montrezl Harrell</span>, the third-year center wasn't overworked, and the Rockets were able to make the most of his nearly 24 minutes a game. </p>
<p id="wTbO49">Capela during the regular season had one massive setback when he broke his fibula, which caused him to miss 15 games. When he eventually made his return, it would only take Capela two games to round right back into form. </p>
<p id="KREPrT">Throughout the season, Capela was very consistent scoring thanks to the connection he and James Harden developed. The pick and roll between the two become almost unstoppable. Per NBAstats.com, Harden assisted Capela on 173 (most on the team) shots, which is the most he made to any one player on the team. Of the 173 assists, Harden made to Capela, 163 of them resulted into dunks. </p>
<p id="MUXcfA">One of the big knocks on Capela throughout the regular season would be his inconsistent propensity for rebounding. He'd put together a few good games, but then he'd have a few stinkers. </p>
<p id="tfC9ud">There was never a very good answer for why Capela struggled on the glass, but with <span>Ryan Anderson</span> or whoever else was in the starting lineup, they were never near the glass and it's hard to win rebound battles when it's one verse two or three. </p>
<p id="QTNbRV">In the playoffs, the Capela put up monster first games against the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> and <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs,</a> but once both teams figured out how to take away Harden’s pick and rolls, he'd struggle to find consistent looks. </p>
<p id="bn1fnE">Capela is under contract for next season at about $2.3 million and then will be a restricted free agent in 2018 and, unlike <span>Chandler Parsons</span>, it's hard to picture the Rockets letting the big Swiss man walk. </p>
<p id="Kf7963">While Capela did prove the Rockets top brass right by picking him over Howard, he still has a lot more room for growth. </p>
<p id="iBwMRf">It's unclear if Capela will ever develop much of a shot outside of dunks and layups, but you do see him tinkering around with midrange jumpers from time to time. I am sure each midrange jumper the Rockets are internally fining him (I’m joking of course). Hook shots do seem to be something that could be a big part of Capela's game if he keeps on developing with it. Two years ago he shot 43 percent on hooks and last season he bumped it up to 49 percent, and there’s no reason he can't get even better. </p>
<p id="QZN94j">The next big step for Capela will be averaging 30 minutes a game, and if the team does not bring back Nene, chances are he'll do it this upcoming season. </p>
<p id="YwsohP">If he get's the bump in games, Capela will go from snagging 8 rebounds a game to 10 plus, and he'll be a double-double machine. </p>
<p id="ewoVNI">This season might have been Capela's "breakout," but next season, with another year of growth physically and in the system, he could become one the better centers in the league. </p>
<p id="66BAO3">With his ability to block shots and dunk the ball, the Rockets could see a younger version or Howard or <span>DeAndre Jordan</span> (relevant considering the Swiss Roll’s new teammate) and with Capela slowly getting better with his free throws, he'll be much more playable in crunch time, just like he was down the stretch run this past season. </p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/30/15892142/clint-capela-breakout-season-rocketsJosh Reese2017-06-23T08:29:48-05:002017-06-23T08:29:48-05:00Rockets season in review: Trevor Ariza
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<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ariza was better this postseason than last, but the Spurs still found a way to exploit his offensive shortcomings.</p> <p id="fxNXSW">For several seasons now, since his return to the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a>, we here at TDS having been pushing for a reduction in Trevor Ariza’s minutes and his responsibility. The 31-year-old Ariza really started looking his age and of 13 NBA seasons last year in the playoffs against Golden State, and it was imperative that the Rockets brought in some help. You love Ariza as a player, but not as a second option, which he essentially was on the previous year’s Houston team.</p>
<p id="bV9eE7">So Daryl Morey went out and picked up several offensive contributors in <span>Eric Gordon</span>, <span>Ryan Anderson</span> and <span>Lou Williams</span>, with designs on lightening the load for his aging 3-and-D wing, and it seems to have helped.</p>
<p id="9HVYqO">Ariza did end up playing roughly the same amount of minutes this year he had in the previous two Rockets seasons (he dropped from 35 to 34), but his responsibility on the offensive side of the ball lessened noticeably. As a result, his defense, which had slipped last season, returned to effective levels.</p>
