Went back and tried to get an objective view on Melo, KP Rose and defense so far. One of my complaints in the past for Melo is too many forced threes. Not enough passing out of double teams. And defense intensity. Looking back at last few games, (Let me know if you need video from MSG GO) Melo is playing good down low offense. He is taking it to the hole strong. Not always getting calls but staying with the aggressive post up game. Think it because we dont have a center that can post up and all offenses need a down low presence. For him its a much better look than lazy three point shots. He is also looking to pass out of double teams. Problem is, everyone seems to be staying in one spot off the ball and rarely cutting. His defense intensity has been there although has had several lapses on his mans weak side cuts to the basket. And definitely tries to do too much when team is down double digits. Did a couple of drives into triple and double teams last few games. Still like that he is more down low this year.
Rose has showed he is healthy. His speed is top notch in the NBA. Its good having a one man fast break. However, needs to look to draw defenders in and set up team mates in half court. He did pass out more last night than first three games though. And played solid in all first halfs. I dont see any confidence in his long range jump shots. Needs to work on pull ups and not force the drive as teams are flooding the driving lane against him. He also has to stop jumping into the vertical defender, as he is not going to get a call. Good news is that if he converts on some of those missed layups, adds to assists and can get an outside shot, he can be back to MVP Rose.
KP is just not getting any seperation. If you watch the games, he is standing next to the defender with no attempt to seperate. Understand if it was early in offense but he is doing it most of the possession and rarely cuts when other players are going to basket. He seems slower than last year, dont know if its the extra weight. He is also having trouble defending any stretch player. Just not quick enough. Left Anderson and Love wide open several times. However, think Hornacek should run more PnR's for him. But would do so with Courtney Lee. Jennings is trying but his lack of consistent pull up is making teams come off him and focus on KP. Rose has the same problem and can't avoid the instinct to drive. Also, do not see many catch and shoot curls for him. Would think with his height and quick shot, there would be more in the game plan for him. Think they tried 4 for him all year. Do think he is having trouble creating his own shot and is hovering the 3pt. line too often. Just absent too often, whether with first or second unit.
By far our biggest problem though is Defense. I know its the thing that takes the longest with new squads but still hard to watch. Looking at games, our problem is overplaying the drive, overplaying the prerimeter and overplaying the PnR. Not good as those are main areas of defense. Can understand a lack of PnR defense, as it takes the most communication and needs lots of help and rotational defense but there is no excuse for direct man to man defense and leaving your man wide open for a shot or allowing him to cut to the basket for an easy layup. KP overplays the cover down defense and leaves shooters open. Melo, Noah overplay perimeter and leave cutters wide open on the weak side. Lee is playing good belly up defense but is overplaying the cover down and leaving his man open for threes. Rose playing good D but having trouble in PnR. To me, first goal for a new squad is good direct man on man defense. Be responsible for your man. Don't count on help defense and assume your man will be picked up by a team mate. Of course help defense is important and needed for a good defense but again thats the part that takes a lot of playing time together. Still believe we will see a difeerent team by January. Just hope we wont be in too big a hole.
