The Rockets have been looking for a PF that can stretch the defense with a 3 ball and shoot well from the elbow. We have Scola and Hill, but they have one guy who is NBA ready in Maarty Luenan. A legitimate 6'9" player with good fundamentals, decent rebounding and defense and a good 3 point shot. Someone that would fit very well as a contrast 4 coming off the bench next year. Lots of talks about big named free agents, but adding Maarty to the team adds a dimension that has been missing....a big that can stretch the floor for Yao and Scola on the low block. We tried Andersen, but he is just not a good enough Athlete....... I think it may be time to bring over Maarty !!! DD
Latest stats from Italian league It's Maarty time ! This team needs contrast, and a stretch 4 is something we have been missing for years, maybe since Robert Horry left. Imagine Yao passing it out of a double team to Brooks, Maarty, Martin and Ariza or Battier..... 4 3pt shooters would be great to have ....at least as a contrasting lineup. DD
Maarty Leunen could be a solid role player in the NBA. He has a good season in Italy and helped his team make the semi-final. I think Darius Songaila is a good comparison . Songaila spent a year in Russia after getting drafted in the second round and became a solid role player under Rick Adelman. I think Brooks would like to play with Leunen again. He was the glue guy on that Oregon team.
if u want that type of player.. Luke Babbitt from Nevada might be available when the Rockets pick. http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Luke-Babbitt-1340/
Why draft Babbit if he's like Leunen when we ready have Leunen. Morey has been keeping a closer eye on him this past year it seems. I think he attended a playoff series or championship series Leunen played in and had praise for him. I agree with DD, it's time to see what we have in this kid.
A 6'8" PF that can't rebound or defend -- he would look great next to Brooks, Martin, and Budinger. Defense is overrated !! ... It's fine if you're wanting him to get a summer league invite to see how much he's improved. But I know you've watched very little, if any, of him this past year in the Italian league -- which is not even the best league in Europe. But it would be pretty dumb to sign him to a contract instead of pursuing the other FAs on the market. Maarty is worth a look in summer league, nothing more at this point. Also, from your own link: 6'7.25 without shoes and 6'8.5 with them -- I don't think you can round up when you're calling someone a "legitimate 6'9" PF" :grin:
They wear shoes in the NBA, and he can rebound and defend, he is not a starter, he is a guy that you bring in off the bench to give Yao some room, and to have a contrast in styles from the starters. It gives Rick Adelman more options and styles to choose from. DD
I think that since he did not work out that well, and is more of a Center, that it is Maarty time. What happens to Andersen is interesting, I wonder if the team will try to buy him out and let him go back to Europe. I think Luenan will be a better NBA player than Andersen. DD
Based on what? The ****ing keen scouting instincts that told you Spanoulis, Langhi and Nachbar were going to be great?
The DEFENSE is the question on things People only look at one side fo the court OUT SCORING folx did not work for the suns won't work for us Rocket River
