If we don't snag Whiteside, toss some coins at Kyrylo Fensenko. lf the Hawks are imploding again, go for the midsize trade for Zaza Pachulia.
If people are going to keep riding the yao train, then the backup, who will play the minutes needs to be shot blocker/rebounder/defender/finisher. I prefer a guy like al jefferson who can slde over and play center. Since its too early to tell if the rox will go get him, the guy they shouldve drafted 2 yrs ago, deandre jordan.
Shaq was an all-star last season because the Suns staff kept him in shape. The Cavs didn't and he stunk it up. As long as the Rockets staff can keep him in shape, I wouldn't mind him.
True. But he can still hit the mid-range shot, consistently rebound, and block shots, albeit as a shadow of his former self. He'd also be a decent option if we happen to want to play a fast-break transition style for whatever reason to give Yao a break. But I have no idea what his salary or contract situation is, or how well that'd work for the rockets.
Yao's backup should be young & prepared to log heavy minutes. Mutombo was a nice idea but ended up playing way more than optimum at that stage in his career.
You listed everything a big man does in your requirement. So our backup should be someone even better than Yao? Also considering shotblocking, rebounding and defending are your top 3 big AL shouldn't be the one you want. The guy's a pathetic defender and only average rebounder.
He didn't do anything to help Wade in the playoffs. At this point I think of him as an overpriced Mcdyes, and he really shouldn't be playing C in the firts place.
He can at least help relieve the load from Yao during the regular season, and let Yao take care of things in the playoff when its time for clutch minutes.
