For a change of pace, I thought Chuck played well this game (Sacramento). The guy is still getting quality minutes against certain teams, though most of us figured he'd be phased out of the rotation pretty quickly. He did a solid job defensively on Artest, and he didn't hinder us on offense either (while he was on the floor we actually outscored Sacramento by 18 points). He was inserted back into the game on the final defensive possession, and he guarded Artest and switched over to contest Brad Miller's shot to seal the victory. It's the third time I can remember him getting a key defensive stop on the last possession of a close game (he did it against Durant in Seattle, and against Rashard Lewis in Orlando). Novak will get all the praise for his timely shot, but let's not forget Chuck's contribution. He isn't dead quite yet!
Hayes is the PF defensive specialist, he will always be needed certainly against certain teams. The only way he would be dead in the water is if we make some major acquisition at the PF spot before the trade deadline or the summer.
Yeah ... lost in all the hoopla is the fact that Chuck Hayes was singlehandedly responsible for making sure Ron Artest did not get the ball on the final possession, and he still had the presence of mind to leave him and help contest Brad Miller after he got the ball. If only he had a modicum of offense ... if only. Chuck Hayes is such a great defender.
A game like this when Artest is too strong for Battier and Tmac and going crazy, Hayes should get more minutes.
Pro and con with Hayes in this game! Pro - He might able to slow Artest down. Con - With Yao completely ineffective with fronted and doubled team, the team needed offense that's why Novak is in the game to stretch the floor!
1. The Rockets scored 10 points in the final quarter, and only 7 before Novak's last shot. Hayes was not the problem for their offense. 2. They had an 18 point lead heading into the 4th. In this situation, defense >> offense. Hayes is a situational player. But in today's game, the situation should've called for more of this guy.
That's why I think Rockets should put specialist help and training to Hayes to improve his offensive skills and power. He may not improve to be as good as Landry or Scola but he need to practise and learn to put in lay ups and nail some mid range when open. These skills are acquirable if he train very hard.
um, Artest was pretty much doing what he wanted when Chuck was guarding him in the first half, but he is a good defender and someone we need on this team
Hayes was great on D, but if Scola played in the 4th quarter last night it would not have come down to us needing one final shot. DD
Hate to say it DD, but I agree with you 100%. Scola would have made a difference in the 4th, I was scratching my head as to why Adelman would not put him in the game.
