Space City Scoop
Fansided

Houston Rockets 2015-2016 Player Profile: Jason Terry

By John Bauer

facebooktwitterreddit

Sep 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) during media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Jet

1999 was the year of Harry Potter, Cher was on top of the Billboard charts and Stars Wars Episode 1 (even though technically it was like the 4th movie in the series) was the top-grossing movie of the year. Oh, and there was also that whole Y2K scare.

1999 also produced a 6’2 combo guard out of Arizona named Jason Terry. Now entering his 17th season in the NBA, Terry is currently one of 3 players from his draft class to still be in the NBA, the others are Manu Ginobili of the Spurs and Andre Miller of the Timberwolves.

As we continue our player profile series we take a look at Jason Terry:

Next: The Vet

Nov 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Wily Vet

This season marks the 17th of Jason Terry’s career. This past summer he entered free agency as a valuable commodity given his championship experience and the fact he can still play. An up and coming New Orleans Pelicans team were said to have an inside track on adding him to a young squad in desperate need of veteran voices.

At the same time Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey recognized his value earmarking him as a must retain piece. James Harden who has been developing his own leadership skills (while being mentored by Terry) paid him a personal visit to ensure his return to Houston. Terry was re-signed to provide three point scoring off the bench, maintain the core’s chemistry as well as mentor the younger guys.

On and off the court Terry has proved year in and year out to be the consummate professional. His leadership is beyond valuable to a Rockets team with title hopes this upcoming season.

Next: 2014-15 Accomplishments

May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) reacts after scoring during the first half against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Season Accomplishments:

Regular Season:

Live Feed

Zona Zealots

  • Arizona Basketball: 6 candidates to replace Sean Miller as head coach Busting Brackets
  • Jason Terry reminisces about the time LeBron James dunked him into oblivion FanSided
  • Does Arizona Basketball lead for 4-star guard, Shane Nowell? Zona Zealots
  • Late-Bloomers? 3 Atlanta Hawks Who Had Good Careers After Leaving Team Soaring Down South
  • Jason Terry shares bond with incoming transfer Terrell Brown Zona Zealots
    • Points Per Game: 7.0 – second lowest of career (Brooklyn: 4.5)
    • Assists Per Game: 1.9  second lowest of career(Brooklyn: 1.6)
    • Turnovers: 1.0 per game – second lowest of career
    • Three Point Shooting Percentage: 39.0% – Highest in past eight seasons (since 06-07)
    • Effective Field Goal Percent: 56.3% – Highest in TEN years
    • Minutes Per Game: 21.3  Following his lowest minutes per game playing for Brooklyn injuries resulted in an increase but we should expect a decline this season.

    Also led the league in most Jet Plane-like celebrations!

    Post Season:

    • Games Played: 17
    • Games Started: 17
    • Minutes Per Game: 28.6 – lowest of career
    • Points Per Game: 9.2 – lowest of career

    Of note, Terry was never signed to take over the lead point guard duties so the fact he improved his three-point shooting percentage and effective field goal percent does speak to his experience and value, especially if he is used in the role he was meant to fill which is as a reserve.

    Next: Strengths, Weaknesses & Areas of Improvement

    May 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

    Strengths, Weaknesses & Areas To Improve

    Entering his 17th season Terry’s veteran leadership and high basketball IQ make him somewhat of an oddity in the league. Sure there are other vets, but few have the ability to still affect the outcome of a game.

    Specifically as a career .380 three point shooter he fits his team perfectly given the Rockets offensive scheme utilizes this shot the most in the NBA. The fact his prowess hasn’t diminished from distance makes him a rarity in the Association.

    He’s Clutch!

    Seriously, how many times over Jason’s career have you just shook your head after he hits a timely big shot.

    At 38 years old there isn’t much a savvy veteran like Jason Terry can do to improve his game, other than keep himself conditioned, rested and fit. He does exactly what Kevin McHale asks from him night in and night out. Given his comments on Media Day that his desires are to coach following his playing days perhaps he’ll hone those skills this season.

    Jason is who he is at this point of his career, asking him to improve any aspect of his game now would be like asking Prince to not party like its 1999.

    Next: What To Expect

    May 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (left) and guard James Harden (right) react during the game against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

    2015-2016 Outlook:

    More from Rockets News

    It seems Jason will be sliding into more of a mentor role, as the Rockets acquired Ty Lawson and Marcus Thornton in the off season. Terry knows his best days are behind him, but that doesn’t mean he cant help the Rockets pursue a championship. He will still be expected to help spell guys off the bench. And, in my opinion McHale would be wise to monitor his regular season minutes to save him for the playoffs.

    Having Terry’s veteran decision making skills in crucial situations in what hopes to be an extended stay in the 2016 playoffs is invaluable. Terry has shown himself to be an eager participant as a mentor to Harden, and now he can expand that role literally on the bench as he explains situations to the copious youthful Rockets talent.

    Furthermore, for these youngsters Jason Terry may well provide the best example for them on how to have an extended productive NBA career. For now, we’ll hope he manages to parlay on both accounts developing the Rockets’ youth and leading the team well into the post season.

    More from Space City Scoop

    Home/Rockets News