This is so Chuck Hayes. We know he's not a big minute center or power forward even -- he was never supposed to be nor was he ever paid to be. Injuries created that situation. But his post defense and smarts make for one very valuable situational role player, and he rarely gets the credit he deserves because his rock-like defense doesn't put many steals or blocks next to his name. Nothing in this play will show in a box score, yet it is invaluable. Houston's center is assigned to guard one of the best perimeter scorers of the decade in the final seconds of a tie game. Poor footwork, a sloppy foul or a risky lunge would have given the Celtics the win. His defense on Pierce forced overtime. Brooks, Budinger, Scola... they will get headlines because of their big shots and big numbers, but it's plays like these that have defined the Rockets and their defense the past several years. Maybe that has changed moving forward, but if he's not back next year, I'm going to miss him. <object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wbRZZLD48B4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wbRZZLD48B4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>
I used to rag on him a lot but what chuck has managed to do this year at the starting C position is just amazing. Props to the guy, hope he stays a rocket for a long tiem.
he will be back next year the rockets respect chuck hayes and shane battier as spokesmen for rockets media they need them to teach defense to the youngters c-bud and j-hill
To be fair Hayes was getting burned by Perkins and missed some easy shots throughout the game..but so far his clutch defense is solid.
Agreed. I hope the team keeps him despite the tax situation. Even if he doesn't get regular rotation minutes, I would still want to have him available even if just to play one-possession D like he did there.
I'll admit that I'm often frustrated by his lack of offensive skills. I get heated when he misses those layups or when his shot is easily blocked. But, Clutch, you are right. He is underappreciated. That defense on Pierce and KG was awesome.
Don't blame Chuck for his limitations but do think Hill should have been playing late in the game a bit more and should start from here on out. Saying that, Chuck guarding PP was brilliant to see.
I remember years ago when he started getting minutes, thinking he was a useless scrub because he was the king of fouls with no offense. Now I'm glad he's on our side. I think out of the current roster, our PF's duo (Hayola) are the only two with a great prospect of being a decent-great head coach.
I'm not optimistic he'll return. He's been my favorite player for over 3 years now, so its sad that he may have only a handful of games left as a Rocket. I hope he gets himself healthy for next season and makes a big impact wherever he lands.
He has done a great job playing out of position. He is also much shorter than the 4's in the league. Lately,he has been struggling. Some of it is due to the opposing team adjusting to him,and the rest to injury. I hope we can get a true backup center and move Chuck to the 4 spot. He might get lost with the numbers and possibly the LT. That would be sad.
I don't think the team will excercise it's option, and will hope to sign him on the cheap. I hope it works out, as a defensive specialist, he is 2nd to none. BTW - if Chuck could make a layup, the Rockets would have not needed that defensive stand. DD
The guy is a major handicap offensively and can't protect the rim defensively. Missed layups and the inability to finish plays with dunks or at the free throw line will KILL YOU against elite opponents. There are 6'5 players who CAN DUNK and Chuck isn't one of them. If the Rockets cut him the Lakers, Mavs, Cavs, Magic, or Portland wouldn't be beating his door down to sign him. Skilled bigs (as long as they don't run over him) kill him because they shoot & rebound (tip-ins) over him. Besides an occasional swipe at the ball or a charge he's as helpless as can be. MOVE ON! Let's go get some SIZE!!!!!
Chuck has gotten worn down this season. He was so huge in the playoffs last year after Deke, then Yao went down and I hope GM's around the league remember that for his sake.
Did Adelman put him on Pierce or did he just end up on him? It looked to me like Budinger started out on PP but got picked or something. Hayes was kind of roaming, not guarding the inbounder.
Me too. I, like Durvasa posted above me somewhere, am afraid that he won't be here next season because of money issues... but I hope he is! Poor guy has been playing hurt for weeks and at times you can see it more than others, but he still does what he can to help the team. That's why I love the guy so much.. he utilizes what talent he was given to it's extreme. Daryl, please find a way to keep my boy around!
