Say what? Tierre Brown a crappy player? I'm blinded by my avid following of him. Maddux must have really impressed the Rockets in his workouts because I don't think Tierre is crappy. He has a better shot than he was able to display and can handle and dish just as good if not better than Maddox. He made rookie mistakes but still didn't average as many turnovers as Maddox did. Oh yeah, and he actually controls the tempo unlike Mooch. He forced this team to fast-break last year when others couldn't. Not only did he force it, but he looked good doing it. Tito can't play SG by the way, that's a joke. I'd rather keep Torres any day over him.
The Rockets say he's a poor man's Andre Miller, plus he has the good size for a point guard, and is a good defender. He reminds me of Eric Snow. I think he's a keeper. I think he can get some playing time behind Cuttino. Since he's 6'4/6'5, he'll allow Francis to spend much more time a the 2 guard spot, without making the backcourt too small.
This was a good pick. Brown is out for sure. I think Maddox is a great guy to have at the end of the bench as a 4th or 5th guard, hes a good pg and could play a minute or two at the 2, hes versitle and athletic.
Tito can get out and D up at 2 positions...in addition to his other talents...something we really need in that backcourt.
Tito might be able to D up at the 2 spot, but let's not get carried away and think he's some kind of combo guard that will be our backup at both spots. He's not a shooter. We still need one of those of the bench.
wrath_of_kahn, that was my question. Can this kid shoot? His stats don't seem to indicate so. Moochie might not have the best shooting percentage, but he can nail the 3s when they count and in this offense, our guards have to be able to do that. I'd like to see Maddox succeed, but I wouldn't trade Moochie if he can't shoot better than Shanderson.
I agree with you and New Jack. There is never a time except for injuries when both Cat and Steve are out of the game. When Cat leaves the Game Steve becomes the 2 guard and Moochie becomes the point. I think Tito will be able to get Steve better shots than Moochie can. However Moochie would be a perfect PG for the dump it to Ming (ala Dream) and let him do what ever he wants offense.
Relativist, First a dislaimer: I only saw Tito play one game, and he shot horribly. But everyone has a bad shooting night once in a while. Maybe there's someone in Fresno or a big WAC fan who has seen Tito play more often and can fill us in. My impression, though, was that Tito is one of those guys who dribbled a basketball wherever he went as a kid and who loved making the fancy pass. But their J -- we'll let's just say these guys take it to the rack a lot instead of pulling up. We've all played pickup games with guys like that. Think a bigger, better TJ Ford. Moochie might not have a great shooting percentage, but you can tell by watching his J that he can shoot. Nice form, etc. But you watch a TJ Ford, or even a Jason Kidd, and you just know that they'll never have a great jump shot no matter what. Which is fine. In the second round you go for a role player, and Tito seems to have the skills necessary to meet some of our needs. Let's just be clear, though, that we're not getting a shooter off the bench. We'll just have to invite Predrag Savovic to camp. Or hope Oscar improves.
I see the Maddox pick as a gamble pick. The guy has some talent but not a whole lot of experience. He played a single year of college ball and sat out all last year. He has very little NCAA experience. It's almost like taking a high school player. Perhaps with some seasoning he'll get the TOs under control. Personally, I was hoping for Smush Parker. Once the game is put away and Francis and Mobley are both resting on the bench, Rudy would put in Smush and Moochie in the backcourt to run the patented Smoochie offense.
JuanValdez--HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! So I guess that by not taking Parker, Rudy and CD put a "Death to Smoochie"??? Also, I doubt that any pick the the mid-second round is really a notable "gamble." Besides, Maddox is regarded as the better talent to Parker. The only reason Smush was rated higher in some mock drafts was because of Maddox's "year off."
Here are some excerpts from USA Today's evaluations: SPORTSTICKER NBA DRAFT NOTE +Tito Maddox Draft Capsule+ --------------------------- VITALS: 6-4, 190, sophomore, Fresno State OVERVIEW: Maddox did not play for Fresno State last year after being dismissed from the team before the season for receiving improper benefits. He had a tremendous 2000-01 season for the Bulldogs by averaging 13.5 points and handing out 8.0 assists, good for fourth in the nation. Maddox was named the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year for his efforts. His size and strong ballhandling abilities make him an intriguing choice. POSITIVES: Maddox is the best distributing point guard in the draft. He’s a fine passer with the knack for the flashy, and can really get a club going in the transition game. In terms of his halfcourt ability, Maddox understands how to run a play without using it as an opportunity to set up his own shot, and that’s a rare thing. Maddox certainly can score, he just tempers his urge well. Physically, Maddox has considerable size for his position. He’s bigger than most of the league’s starters and can match up with the Jason Kidds and Gary Paytons of the world. His weaknesses mentioned turnovers and 3 point shot. However, to me, his strengths sound like just what is missing from our guards. I have read other accounts of his disruptive defensive play. 6'4" excellant ball handling disruptive defense best distributor in the draft Sounds interesting to me.
I think Maddox is a great addition to the rosters. Don't you think so! Is it true that CATO will be ship out back to JUPITER?That's what I read from Blinebury's article on todays commentary column of Houston Chronicle.
Moe, Nice reply.... We are in desparate need of a Pg like that. One who understands the meaning of getting your teammates involved in the game. It's easier to teach a player who passes a lot to shoot, than teaching a player who shoots a lot to pass.
It's the start of something big By FRAN BLINEBURY Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle The Rockets, of course, have a history of players from exotic locales, beginning with Hakeem Olajuwon. They have dabbled with Carl Herrera (Trinidad), Zan Tabak (Croatia), Oscar Torres (Venezuela) and Kelvin Cato (Jupiter). HAHAHAHA....I think we pinpointed why Cato freaking SUCKS!!
