Rumor Ryan Anderson to Houston for Omer Asik ?

[Roy H.]

I'm not as in love with Anderson as some people.  He doesn't rebound and he doesn't defend.  I think the team would be much more dynamic with Josh Smith.  Next to Dwight Howard, Smith would be a force.

[#1P4P]

Months ago, I read that the Anderson-Davis combo was terrible statistically so that might be factoring into their decision.

Asik would be a solid addition because of his strengths in the defensive department (an area young teams are prone to be weaker at). Barring serious injury issues, NO is a playoff team next year.

Anderson would be a good acquisition for the Rockets philosophical approach. If Howard can dominate opponents in the post, the open opportunities Harden, Anderson, and Parson will get will be terrific. Despite Smith's lack of outside shooting, his defense is superb and that is what Houston is going to need in those tight playoff games.

[Cman]

Makes a lot of sense for both teams.
Win Win.

[Sketch5]

I'm not as in love with Anderson as some people.  He doesn't rebound and he doesn't defend.  I think the team would be much more dynamic with Josh Smith.  Next to Dwight Howard, Smith would be a force.

But with both of your bigs can't shoot jumpers or FT's thats a big concern come playoff time. Yeah during the season its good, and they would be legit on the D, but its not very balanced up front and to one denominational.

And Im mostly saying this because Im hoping for a Millsap or Smith move to the C's.

[Roy H.]

I'm not as in love with Anderson as some people.  He doesn't rebound and he doesn't defend.  I think the team would be much more dynamic with Josh Smith.  Next to Dwight Howard, Smith would be a force.

But with both of your bigs can't shoot jumpers or FT's thats a big concern come playoff time. Yeah during the season its good, and they would be legit on the D, but its not very balanced up front and to one denominational.

First, don't use "Ryan Anderson" and "playoffs" together in the same sentence.  He's been pretty terrible in the post-season.

Second, what's more important in the playoffs, offensive spacing or defense and rebounding? 

Third, when Houston bumps into OKC or Miami in the playoffs, who do they want guarding Lebron or Durant (at PF), Ryan Anderson or Josh Smith?

Last, while Smith is a poor jump shooter, his efficiency would seemingly go up when he's no longer a primary option on offense.  Harden and Dwight would get him a lot of open looks.

[rondoallaturca]

Calling Ryno a bad defender is very accurate. Calling him a bad rebounder is not.

[hpantazo]

Houston needs a premiere stretch-4, not a Josh Smith, playing PF next to Dwight. Anderson already had enormous success playing alongside Dwight in Orlando, so it doesn't surprise me that Houston is expressing interest.

@hpantazo
The Pelicans have insisted on making Davis a PF. They think he can be their mini-Duncan in many ways. They just traded Robin Lopez, so who else is going to play center for them? Asik, next to Davis, would create a defensive nightmare for the opponent.

looks like NO had zero interest in acquiring Asik, per Mark Stein:

"Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine about 9 hours ago
Have it on strong authority Pelicans not only haven't talked to Rockets about Asik sign-and-trade but likewise have no interest in him"

[saltlover]

Houston needs a premiere stretch-4, not a Josh Smith, playing PF next to Dwight. Anderson already had enormous success playing alongside Dwight in Orlando, so it doesn't surprise me that Houston is expressing interest.

@hpantazo
The Pelicans have insisted on making Davis a PF. They think he can be their mini-Duncan in many ways. They just traded Robin Lopez, so who else is going to play center for them? Asik, next to Davis, would create a defensive nightmare for the opponent.

looks like NO had zero interest in acquiring Asik, per Mark Stein:

"Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine about 9 hours ago
Have it on strong authority Pelicans not only haven't talked to Rockets about Asik sign-and-trade but likewise have no interest in him"

This makes no sense to me in terms of Ryan Anderson.  What sign and trade?  Both Asik and Anderson are under contract.  (I note the second part about not being interested in Asik, but it loses much credibility with the sign-and-trade comment).

[Roy H.]

Calling Ryno a bad defender is very accurate. Calling him a bad rebounder is not.

Anderson ranked 149th in the NBA in overall rebound percentage last year.  I'd say that's pretty bad.  He ranked 93rd out of 125 players who were 6'10" or taller.

How is that anything but bad?