Last year I felt that JVG was saving DEKE because he is old and the team sucked. Since he was such a huge part (imho) of the 04-05 season do you see him getting big minutes this year? He is obviously still serviceable (?) as a way to crowd the lane and as much as i like the chuck magnet I cannot see him being in their just to get punished by other centers.
Because Yao got injured. If Yao was healthy last year, Deke would have never gotten off the bench. He won't this year either likely only against Shaq. Chuck seems to have nailed the backup center spot.
But when yao was healthy deke was not the #2 he was the year before. People were talking them as the 2nd best center combo in the league (zo shaq)
Chuck Hayes at the 5 spot is quite stupid IMO. I think it's pretty safe to say that Howard and Mutombo will backup at the 5 based on the matchup. Chuck hayes could play C only in limited stretches and when i say limited I don't mean 15 minutes like Deke could. Sure the Rockets COULD play Hayes there for extended time, but that would be totally assinine to put it mildly.
Deke's a good guy to have in the wings, and I agree I dont think Chuck can handle the 'big dogs." I'd been hopin the Rox were gonna get back Cato, but looks like the Knicks signed him. So, Im hopin maybe they can get Tskitishvili. I aint sayin the dudes great, but hes a 7 footer who i think could backup at PF and C. Watched him in the summer league, here in vegas, a couple years ago, the guy has a nice shooting stroke and could help spread the floor and clear the opposing center outta the paint, for TMAC.
If Yao stays healthy, I'd say he plays 35 minutes at center, there will be around 3-5 minutes of going small with JHo or Hayes at center and Deke will get rest so Im thinking 8-10 minutes, probably not alot more than that.
I think Dike will still be a servicable back up if he is giving limited minutes his timing on shot blocking is amazing and his finger waggin will certainly cheer the crowd (home games only)
There is always a chinese saying "If you have an elder at your home, it is always like a treasure to you". I believe Deke might not be as productive on the court as people would expect, but his personality and his experience will help glue the team in many situations, ie discussion with gundy on what strategies /plays can be implemented. Dont forget he was once a defensive all star, although he is rusty but he is still a blocking machine with perfect timing
Deke is still good for 2 blocks and about 6 boards in about 12 minutes. against the magic he had 5 offensive boards in 12 minutes. he might be really old, but he can still play.
Whoa, I didn't even know he had those kind of stats. Man, I daresay Deke in his 40 year old body is better than the best center in the Western Conference, or at least not far behind.
Mutombo is passed it! I really hope not, because Hayes is not able to play this position in my opinion.
