Rockets need a C, but Chuck deserves minutes on this team. I think he's a must sign in the offseason. I appreciate Scola, but I'd look to trade him in the offseason and hope he might net us an upgrade somewhere.
I don't think Morey is his biggest fan, but he may be fifth or sixth in line Look, I love Chuck and how he plays, but even he would like to have a big guy that we could depend on to play minutes at center. He worked hard in the off-season to be a successful PF next to Yao. Yes, we need someone reliable and talented... and tall to fill that position.
This. If we can get a good center, especially a good defensive center, let's do it. OTOH, if we have to choose between that center and an all-star at any other position, I would rather have the all-star.
This thread clarifies one thing: Everyone seems to finally agree that Hayes should start right now, on this team, certainly not Hill at center over Hayes.
I think Scola is the odd man out here and gets packaged next year probably another team's first rounder or previous year's pick...he's the reliable post scorer they need but his D is weak and his athleticism will never make a difference, especially since he's only going to slow down from here out. Patterson is listed as 6'8'' with a 7+ wingspan, Jordan Hill an inch taller with the 7+ wingspan. I think Patterson could stand to put on a little muscular weight, sand in the pants as it were, and he's the PF of now and hopefully forever, I love his game. He does it on both ends and looks like he's only going to get better. Hill, a bit of a tweener PF/C due to lankiness but offers flexibility with the lineup and is a quality backup option who has upside as well as nice athleticism. As long as he's engaged, seeking the ball and going for blocks he makes a difference. Sometimes it seems like he spaces out and lets the game pass him up. My point here is that lack of size isn't quite the issue some people make it out to be. These guys and the Wagon have been playin some D, even with Brad Miller's slow ass still on the court. Idk if I would lean on Patterson's development to replace Scola's offensive impact on the post just yet. I'm happy with him making a big difference as the...what...3rd scoring option at best? Oh and heaven help us if Thabeet is given a chance next year, he's legit 7'2'' with a 7'6'' listed wingspan. I know he isn't the strongest guy, I mean he won't stop Howard from getting rebounds but he'll probably frustrate a Lamarcus Aldridge or Pao Gasol with his length. Interesting role player potential, not a guy you count on regularly but a guy who can even the field against lengthy teams. Hopefully being around Chuck and the coaching staff (who I give lots of credit to for being excellent developers of talent) gives the big guy what he needs to make an impact with his natural ability. 2 chances for (another) quality big man this offseason in the draft. Plenty of assets to trade for a star big man. 2 1sts, Scola, Terrance Williams, 3 mil for Kevin Love?
Draft rights owned by the Pacers. If he comes along with Granger all the more better. <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0O4LyXGdKrI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kind of off topic. Has anyone noticed that the 3 games with Patterson starting, the Rockets gave up an average of 83 points a game? That's something JVG would have been really proud of.
A solid defensive and rebounding center and some nice touch around the basket would be the icing on the cake for this team.
Chuck Hayes will either be the best backup C in the league, or a top 10-15 PF. I would love to see a Chuck/Nene 4-5. I still hope (quietly) that Yao comes back... :grin:
Chuck is awesome at defending guys who have good back to the basket games down low. BUT Chuck's limited height cant deter/limit/contain the dunk marathons and layup drills we face from other teams on a nightly basis. We need someone who can do can convert those dunk and layup attempts into changed shots. Chuck's height just doesnt allow him to do those things. Having an inside presence like that will limit the number of easy points in dunks and lauyps and lead to tougher shots from the perimiter for our opponents. This then allows our perimeter defenders to have more impact as well, further preventing penetrations. WIN WIN all around.
This. Chuckwagon has been always there for Yao...Rocket's have great defensive centres throughout its history...I heart for the Rockets...All the fans did not expect Chuck Hayes to be a player who play great man-to-man defense and protecting Yao's back... I think in the future the Houston Rockets should retire both Chuck and Elvin Hayes under the same number...:grin:
Is Hasheem just a tease acquisition not to be on the roster in the Off Season? What was the point of getting him if you are not going to let him have the last 1:45 of a blowout game? If you can answer these questions you will better understand this team.
wow, this guy is has a bit of athleticism and can shoot outside. defintely better than Yao. at least in this video.
I'm a huge Scola fan, and have been reticent when people suggest trading him, but that is all starting to change. I actually don't care if Hayes plays center or power forward as long as his front court partner is someone who can provide help defense AROUND THE RIM. Scola is a pretty good help defender in pick and roll situations, but he may as well not even exist for anything close to the basket. One thing is with the improvements in Chuck's offensive game this season, I now for the first time can see him as a starting player in the future on a contending Rockets team. And it's not just his scoring and free throw shooting, his passing has also improved greatly. The fact that Patterson looks so good makes Scola even more expendable. Of course, as many have already pointed out this would entail getting a two-way big man for Hayes to play with. And when I say "two-way," all I really mean is a guy who has good instincts and length for affecting shots around the rim...he doesn't need to be a beast defensive player in the same mold as Garnett or Hayes or even necessarily a "true center ." However, I definitely don't think you can pair Hayes with just some tall dude with no skills and expect the offense to run well with no serious post threat (ie, JaVale McGee, Milicic, DeAndre Jordan, etc.). Of course a big man who can both affect shots around the rim AND be an offensive option is extremely difficult to find. But if you can use Scola as a trade chip in acquiring someone like that then you do it. Off the top of my head (Howard, Bogut, Nene, Jefferson, Lopez, Cousins, Hibbert, Horford). And on a side note, damn I wish we could have stolen Jefferson in the off season. That was a great opportunity to get the type of player we need. Freakin' Jazz!
