Paul, D’Antoni intend to quicken the pace on offense
Chris Paul’s first playing time of the preseason with the Rockets’ rebuilt second unit Tuesday led him to think of an adjustment to be made.
Though Paul and James Harden often threw the ball ahead and shooters had a green light to take early 3s, the Rockets did not look to fast-break often last season. Paul said that could change.
“I’m always working on stuff,” he said. “Just trying to play at a nice pace. With the depth that we have, I’m going to make a conscious effort to get a certain pace, get us into our plays faster.”
Paul even took the step to tell
James Ennis III, who runs the floor well, to be ready to be a target on the break.
“We discussed that, and also just getting the ball out of bounds fast after made baskets,” Ennis said. “People, after they score, jog back. Chris told me, ‘once you get the ball, get it in and we’re out.’ He will keep his head up at all times.”
Coach Mike D’Antoni has long favored a high-paced offense, but also said a point guard must determine his preferred pace. Harden and Paul have often preferred to deliberately look over a defense.
“James and Chris are going to play at the pace they’re going to make the Hall of Fame with,” D’Antoni said. “I’m not telling them what to do. They seem to be doing pretty good. But we do try to push it. With James Ennis in there, he’ll get some run-outs. And Michael Carter-Williams can help a lot with that. He’ll push when he’s in there.”
D’Antoni prefers punch of bench
James Ennis III started at small forward for a second consecutive game, but coach Mike
D’Antoni said that is in part to keep a scorer coming off the bench.
With Carmelo Anthony starting at power forward with P.J. Tucker out, D’Antoni brought
Eric Gordon in with the second unit in the sixth-man role he had the past two seasons, making Ennis the starter at small forward.
With Tucker returning as a starter, D’Antoni would have Anthony to offer a scorer with the second unit.
“We like to have a punch come off the bench,” D’Antoni said. “Carmelo will start instead of P.J., Eric needs to be the punch off the bench. And vice a versa. It kind of solves itself.”
Hartenstein earns increased minutes
Center Marquese Chriss’ move into the starting lineup with Clint Capela out Thursday with a sore foot also moved rookie Isaiah Hartenstein up a spot in the rotation.
Hartenstein had gotten off to a strong start in training camp in the competition to serve as the backup center on nights Nene does not fill that role, but did not play Tuesday in Birmingham in the Rockets’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
“He’s played extremely well until he turned his ankle in the practice in Lake Charles,” coach
Mike D’Antoni said. “He just needs to play. He needs experience. His energy, and he’s 7 feet, is good.”
Hartenstein, 20, is the youngest player on the Rockets’ roster. He was 3-for-5 from the field for nine points in nearly minutes 12 minutes Thursday night against the Pacers.
Jonathan Feigen