Over the past few weeks we've seen Eddie get serious minutes at the 3, 4 and 5. I know we all have our desires to see him at one position or another, and that he could maybe become a specific position, but at this point, based on what we've seen so far, where has he looked best? Personally, I really liked seeing him at the 3. I had wanted him to be a 5, but I think he excelled there better than anywhere else.
I think it woould be best for the Rockets if Eddie could play the three. This gives them a lineup similar to the TWolves, who moved Garnett to the 3. The only problem is that Eddie isn't as quick as KG, and some of the other SFs will be able to get around him. But I think its something the Rockets are going to have to live with in order to start Cato, Taylor, and Griffin next season. After seeing Eddie struggle guarding Ilgauskas last night, I don't think he should play the 5.
Oh, I was just listening to Rome on my lunch break, and he said Eddie's gonna be on the show in about 45 minutes...in case anyone wants to listen. Give me a summary if you do. Please!!!
please remember that Eddie is only 19 and not physically developed enough to out muscle someone of Ilgauskas size. Maybe in a couple of years he will be more than a match for him but not yet.
I don't know why you'd want to ask Eddie to put on 30 or so pounds. Right now I'd say our weakest spot on the court is SF. If Eddie can play it, I say let him run with it!
Eddie said he's a 4. he said he likes to block shots. He said he need to build strength. He said he likes Steve and Cuttino and is looking forward to Maurice coming back this year. He said he came on too late to earn the allstar berth. He was polite and brief with his answers to leading questions. All in all, a very smart, cautious approach to the interview, I thought. I love this kid!
No one is asking Eddie to do anything. He is not physically finished developing yet so we don't know how big he will eventually get. I don't want to try to force the guy to put any weight on or take it off. I would prefer to see Eddie's body finish maturing naturally and then see where he plays his best ball. If he puts on another 30 or 40 lbs during the natural course of his physical developement why would you want him to take it off when he is obviously a difference maker when he swats the ball away under the basket.
Eddie must be able to put the ball on the floor to be a 3. I think the chances of Eddie developing a post-up game is more likely than Eddie becoming a solid dribbler and passer. Which means I think his future lies at the 4.
I think he'd be able to play both the 3 and 4 well. He's got qualities fitted to both. The question for next season is who else is going to start besides Cat, Steve, and Griffin. If it's a 3, start Eddie at 4, if it's a 4, start Eddie at 3. Personally I'd like to see Griffin start at the 4.
I think that Griffin is a better 4 than a 3, and that Taylor will play the 3. Francis made that statement a couple times, that Taylor was more like a 3 playing the 4 position. We wanted Webber for the 4. We drafted Griffin for the 4. Taylor is here for the long haul, so I anticipate him starting at the 3. That could get real interesting if Rice catches on fire next year, and becomes the zone bomber Rudy wanted. I also anticipate Morris playing behind Griffin at the 4, and backing up the 3 as well, and Thomas getting traded.
I see Eddie as a 4 or a 5. Right now he's isn't suited for any position, but if he gets stronger he will be a great 4 and maby even a 5. Like kidrock8 said I thing it's more likley that EG will bulk up than greatly improve his ballhandling and passing skills. The best thing for the rockets would be for Griffin to develope into a 5 ala Mourning in his prime. I'm not saying it will happen but I'm hoping for it. Then we could start Griffin, Taylor, Rice/Morris. And maby draft a promising 3, then the rockets future would be bright.
I think he's a 4 and Taylors time is numbered. The contract is there, but Griffin can bring the whole package plus some in a yr or 2. Maybe Taylor can lose weight and play that "3" spot, but I doubt it. Time will tell, but I like Eddie at the 4 and someone else at the 3. Just my opinion.
