I would start Chuck Hayes against Portland. The crowd energy in Portland is going to be absolutely insane. We have to get off to a good start defensively to quiet the crowd down early, and the best way to do that is to put out a great defensive rotation out there to stop Roy and Aldridge. Yao, Hayes, Battier, Artest, and Brooks.
Its why (going a little "leebigez" here), a tall athletic 5/4 is needed. Not only to help out Yao but also for SCOLA and the whole frontcourt. Scola is a warrior and he's durable. Though having him bang around with 7 footers all game long had to wear on him at some point in a long season. Not like Scola hasnt had his stretch of blah games before where he looks like absolute crap. Then reappears making us remember why we appreciate him. Just hope its just a couple bad games and doesnt stretch into the playoffs. Aldridge is the guy to key on, so Chuck woulda been useful anyways.
hopefully we play hayes situationally, i have a feeling that the blazers are going to exploit the roy-aldridge pick and roll frequently in this series.
I can read the minds of half the Clutchfans community: "God help us!" I'm a big Chuck Hayes fan, but it will be a real shame if Scola is reduced to a spectator in this series.
God (JVG) has helped us, and he gave us Chuckwagon! A 3-man cheerleading group of Mutombo, McGrady, and Scola is one I wouldn't be ashamed to see.
Or we could just come out and play offense well, like i mentioned earlier, scola has had very efficient games offensively against them every single time this season, we can't press the panic button and go to hayes over one game where Scola couldnt guard a 7 footer who moved like a small forward and is a former MVP...
In my mind, yeah, I'm disappointed, but optimistic because we have a good matchup and part of that is due to the way Chuck can stop Aldridge. Scola should definitely start IMO but if they just keep going to Aldridge successfully we should bring in Chuck as we've been doing against them all season.
Now that I have semi-calmed down about Scola's horrible playing last night.. I can rationally talk about this. I think you still give Scola his normal minutes. Maybe if LMA starts getting hot, you play Chuck a bit earlier and then when LMA goes out, put Scola back in. It's good to have a back up plan, and Chuck is a pretty good back up plan.