<p id="45WNna">Arzia’s shots per game fell from 10.6 to 10, and the vast majority of those were spot-up threes created off of dribble penetration, and his points per game dropped a full mark from 12.7 to 11.7. </p>
<p id="35l7wq">But on the defensive side of the ball, Ariza finished with a defensive plus-minus of +1.0, a huge lift from the decidedly mediocre +0.3 he had last season. He also continued to be versatile, moving from small forward to defending power forwards in Mike D’Antoni’s small ball lineups with equal effectiveness.</p>
<p id="ZxO6Hu">We also didn’t see the same type of slippage in the postseason. Last year, Ariza’s dead legs resulted in an abominable offensive shooting performance in the playoffs (6 points per game, 25 percent shooting from the field, 14 percent from deep). This year, however, Ariza’s playoffs were more in line with his regular season performance, as he averaged 10.7 points per playoff game, to go along with 42 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from deep.</p>
<p id="GCV4zK">But this year’s postseason also did something else for Ariza. It reaffirmed the need for an upgrade at the small forward position. One of the keys to the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> knocking the Rockets out in 6 games was their ability to force the ball into Ariza’s hands and out of the hands of more dynamic playmakers Gordon and Williams.</p>
<p id="udXJ0s">The Spurs mostly shut down the Rockets ancillary playmakers, so Houston ended up in the same position as last season: with Ariza as their secondary offensive option.</p>
<p id="F84Tpw">That was good for Trevor’s individual offensive numbers, as he averaged 14.5 points per game in the series, but it was bad for the Rockets’ fortunes as a whole. Too often we saw Ariza driving to the hoop with the shot clock running down, looking to make something happen in desperation. For all that Ariza does well, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about him over these past three seasons, it’s that he’s simply not a playmaker.</p>
<p id="w52bVf">The Spurs’ ability to exploit that weakness on the Rockets explains Daryl Morey’s reported interest in <span>Danilo Gallinari</span> this offseason. Gallinari’s offensive repertoire would be a huge upgrade from Ariza, eliminating the obvious weakness in the Rockets’ otherwise well-oiled offensive machine that was so expertly exploited by Gregg Popovich. It also explains their subsequent desire to swing a trade for the suddenly available <span>Paul George</span>, who would be an even better fit in H-town than Gallinari.</p>
<p id="FUOEfr">Ariza will also be 32 this season, and his contract with the Rockets is winding down. He’ll be on his final year this season at just a $7 million salary, and combine his age and wear and tear with that expiring deal and the Rockets’ obvious desire to make some serious offensive upgrades, and you can’t help but feel that Ariza’s days in Houston are about to be numbered.</p>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/23/15861178/houston-rockets-season-in-review-trevor-arizaDarren Yuvan2017-06-22T15:00:22-05:002017-06-22T15:00:22-05:00Rockets season in review: Eric Gordon
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<p>Gordon’s coming off of a great season, but with Daryl Morey in a deal-making mood, does he stay on the roster?</p> <p id="nqjxTj">When the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> signed <span>Eric Gordon</span> to a 4-year, $53 million deal before the start of this past season, the move was thought of as a good fit, but it didn’t come without legitimate concerns, primarily on the injury front.</p>
<p id="5yMX2R">But Gordon came to town and immediately put those worries to rest and by scoring 16.2 points per game, his highest average since 2013, and he also played in 75 games (starting 15) which was the second-highest games played total of his career, after his rookie season (78).</p>
<p id="v7Vr6w">The man they call Splash Gordon was a key component of the Rockets’ 55-win season, as his shooting from beyond the arc — 37.2 percent and 2.2 makes per game — and his ability to provide scoring punch off the bench and crank up the offense when <span>James Harden</span> rested was important enough to Houston’s success that he should be considered the frontrunner for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.</p>
<p id="KRdymh">There were moments when he was simply unconscious shooting the ball, and he had two separate streaks of 15 consecutive games scoring in double figures, including one to close out the regular season. He was also effective as a starter in Mike D’Antoni’s small ball lineup, when called on to fill in for <span>Ryan Anderson</span>.</p>
<p id="4P8AXQ">There were a few minor blemishes for Gordon, however. Even at the pinnacle of healthy, he still missed 7 games and played hurt in several others. The ankle injury he battled mid-year hurt his shooting and his athleticism, though to Gordon’s credit, he mostly toughed through it.</p>
