When Jae’Sean Tate got his chance in the NBA, two seasons after he went undrafted out of Ohio State, he likely did not expect to get some of his playing time as a 6-foot-4 center. Yet, as much as his success has stood out even among the Rockets struggles, some of that has come in the middle of their small lineups.
With Christian Wood out and DeMarcus Cousins questionable while he and the Rockets look into ways in which he could be moved, the Rockets will likely use more of their center-free, small lineups.
“It’s more on the defensive end, there’s a difference in the personnel you’re guarding,” Tate said. “When I’m at the five, I’m undersized, which means I have to do my work early, get to spots earlier, try to be smart about where to be out on the floor because those guys are really big.”
Tate has started at power forward and small forward while filling in at center, a role P.J. Tucker has assumed often in recent seasons, even if he might have thought that had ended last season with the additions of Wood and Cousins.
“I play. It doesn’t really matter, playing forward or centers, it’s the same thing,” Tucker said. “I do the same stuff. I’m comfortable with it all. It doesn’t really matter. Whatever coach wants, that’s what I’ll do.”
The Rockets switch so often, Tate and Tucker said their responsibilities are not very different when at center. But the overall defense does change.
“I tell guys, when we talk about doing that, it seems like it would be easier to switch everything,” Tucker said. “It’s actually harder, having to come together. The communication has to be premium. You have to be very physical. It takes a toll. We have guys on this team that are tough enough physically. We’re smart enough to do it.”
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February 22, 2021 at 05:35AM
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Rockets ready return to more extensive use of smallball lineups - Houston Chronicle
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