http://hoopshabit.com/houston-rockets-is-omer-asik-still-a-quality-defender/The Houston Rockets are a franchise on the rise. After smartly acquiring both Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin via free agency, hopes were raised in Houston. This was before the Rockets landed a star by trading for James Harden. If anything, the trade for Harden meant the aforementioned signings were perhaps forgotten.
This all changed as soon as the Rockets suited up and took to the court. A backup in Chicago, Asik found himself in the starting five and has since grabbed the opportunity with both of his large hands.
During his time in Chicago, Asik was known for providing solid minutes of good defense, great energy and toughness. During his last season in Chitown, Asik was only on the floor for 14.7 minutes per game — yet still managed to average 5.3 rebounds and a block a game. His great defensive prowess allowed Tom Thibodeau to rest All-Star center Joakim Noah and not lose a lot on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, his defensive rating per 100 possessions in Chicago during the 2011-12 season was better than Noah’s, with Asik allowing an estimated 92 points per 100 possessions in comparison to Noah, who allowed 96 points per 100.
So, has he managed to be the same defensive force he was in Chicago–with the additional minutes and added pressure of being a starter?
Simply put, Asik is the most important defender on the Rockets roster. When Asik is on the floor, Houston allows just 105 points per 100 possessions compared to when he isn’t on the floor, where Houston allows 112.7.
Omer Asik is brilliant when defending the pick-and-roll, he can guard a perimeter player for a few seconds before quickly switching back to the roll man like few can in the NBA. Perhaps Asik could block more shots–he has only blocked 1.1 per game–but instead of attempting to, he simply jumps straight in the air to keep himself out of foul trouble. This is understandable as he is just so vital to this Rockets team.
To conclude, the three-year deal to sign Asik looks to be a fantastic one. He is the force in the paint that any team needs if they are to build a contender. To answer the initial question: Yes, Asik is not only a quality defender, he is one of the best defensive players in the NBA and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make some people’s NBA All-Defensive teams.
There are two ends on an NBA court and Asik is no mug offensively. Yes, he looks uncomfortable shooting any kind of shot that isn’t from within the restricted area, but he is a tough screen-setter and rolls hard to the basket. He shoots 57 percent when acting as the roll man off the pick-and-roll and 70 percent in transition. The man is a hard worker and these numbers could continue further as he rounds out his complete game.
What a pickup by Houston; Chicago must be kicking itself.
Topic: Celtics-Rockets (Idea) (edit) (Read 5192 times)