<p id="msKq89">He also had a drop off in the postseason. His playoff scoring average dropped to 12.9 points per game, and his assists dropped almost a full dime per game, from his 2.9 regular season average down to 2.0 for the playoffs. He simply wasn’t as effective come playoff time, despite averaging more minutes per game than during the regular season. </p>
<p id="vzxSlO">The Rockets really needed a top performance from Gordon to get past San Antonio, and Splash really only showed up for one contest. He poured in 22 points in a Game 4 Houston win, but averaged just 10.4 points per game in the other 5 contests.</p>
<p id="urAA9l">Moving forward, Gordon is signed through the 2020 season at approximately $13 million per year (bumps up to $14 million in the final year of the deal), so that’s an extremely palatable contract for Houston to maintain should Gordon continue to produce.</p>
<p id="MFfRLE">It’s also an extremely tradable one, and with<a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/20/15842822/rockets-nba-trade-rumors-paul-george-patrick-beverley-chris-paul"> rumors abound over the last several days</a> that Rockets GM Daryl Morey is looking to make a dramatic move for another big name player, it doesn’t appear many names are off the bargaining table.</p>
<p id="9isSaa">Gordon’s name wasn’t directly listed as someone Morey is actively shopping — that list read as <span>Patrick Beverley</span>, <span>Lou Williams</span> and Ryan Anderson — but Morey would have zero trouble sending out Gordon’s contract as well should the right deal to score another star name materialize.</p>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/22/15853554/houston-rockets-season-in-review-eric-gordonDarren Yuvan2017-06-16T09:00:02-05:002017-06-16T09:00:02-05:00Rockets season in review: Nene
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<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Nene had a few big moments before going down with an injury in the playoffs.</p> <p id="rNE6EM">One of the biggest concerns with Nene coming in to this season was health, but through careful management of his minutes and sitting him in the second game of back-to-backs, the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> were able to keep the veteran big man healthy for the vast majority of the season. It all came to a screeching halt in Game 4 of the second round of the playoffs against the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>, when Nene was lost for the season with a ruptured groin muscle. </p>
<p id="YDCWOu">But don’t let that unfortunate end to Nene’s year fool you. The Brazilian center was a difference maker for the Rockets this season. </p>
<p id="9mfXPm">Nene finished the year averaging 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds on 61.7 percent shooting in just 18 minutes per game. His shooting percentage was the highest mark of his career, and if you take a look at his per 36s (always worth a look for a guy not playing a ton of minutes), you’ll notice his 18.3 points per 36 is his highest total since the 2012 season.</p>
<p id="1B2zgs">He also played in 67 games, starting 8, which was tied for his most games played since 2011.</p>
<p id="jmbsdR">In addition, he had an important role as a veteran leader and supplied something the Rockets were in relative short supply of with his general badassery. Seriously, who messes with Nene? The guy is 34 and still looks like he could hold his own in a WWE battle royal.</p>
<p id="7lOaX6">He brought a physicality to the Rockets that they lacked elsewhere on the roster, save maybe <span>Trevor Ariza</span>, and combine that with his skill in the high post, ability as a passer, and potential to knock down an open jumper, and it made Nene an invaluable member of the Houston rotation. </p>
<p id="Z5bHP4">He also saved his best work for the postseason. With the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> holding an advantage in size and strength in the front court, Nene played perhaps his best stretch of ball of the year.</p>
<p id="DLJjaD">He averaged 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game during Houston’s 5-game win over the Thunder, which included a 28-point, 10-rebound affair in Game 4 in which he shot a perfect 12-12 in field goals. That performance will go down as one of the more memorable single-game Rockets playoff performances ever. It’s definitely somewhere in my top 20.</p>
<p id="i7wD93">It was a different story against San Antonio, as Nene was less effective against the Spurs’ front line of <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and <span>Pau Gasol</span> before his injury, but he was still one of the reasons the team won a surprising 55 games and made it as far as they did.</p>
<p id="PW0XtW">Nene’s contract is up, and he’s now an unrestricted free agent. With the news that his groin injury would not need surgery, Nene <em>should</em> be fully recovered to help someone next year. I say “should” because soon-to-be 35-year-old centers coming off of a ruptured groin is not the surest of bets, but all indications right now are that Nene should be fine.</p>
