Is it just me or should Swift get a start? We all knew that since we offered Swift the mid range exception, we wanted some one young, who could help on the low post, block shots, rebound, defend the 4. And that is why we got Swift. Meanwhile, Van Gundy has been putting his trust in Juwan Howard, being a smart player who can shoot the midrange is a capable defender. In the beginning of the year, Howard was shining defending and being consistent on points and rebounds, Swift was choking, getting fouls and turnovers while being terribly inconsistent. However, now the tides have changed, and it is Howard who has been struggling. Let's do some statistical and player analysis: Stromile Swift Swift is only 26, and can be a great leaper, rebounder and blocker, but is terribly inconsistent. Questions have been asked about his work ethics and his defensive skills. Stats: 21.4 minutes a game, 8.9 pts, 4.6 boards, .95 blocks, good 48.5% field goal percentage, 64.5% free throws decreased from shooting like a guard from the line last year Swift hasn't shown any improvement from last year, but he hasn't been given many opportunities either. Some source told me if Swift had the playing time, he could manage 16 pts/game and 9 boards/game. People have also questioned his basketball IQ, but I have nothing to say about it after seeing his beautiful assist to Yao Ming for the dunk and the foul on Brad Miller in the recent win against Sacremento. People have said that they don't like his dunk-first mentality, but hey if you can leap, then go for it. I don't mind having a 4 that bullies in the paint like Shaq. Juwan Howard Juwan Howard has been a star for nearly his whole career, but I think last year was the year he started to become more of a bench player, averaging only 9.6 pts per game but having a 29 point game once. Here are his stats: Minutes per game: 26 Points per game: 7 Rebounds per game: 5.7 Field Goal Percentage: 40.5% Free Throws: 73% You see Juwan Howard is on the decline now, while Swift is getting better with his game everyday, cutting down on his turnovers and fouls. I'd give Swift a start!
ya.. i've been noticing that howards can't make his hook or his juimp shot while swift is.... i'm not realy sure if its going to work.. i still think its good to put howard as a starter cause we;re doing so good right now thers no reason to change
Swift's foul troubles might hurt his chances of starting. Swift's developing hook with either hand looks like it could be his GO TO move(that is something he has never had).
As much as I've wanted Swift to start, he's still better coming off the bench because provides energy and defensive spark. Like moeinhouston have said he's prone to giving up fouls and probably JVG wants to preserve him so he can play in the 4th without having to worry about him fouling out. He has done well in the 4th quarter recently and had an important part in the Rockets winning rally not to take anything away from Juwan. Being a sixth or seventh man does'nt hurt when you can contribute and make up for the starter's weakness or poor game just in case. The important thing is when the coach counts on you, he'll gonna play you in pressure situations.
Swift has been the better player, but as long as he's getting the bulk of the minutes and we're winning games I can't complain. Maybe I'm just feeling generous with Howard right now because he had a good game against Seattle. He was LONG overdue.
I kinda like Stro coming off the bench, I mean he doesn't have the official label as a "starter", but he still gets the bulk of the minutes and he's a great spark off the bench.
Swift is months away from earning a starting spot...until he can give us 10/6 consistently (as Howard is), then there's no reason to say that he deserves a spot as a starter...
Thats what I was thinking...we should start swift at C and Juwan at PF....but then we only have Lonny B to take them off the floor. Man this sucks. I think swift will do good in Yao's absence, maybe good enough to start at PF after he returns.
I'm assuming mutumbo will only be out for a week max. Or am I underestimating the finger. That's Karma for you.
