As I was getting ready for work, thinking about who/what we would trade to get Horry from the Lakers, my thoughts kept going to Cato. And if you guys REALLY want to get rid of Cato, I won't knock you for it. Just don't let the Lakers have Cato. It's been touched on before that Cato did a nice job defensively against Shaq. That's really Cato's purpose on this team. There's a reason Cato played well defensively against Shaq. You all saw him throughout the season, playoffs, and finals. Several have debated his skills in the NBA forum. I think we can all agree that his "signature" move is to go through the defender guarding him (maybe swing an elbow or two for posterity) and dunk the ball. Shaq's game is his height, his weight, and his strength. No, Cato's not taller, heavier, or even stronger than Shaq. BUT, Cato's taller, heavier, and stronger than many centers in the NBA today. Cato can't stop Shaq. BUT, Cato can use his big body to keep Shaq from getting directly underneath the basket for his patented dunk/offensive foul move. It doesn't take much technique or defensive skills to throw Shaq off his game, 'cause Shaq's game is power, not finesse. Cato, with his NBA center body, can contain Shaq about as good as anyone in the league. That's really his value. If he learns how to play basketball too, then EXCELLENT; it's about damned time! BUT, if people agree that the championship will go through Shaq in the next few years, it's good to have a guy like Cato who has a body big enough to bang with Shaq down low. So like I said, if you want to go in a different direction than that, and ship Cato off, I won't hold that against you. But PLEASE, at least let someone else have a chance at stopping Shaq; don't suggest trading Cato to the Lakers. Cato-haters, flame away. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
I don't know. Cato is unmotivated and I don't like the idea of paying him to just try to stop one player. If Cato was as good as he says he is, he would be as dominate as Hakeem on the defensive end. He only has sporatic good games. He is soft, very soft. Just look at the colors of his car- purple, pink, and black. Come on. He is a bust and will hopefully be out of here before the door hits him. For his sake atleast because the door might hurt him. ------------------ Stevierebel
*copyrighted by behad* ------------------ Lacking inspiration at the moment... [This message has been edited by haven (edited June 22, 2001).]
i don't know about cato being an able shaq defender, but i'd like the rockets to keep working on incorporating cato into the gameplans, rather than trade him away. i think he's pretty quick and jumps really well. i can't pass judgement on wether or not he (as claimed by everyone here) is lazy and has no work ethic. but if he is, then maybe rudy should do what van gundy did to marcus camby. rudy has more rings and is supposedly a better player coach than gundy. ------------------
Don't forget Cato played Tim Duncan as well as you can play him in our win over the Spurs. ------------------
The problem with Cato is that yes, he may keep Shaq or Duncan in check for a game here or there but then he will slack off for the next 6 or 7 games against lesser opponents. He is just plain old lazy. Plus he is about a hangnail away from the IR at any given moment. ------------------ "I may be mistaken, but I'm never wrong" -Barkley [This message has been edited by Mr.Scary (edited June 22, 2001).]
cato did block a shaq hook shot... still intriguing to think of ... but the *if's* are endless as well-documented on this BBS. ------------------ purvis was never short.
The guys got potential he justs lacks heart. Seeing that there's a lack of true centers in the league I think The Rockets should give him one more chance to be productive and help get his ass in gear. if he doesn't work out after a set amount of time with no injuries or excuses, TRADE HIS @$$!!! ------------------ I have seen much of the rest of the web. It is brutal and cruel and dark. CC.net is the light.
I think Cato's problems began when we officially committed to the run. Offensively, I think Cato sees himself as the first or second scoring option inside the paint with a team that plays a half court offense. Cato knows he will never have a 3 point shot or be an outside threat in order to create court space like the new offense would require. I think he just wants to be traded to a team that plays a half court game, preferably already with a player that scores in the paint. I feel the defense is still within Cato, but he wants to be on a team that he would be a factor on both ends of the court. If only we could just move him and regain the cap space. Chicago??? ------------------
Cato is the Tin Man and the Scarecrow all at once. "Bringing it" every 20 games doesn't cut it. He's a cancer on the team. If we can get anyone to take him (and $$ we owe him) off our hands...it's addition by subtraction. Hope CD can perform some magic.
Dallas, are you angry? Bitter? Cato will be out of our minds soon, hopefully. 'Til then. ------------------ Stevierebel