<p id="XzKRUo">It’s been rumored that he wants to return to Houston, and it’s also been said that the team does want him back, but at what price? Nene made just $2.8 million this past season, and despite the injury, he’s likely earned himself a raise this coming year. With rumors swirling that Rockets GM Daryl Morey is <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/13/15792650/daryl-morey-we-have-something-up-our-sleeve-houston-rockets">looking to make a big splash </a>this summer in either trade or free agency, <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/15/15811748/cp3-to-the-rockets">perhaps even looking at </a><span>Chris Paul</span>, salaries will need to be jettisoned. </p>
<p id="pTceQ9">So for the moment, that leaves Nene’s status up in the air, but expect that become clearer after the big dominoes fall this summer. </p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/16/15807706/houston-rockets-season-in-review-neneDarren Yuvan2017-06-14T08:30:02-05:002017-06-14T08:30:02-05:00Rockets season in review: Sam Dekker
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<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After injury-filled rookie season, Dekker showed out in year two.</p> <p id="aJsJmS">The ultimate unknown for the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> entering the season was <span>Sam Dekker, </span>and he ended up being a very pleasant surprise. </p>
<p id="RufcXB">Aside from three throwaway games last year, Dekker spent the whole year either on the bench or rehabbing from back surgery, and the Rockets never got a chance to really see with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft could do. </p>
<p id="bgfpYx">Things changed once he got healthy and ready to go for the Rockets in 2016. The former Wisconsin Badger quickly made up for lost time and instantly became a contributor. Dekker played in 77 games (starting twice) averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds (rounding up) a game. </p>
<p id="wxpgqL">For what the Rockets asked of Dekker, he provided them exactly what they were looking for. Coming off the second unit, the Rockets needed someone to give <span>Trevor Ariza</span> a rest and, while they had <span>Corey Brewer</span>, they needed a player with much more upside.</p>
<p id="ntQ46o">Even if Brewer had stuck around longer — he was traded for <span>Lou Williams</span> — the future was Dekker, not him. </p>
<p id="z1HBzS">The more Dekker played, his confidence grew and so did Mike D'Antoni's confidence in him. The playing time scales started to tip more and more in his favor and pretty soon the need for Brewer was no more. </p>
<p id="I7nLQB">Dekker, throughout the year, became a go-to guy off the bench and was a part of a lot of key lineups for Mike D'Antoni. The second- and third-best lineups of the season both had Dekker playing the four. Per 100 possessions, Nene, Dekker, Brewer, <span>Eric Gordon</span> and <span>Patrick Beverley</span> were +18.9, while <span>Clint Capela</span>, Dekker, Gordon, Beverley and Lou Williams were +17.6.</p>
<p id="WHFttG">Dekker's best game of the season came against the <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a>. </p>
<p id="UTJTzF">Already 0-2 vs the Grizzlies on the season, the Rockets were without <span>Ryan Anderson</span> who had the flu. D'Antoni turned to Dekker and it worked perfectly. </p>
<p id="DAxhnI">Dekker led the Rockets in scoring pouring in 30 points (easily a career high) in 35 minutes (also a career high). He skied for a few dunks and hit plenty of threes, going 6-11 from downtown. </p>
<div id="DBYA0m"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lf8x65uGvRw?rel=0&amp;controls=2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="14ZQVV">Dekker would only play over 30 minutes once during the year, but throughout the season you kept on seeing little nuggets here and there about what he can do. </p>
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<p id="810zY9">In his first full season of action, Dekker converted 65 percent on shots in the paint and 32 percent from three. After a month of the season, he was hitting close to 40 percent from deep, so there’s clear reason for Rockets fans to expect a higher percentage from deep next year.</p>
<p id="IbMpk1">While Dekker is nowhere near a finished product, you got to see the guy the Rockets hoped for when they drafted him back in 2015. </p>
<p id="6EoUvy">With continued devolvement, he will only become a stronger member of the bench. His true position on the team is likely starting for Ariza when his contract is up after next season or if he is traded during this offseason. </p>
<p id="N4vsKN">The question of if Dekker will be next year is a very simple yes. </p>
<p id="LQRRSx">Dekker is under contract for next season at $1.8 million, the year after that, a team option at $2.8 million. He would be a restricted free-agent in 2019 (per Spotrac). If he continues to progress, Dekker will be here for a long time to come. </p>
