Exactly, and you have to anticipate Jordan having an injury. He hasn't had enough playing time, so it's likely that he'll suffer his first one this season after playing heavy minutes. I'd prefer Brad over Tyson, too.
It doesn't really matter how many logical reasons you give for Yao being healthy.The big guy is just flatout injury prone and one of the rockets main objectives this offseason should be for them to aquire a true backup center. Its a no-brainer.
Morey's robbed Ny of its picks, so we have some hope there. The other avenue is through trades, which are done through assets, which are both acquired and grown, and it's the growth part that I'm advocating for Hill.
The risk of injury remains high,he has had multiple injuries in the past. Our backup center position remains weak. DM knows that,he will keep on trying to upgrade it.
People just aren't reading the thread before replying, and as a result, they are responding to words taken out of context.
Yeah it's true we have an outside outside shot at a top 5 pick, but don't count me among the believers there. New York with Amare looks like a 35 win team to me, enough to compete for the playoffs until the last couple weeks probably, in that ridiculously unbalanced conference. Frankly if we can get the same kinda pick Utah got from them last year (#9), I'll take it. Morey's never had that high of a pick before, perhaps he could trade up with something that high. And for the 2012 pick, I would probably try to trade that one away now while people still think NY will suck forever. Because if they can get Anthony in 2011 (which it seems they have a decent shot of doing) then that pick's value will plummet fast.
My point is this. Until Yao can play 20+mpg, we have the following at PF/C positions Scola, Hill, Patterson, Andersen, Hayes. Hayes is a bit player, and has shown inability to play center. Hill and Scola can both play center, but combined, they SHOULD NOT play 40+ minutes at center. Patterson is a rookie, and really cannot be counted on to do anything. He might surprise, but we can't count on it. Basically, I believe Morey wants the following rotation before Yao comes in Center: FA Acquisition/Hill PF: Scola/Patterson Andersen, Hayes provide spot minutes or if injuries factored in. Sure, it's possible that a FA pickup be useless, say if Hill shows ridiculous improvement and can start at the five. But Morey isn't in the business of "hoping". He has to think about contingencies. In this case, he needs insurance if Hill CAN'T play center full time next year. Or he can't start off the season doing so.
Unfortunately, my reasons likely trump yours, but I so hope you are right. A healthy Yao for the next few years would be a huge plus.
Hill is not a center. He can play at that position in a pinch, but the rockets and Yao would be in trouble without aquiring a true backup center. I don't agree with your idea.
Im still preaching patience. It's summer league, so I'm not getting too high or too low. Again, we saw enough flashes last season to think Hill can become something. His lack of instincts could limit his ceiling, but that doesnt mean he can't be a rotational 4/5 big.
If Morey fails to get a decent back up Center this will be a major problem for our team, especially when Yao sits. It has been since Mutombo retired!!
------------------------ FA will be over before the season starts, I don't have a time machine that will tell me if Yao will be healthy in January.
Even if you expect him to be healthy he is going to start the season playing 25mins a game- it's a given fact.
If Morey was trying to trade for Chandler, then the Rockets believe that the team still needs a vet backup to Yao. Hill may have potential to play the position, but championships are not won by potential. In Morey I trust ....still.
