The Kandi Man has been mentioned a lot in hypothetical trades for Cato, and I was just wondering how each player compares to one another and why each team would make the trade. This comparison also applies to trading Cato to other teams, since Kandi is another supposedly available athletic big man who teams possibly interested in Cato might also be interested in. My limited knowledge on this topic leads me to this incomplete comparison, but I'd appreciate it if someone filled in the holes: salary: Kandi's contract is cheaper, so the Rockets would probably benefit from trading Cato's large contract for Kandi's. Then, why would the Clips or any other team want to pay Cato more than they would pay Kandi? Advantage: Kandi potential: Cato is basically all potential as is Kandi. Kandi was a number one pick and has fewer years of bball in him than Cato, so I would assume that he's got more potential than Cato. Advantage: Kandi attitude: Kandi has been just as inconsistent and lackadaisical as Cato in his first two seasons supposedly. Advantage: Wash defense on Shaq: I just threw this category in there, since any team who expects to get out of the Western Conference is going to have to contend with Shaq. No one can stop Shaq; however, Cato seems to do as well as anyone against him while Kandi got stomped on for 60+ points once and routinely does nothing against Shaq. Advantage: Cato Anyway, why would a team want one player or the other? How do they compare? ------------------ [This message has been edited by oakdogg (edited May 20, 2000).]
<u>potential</u> I think that Cato has more potential. The reason I say this: Cato is more athletic. I have seen Kandi play, and he doesn't appear to be very agile or anything. Cato seems faster, and can jump higher I'm pretty sure. But Kandi does have an advantage in the post up moves deparment. Kandi seems to have better footwork, and already has a few decent post moves right now... also his jumper dint seem too bad. But, after hearing that Cato has been working hard in the offseason so far, I think that Kandi won't have as big of an edge in da post up moves department anyway. advantage: CATO ------------------ treasurer of the moochie norris fan club
If you're talking about moving Cato to the Clippers, or another likewise sucky franchise, a long term contract is a plus. They don't have to worry about losing him like everyone else.
Personally, I would like to see Cato stay with the Rockets. I know that his work ethic has been called into question, but I just hope that Rudy T sits down with him and convinces him that if we wants to become more than a mediocre player who never fulfilled his potential, he's better step up the effort. Cato has the talent and physical characteristics to fit soooo well into the Rocket's system. He just has to put in the work to reach that level consistantly. If Rudy doesn't get a response that he likes, go for the best deal available and start over with a new center (I personally don't like the "donut" team theory put forth in other threads). ------------------
I'd like to have both on the team. They'd be a nice center tandem for the future. Potential, I'd say has to be Kandi. There was a reason he was the #1 pick, even if it was a bad one. I'm sure Hakeem could teach him a few things, and considering they're both Nigerian, a little common thread. I want us to make a setup of: Kandi, Cato, Swift, Oyededji up front. They'd be a nice group of big men....and this can be accomplished by: Winning the lottery, then trading KT, and Drew, and a 2nd rounder to the Clips for Kandi and the #18 (hopefully he's there) ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