<p id="bGDiAO">The 6-9 combo forward fits very will in D'Antoni's system, and when he's used as a small ball four, the Rockets are damn near unstoppable. </p>
<p id="K7VQpe">The goal for next year will be giving Dekker a little more to handle. Last season the Rockets tried to keep him at about 10-20 minutes a game and during the playoffs, he was out of the rotation altogether.</p>
<p id="6HUefB">Dekker was a key part of the bench for the entire season, but when the playoffs started he was on the outside looking in. While his presence still wouldn't have fixed the dreadful Game 6 showing against the Spurs, he could have helped extend the bench and just provide a rest for Anderson, Ariza or whoever. </p>
<p id="hVproW">Next season, look for Dekker's playing time to get a bump closer to the 20-30-minute mark and look for him to be a part of D'Antoni's playoff rotation.</p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/14/15773148/sam-dekker-rockets-player-recap-2017Josh Reese2017-06-10T08:38:00-05:002017-06-10T08:38:00-05:00Rockets season in review: Lou Williams
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<img alt="NBA: Playoffs-San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B9wt8sjlgao4qDtMeOeffzznLsM=/0x7:3000x2007/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55186755/usa_today_10044128.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was a tale of two Lous during Williams’ time with the Rockets.</p> <p id="Eb6rTO">The <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> acquired <span>Lou Williams</span> from the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> at the trade deadline in February in exchange for <span>Corey Brewer</span> and a first-round pick, and it was immediately hailed by most as another example of GM Daryl Morey’s genius.</p>
<p id="TqU6ja">At the time, Sweet Lou was in the midst of a fine season and was hailed as one of the top contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award, along with Rocket Eric Gordon. And at least initially, it appeared Williams would pick right back up in Houston where he left off in Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="zdVuCn">In his first three games with the Rockets, Williams scored 27, 17 and 28 points, respectively, and he freewheeling style seemed like a perfect fit for Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun offense. But unfortunately for the Rockets, that initial three-game stretch was essentially Lou’s high-water mark in Rockets red.</p>
<p id="kfVrmi">He struggled mightily with consistency for the rest of the regular season, and he just never looked truly comfortable at any point. He often appeared to press matters a little too much, and even though that occasionally resulted in an offensive outburst — a 30-point game against his old L.A. squad and 31-point affair against the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> come immediately to mind — the cumulative results of his time with the Rockets were uneven at best.</p>
<p id="sg9Pkm">With Houston, Williams went for 14.9 points, 3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and slightly less than a steal per game. Those look like pretty serviceable stats for your seventh man in the rotation. That is until you notice he also shot just 38.6 percent from the field and only 31.8 percent from beyond the arc. </p>
<p id="e6pA4I">Then you notice that every single one of his counting stats save rebounds and all of his percentages went down after the trade. With the Lakers, Williams averaged 18.6 points per game, 2.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steal. He shot a much more respectable 44.4 percent from the field and a deadly 38.5 percent from three. </p>
<p id="85QkjB">He also was a negative offensive (and defensive) player with the Rockets, and we all know Sweet Lou was never and will never be a top defender. So if he’s not impacting positively offensively, he’s not doing much. </p>
<p id="RQDKzA">As a comparison, his offensive plus-minus while in L.A. was +5.4, good enough that he still finished second in the NBA for shooting guards in overall plus minus, despite the -0.1 offensive number he put up in H-Town. The slippage with the Rockets was real. And he was playing more minutes in Houston too, so he had every opportunity to gel. </p>
<p id="WJNYko">Williams exhibited that same inconsistency in the postseason as well. He was fantastic in the Rockets’ first-round series with the Thunder, and the OKC bench had no answer for him. He averaged 18.8 points per game in the series and shot 47.7 percent from the field and a scorching 41 percent from deep. He was one of the real difference makers in the Houston win.</p>
<p id="Fct4JJ">But it was a different story entirely against the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>, when Williams was nowhere to be found. He averaged just 7.3 points per game, and he percentages were just as atrocious. He shot 41.8 percent overall, and just 3-17 from beyond the arc. </p>
