TheRinger: Covington in the Middle of a Revolution

Covington is critical to Rockets small ball success, even when 3ball not falling.

His defense and spacing are just that good.

 

This is an excellent analysis on Rockets.


The Houston Rockets’ analytically driven roster construction and style of play goes against nearly every convention established in the league since the 1940s.

And while they would certainly not be favored in any series against an LA team or Milwaukee, Houston is probably the only other team in the NBA with the upside to beat them 4 times.

This has led to Houston ranking 3rd in both transition scoring and frequency this season, a key component of their offense. They aren’t slouches in the half court either; they are far and away the most efficient isolation team in the NBA, largely a product of James Harden’s greatness. They also run isolation plays nearly twice as often as the second-highest team, the Portland Trail Blazers, who have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

This ability to attack the mismatches created by doubling Harden is a very powerful means of generating offense, and Green has played his role so far to a tee. The Rockets are going to need this production from him, House, and Rivers to remain afloat when one or both of Harden and Westbrook aren’t on the floor.

Five players on the roster (Harden, Westbrook, Covington, Tucker and House) average over 1 steal per game, and three (Harden, Westbrook and Covington) average at least 1.5. They generate steals in a number of ways.

teams score 0.84 points per post-up possession vs. the Rockets, the third-lowest mark in the league. This is because what many of Houston’s defenders lack in size, they make up for in strength. Harden, who leads the team defending 1.9 post-ups per game, allows a measly 0.69 points per post-up, ranking in the 87th percentile. And Covington and Tucker, who defend 1.5 and 1.1 post-ups per game, respectively, rank in the 84th and 56th percentile. Neither allow more than 1 point per possession. In fact, the only two players on the entire roster that do are Westbrook and Green, and both defend less than one post-up per game. They have been able to neutralize the post-up as an efficient means of attacking the size mismatch.

The Rockets need to lock in on defense. They have the tools to be good enough; it’s just a matter of whether or not they use them.

 

His shot will fall.

Just needs a bit more spring in his legs.

Winter is coming.

Is it still summer?

 

Covington's rim protection unlocked with Rockets.

It went from less than 1 block career average to almost 2.5 blocks, 2nd only to blocks leader Whiteside.

When a player is drug tested after 2 straight 4 block games, that is saying something.

 

Makes sense since PJ is better defending on the perimeter and RoCo is the Rockets best rim protector.

 

LOL

 

Perhaps you are right, I should paint Rob Mahoney with the same sexist/racist brush even though he has not shown and/or expressed said inclinations.



Grow up and treat a serious issue seriously.

Not everything in life is a joke.