A friend of mine who is doing some work experience for a newspaper in Indiana says that he's been told that Rick Smits is a lock to retire the end of this season and the Pacers are interested in aquiring a new centre to replace him. One of the players they think could help is Cato. So with Croshere interesting the Rockets, I was wondering do you think there is a chance of working out some kind of deal with the Pacers and if so would you consider a deal that is primarily a cato for croshere swap. ------------------
not unless we were getting like Bender, or someone who can play center.... ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
Bender is like way too skinny to play center in this league. If we get Croshere he can start with Walt at the forwards and we can use #9 on the Greek guy or Pryzbilla to play center.
the way its looking, Pryzbilla and Tsakalidis could very well be gone by #9.... Croshere is a FA. Trading a BYC player in a sign and trade would be.....strange. If we were to trade Cato to the Pacers, the deal would likely involve: Harrington or Bender. At least I'd hope so.... ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more! [This message has been edited by NIKEstrad (edited June 03, 2000).]
If some are moving up, somebody has to be moving down. Fizer might still be on the board at #9. Mango ------------------ Live long and prosper. Donate Blood!
Mango-ESPECIALLY since he's been measured at 6'6''...... ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
NIKEstrad, Is Marcus the next CB4 or the next Clarence W*spoon? Mango ------------------ Live long and prosper. Donate Blood!
Mango-I think somewhere in between. I personally think the CB comparisons are WAAY off, because Fizer isn't 1/4 the rebounder Barkley was. Barkley, you're talking about a top 5 rpg guy, who was 12-14 rpg. Fizer.....I don't see him getting any more than 10 or so, and that's in a good year. He can score, and that's for sure. His 3 point shot/outside shot isn't as good as some advertise it to be. The one thing that'd worry me about Fizer, is we'd get absolutely exposed on defense, ESPECIALLY if we trade Cato. Thinking about it, he shouldn't have too much trouble scoring, based on his head to head competition with a defensive force in KMart. ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
I think Austin Croshere would be a productive player with the Rockets, but I would not deal Cato for him. If the Rockets ever want to become a championship team, they are going to need to be strong in the areas of defense and rebounding. A forward tandem of Walt Williams and Austin Croshere should be able to fill it up on offense but is just not going to cut it on defense. Also, I seriously doubt the Pacers are going to give up Jonathan Bender along with Austin Croshere in a deal. Bender I would have no problem dealing Cato for. He has incredible potential as a 7-0 forward with excellent athleticism (38 inch vertical), long arms and an offensive game that ranges all the way out to the 3 pt line. Read Speed's Bender site to see the jaw dropping tryout he had with the Pacers. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
http://jonathanbender.8m.com Bender is seen as the future franchise player for the Pacers. Of course this all depends on how hard JB works. I would guess at this point he wouldn't be traded under any circumstance, unless it was riduculously in the Pacers favor. If the Smits retires and the Rockets offer Cato for Croshere, I would guess they would oblige. It would actually open the door for P.T. for Bender and Jeff Foster. The big thing is that Donnie Walsh is terribly loyal and with the Pacers going to the finals he has already stated he wants to keep the team completely intact. If Smits retires that does, however, change alot. ------------------
Pacers are doing a great job with the team. They have great future stars and Johnathan Bender is going to be something special. The kid can play and I mean PLAY. Wait till he starts to play games, he will surprise people. ------------------ President of the Moochie Norris FAN CLUB
manal- kato for austin..id do that in a heartbeat, i understand that the rox need to build w D in order to get back on track , but kato to me isnt the answer. im extremely upset with kato and his need to not practice (according to all the rumors i have heard). furthermore, he had the same problem of not going to practice in p-land and that is why the jailblazers felt he was expendable instead of j. oneal. finally, right now i think austin is playing way over his head, but alteast he gets down to and goes to practice and actually works hard in order to prep for games. kato needs to go!!!! ------------------
I agree with Francis. Bender is going to be a great player in this league, and will not be moved easily, if you remember they traded Antonio Davis for him. As Far as the Cato(Kato) for Austin trade.... Um lets just say whatever your smoking keep it away from Rudy. No disrespect but if we did that trade then our front office should be fired all together. Warning this is just me dreaming so feel free to make fun of me. I would preffer something like this: Cato, Los, and our #9 for Bender, Zan, and Austin. The contracts should equal out as Austin and Zan will be sign and trades and we could use our trade exception. ------------------ "We need to fockass".....Dream back in the day [This message has been edited by Scarface (edited June 06, 2000).]
Well if you werent dreaming I too would do that trade in a heartbeat. Bender and Crosher are definitely worth Cato and the number 9 (unless miles is still on the board-doubtful though). ------------------ When I die I want to go peacefully like my grandfather. Not screaming like the passengers in the back seat!