<p id="ABWK5M">There were many reasons the Rockets fell to San Antonio — the 7-man rotation, the Game 6 meltdown, etc... — but you can put Williams’ play off the bench in that same category as well.</p>
<p id="NrtHfs">Williams is under contract through next season at an extremely palatable $7 million, so with the Rockets looking to compete again next year, expect Williams to get every opportunity to find his groove in Houston.</p>
<p id="LkOf0I">But should he come out next year showing the same inconsistencies, that’s an extremely tradable contract that Daryl Morey would have zero trouble moving. </p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/10/15774910/houston-rockets-season-in-review-lou-williamsDarren Yuvan2017-06-07T14:00:01-05:002017-06-07T14:00:01-05:00Rockets season in review: Montrezl Harrell
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<img alt="NBA: Detroit Pistons at Houston Rockets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s3S6RL7aFR9vumsdc_KQLVjKZ-I=/0x480:2052x1848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55138537/usa_today_9999082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Trez played well when given the chance, but fell out of favor, and the rotation, as the season moved forward.</p> <p id="sCfBEw">Coming into this season, a lot was expected of Montrezl Harrell. Statistically, his rookie year was underwhelming (3.6 points, 1.7 rebounds), but he flashed enough energy, hustle and defense that a leap was expected in his sophomore campaign. And that leap did occur. </p>
<p id="oJsXax">He finished the year averaging 9.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game. His per-36-minute stats look sparkling: 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He finished the year shooting 65.2 percent from the field, which was an increase from his rookie season. </p>
<p id="xC7Gsi">He also had an effective 15-game stretch in December/January filling in for starting center <span>Clint Capela</span>, who was out with a leg fracture. During that time frame, Harrell averaged 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He also had a 29-point game and a 28-point game. He had a four-game stretch where he was in double-digit points scored every game. Other than Nene, he was the most physical front court player on the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a>. </p>
<p id="IjSgoB">But after Capela returned to his full workload, Harrell’s minutes plummeted. Often, he couldn’t get off the bench, racking up 15 DNPs from Jan. 27 onward. In the games he did play, he exceeded 20 minutes in a game just six times in that same timeframe, a span of 32 games. And this was with Nene playing mostly limited minutes and sitting a game during back-to-backs. Harrell also played just 21 total minutes in the Rockets’ 11 playoff games.</p>
<p id="cmaglh">So what happened?</p>
<p id="LAHScE">Well, it’s been rumored that Mike D’Antoni feels that Harrell isn’t a fit for his system, and his actions speak those words as well. </p>
<p id="bDMgTo">D’Antoni refused to play Harrell at power forward, telling the media on several occasions that he thought of Harrell strictly as a five. We don’t need to tell you that D’Antoni likes his power forwards to stretch, and although Harrell’s been working on his outside game, he’ll never be confused for <span>Ryan Anderson</span>.</p>
<p id="G89hw6">That doesn’t quite explain why the coach couldn’t find minutes for Harrell in the playoffs after Nene went down, and the Rockets struggled with a lack of size, strength, and physicality in the front court. But my guess is that the rumors are definitely correct, and Harrell’s going to have this problem as long as he’s on the Rockets and D’Antoni is the coach.</p>
<p id="j3LJNe">In that vein, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Rockets try to move Monstatrez this season, as there should be some value on the trade market. D’Antoni’s not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, so expect GM Daryl Morey to include Harrell’s name in any trade talks.</p>
<p id="BzUR9h">That isn’t to say he doesn’t have value as player — he certainly does. But D’Antoni clearly doesn’t trust him, as evidenced by the now infamous 7-man rotation in the playoffs. And with <span>Zhou Qi</span> now <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/5/15739812/houston-rockets-have-plans-for-zhou-qi">looking to also be in the fold,</a> D’Antoni will have another big man to consider who, at first glance, looks to be a better fit for what he wants do.</p>
<p id="6k4RJB">Trez definitely developed his game in his sophomore campaign with the Rockets, but I would actually be a bit surprised if he’s still on the Rockets this time next season.</p>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2017/6/7/15752232/rockets-season-in-review-2017-montrezl-harrellDarren Yuvan