Every time there's a trade mentioned, Cato is involved in it. I think we oughtta keep this guy... he's got a couple of things going for him. 1.Cato is one of the most athletic centers out there. I haven't seen too many centers that can match Cato's athletecism... even the young centers can't match it. Only one I can think of is Theo Ratliff. He's more athletic than Kandi, Todd MacCulloch(who got decent minutes on a playoff team), and even Duncan. Now this don't make him better than Duncan, but I would say that Cato is more athletic. Duncan has barely any vertical leap, and I know that Cato jumps higher. 2.Also, he's been in training this whole summer. I think Cato's one of those guys that needs points to get more involved in doing the dirty work like gettin boards and stuff. With his offensive game being better next year, he can get those points. Plus I read that Cato was disappointed in his play last season, so he's prolly working hard right now. 3. In addition to this offensive game, he can still dunk really well. This makes him a really good center to fit our offense. Alley-oops, feeds from Francis/Mobley, whatever... he can finish well. 4. He's still young and he's developed chemistry with the team. 5.He can block shots with the best of them. If we trade him, there arent' too many people that can match his defensive skills. That is... his defensive skills when he's into the game. peace ------------------ treasurer of the moochie norris fan club
I agree that the Rockets should keep Cato. I think it is essential to build a team around defense, and Cato provides that. My biggest nightmare would be the Rockets moving Cato then he returns to his pre-season form of last yr. Since the Stromile Swift thing is not going to happen, the ideal scenario I feel would be for the Rockets to draft Jerome Moiso. Imagine two long, athletic players up front that both run the floor very well and can finish in transition running the floor with the potent, explosive backcourt. At times, if the Rockets want to pressure the ball and create turnovers, they could go with a lineup of Francis-Mobley-Anderson-Moiso-Cato that could really cause havoc for the opponent and inject some serious energy into the attack. Then if they need more perimeter shooting, they could just go with someone like Walt Williams or if they need more bulk on the frontline bring in Kenny Thomas. This would allow the Rockets to pursue a defensive minded forward (Bo Outlaw?) with the trade exception. Imagine how many different options he would add to that team. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
I think an interesting thing to see is the dropoff in center caliber after Mourning. I mean The Admiral is good, and did once win an MVP, but is he deserving of a third team position?? ONLY because tehre are no other good centers out there (don't get me wrong, Robinson can still hoop, but with DUncan on the same team he isn't a 3rd team center anymore). That being said, I would really like to keep Cato, at leaast for one more year. His trade value shouldnt go down by next year, unless he comes back much worse, which I can't see happening. So I say, unless there is a real blockbuster in the works, keep Cato for another year and reevaluate then. ------------------ When I die I want to go peacefully like my grandfather. Not screaming like the passengers in the back seat!
I believe Cato is gone, either to LAC, Milwaukee, Boston, Orlando, or Detroit. We can get good talent for him right for a good PF or SF. Next year we'll have Dream with Tmass and Pig as backups. In the next couple years, we could pick up Olowakandi (for Drew/combo), Webber, a center in the second round such as N'Daiye or Jabari Smith, and a center in next year's draft (good year for centers). I'm hoping our team looks like this is 2 years: Webber/Olowakandi/draft picks Croshere/maybe Swift/KT Deshawn Stephenson/Williams/Leon Smith Anderson/Mobely Francis/Norris ------------------ the more I know, the more I know I don't know...
I think you are rite on with your assessment snowman. However, I would not mind a trade of Cato iff 1. during his training this summer, he shows little improvement, in attitude and game. 2. Rockets get soome really good talent in return. I would much rather keep himif he shows that he can significantly improve. But he has a LOT to improve on. ------------------ I have a special purpose.
