Geving

Reports this morning are saying the Grizz really wants Josh Smith, but I'm sure he will go to Houston. Not a big fan of him, he's been a blackhole on offense his entire career basically. But I will be rooting for him of course. Could be a great pickup if he plays within his role, focusing on defense, transition buckets and hustle plays.

Very boring and predictable ending to SOA. It's been a good show, was my favorite show for a couple seasons, but it jumped the shark a while ago.

Yes he has been. Harden has been one of the best defenders in the league this year. You obviously haven't seen them play much this year. When someone passes the eyetest along with the stats, you know it's correct. But you are one of the many silly people that believe the hype and media. It speaks to your intelligence. The media highlights one play here and there to get some clicks, and you take the bait. Last year he was truly terrible on defense. This year he has been fantastic. Only time will tell if he can keep it up throughout the season, but so far. Amazing.

HarDen on defense this year: #1 overall in Defensive Win Shares. #8 overall in Defensive Rating. (#1 amongst Shooting Guards in front of Tony Allen) #2 amongst SGs in total blocks #1 amongst SGs in total steals #2 amongst SGs in total rebounds Had a big block on DeMarcus Cousins tonight too. Haters gonna hate.

Incredible.

Meanwhile: http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/11/23/7271125/james-harden-defense-improvement-houston-rockets

Some great defense by the best player in the league.

SOA was my favorite show years. But sadly it fell of hard. This is up there with season 3 in suckage. Got so nonsensical it barely can hold my attention anymore. I'm ready to just watch it through and see how it ends.

Lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6gOtkwYbao

I haven't watched it myself yet. But if you join http://www.epixhd.com/freetrial/nhl you can watch a brand new Dwight Howard documentary called In the moment. I haven't watched it myself since I now live in Dubai, and it's not available outside the U.S. But I've heard good things about it. Shows Dwight from another side. When it comes to him not playing with passion, I disagree completely. Personally I have never seen it. He took the Magic to the finals. They couldn't build on that and put good enough players around him so he wanted out so he could WIN. He got traded to the Lakers, didn't mesh with those guys AND played hurt. A potentially career ending injury in fact. But he still played and tried, but it wasn't up to his standards, and he was miserable. So he wanted to test the market after the Lakers. And chose Houston so he could WIN. That doesn't seem like a guy that's not passionate about what he does. He wants to win.

Lol, where are you reading this?

Houston lost to a much better team tonight. After the hot start, the wins against the 76ers and Thunder were really ugly. Need to pick it up again and get TJones back healthy.

I was lucky, just got home. But thanks.

Oh no, he missed one assignment... Probably can't find one of these on any other players in the league. The Rockets and Harden included have played fantastic defense so far and are 7-1 with a point differencial of 11+ points. If Harden reverts to the way he played defense last year. Have a go at him. But highlighting that play right there is just plain stupid.

Haven't been following the stats, but I think he is. The real difference is in his defense though.

Sure, controlling the one star and getting the other star in foul trouble gets you along way. Especially since Houston don't have depth. But is just seems like a different ballclub this year. More focused. Everybody is playing their role. Emphasis on D. And it seems like everyone is buying it. Ariza's D is so much better that Parsons, and he's lights out from long range, so I actually think he's a better fit. Parsons is the better offensive player, but Houston needed that perimeter defender, and a player that knows his role like Ariza, so it's looking real good. Same with Dwight, he looks better than last year. Stronger, fitter and looks more confident and focused. His presence on defense have been incredible.

Cool! Great start for both teams. I don't think the Rockets have the depth to contend. But they have looked awesome so far. Shocked at how much better Ariza has become from his first stint with the Rockets. Perfect fit. Houston vs Memphis will be a great matchup this year. Inside-out with an emphasis on D for both teams and the two best centers in the game. Reminds of the good old days. Harden has actually made a complete u-turn with his D, hopefully he can keep it up and step up as a leader.

Haters are getting silenced...

Truly a great show. So many great characters and a fantastic cast.

Mullholland Dr. = Mind blown

Welbeck has all the physical attributes to be a world class player. But his inconsistent touch and terrible finishing ability will make you scream more often than not. I think he fits in well with Arsenal though, so if he puts it together and finds some kind of golden touch he will be a great great player for Arsenal.

Defense

Good pick. I like Patterson from his time with the Rockets. He's a bit soft, but he has a good j and is a solid stretch four.

Love has said that he would sign an extension with the Cavs if Lebron is there.