I think it will be a backup committee. Rick the Ruler is not like JVG. He is fine going with different rotations based on the night. I would think if its PF with some good offense Chuck would likely be the first PF off the bench otherwise it will be an open competition between J.Hill and Patterson. I know Morey loves repeating that Patterson likely wont see many minutes.. not buying it for a second. Rick has no problem playing rookies. If Patterson is truly worth the hype of 6th on Morey's draft board than I think hes the backup PF by 20 games in. Jordan Hill is more of Brad Miller too old///Yao gets hurt insurance. I will not go as far to say either is likely but both very possible. J.Hill is as good as third center as you could hope for in the NBA. If both guys look good, J.Hill is gone by deadline barring a reasonable return.
No doubt in my mind that the first bigs off the bench on opening night are Miller and Hayes. Hill or Patterson might get there by the all-star break, but Hayes is still our most talented backup big.
Also, I think that when/if Hill/Patterson are ready to take Chuck's minutes away, we'll see Chuck moved a la Alston/Ariza to make room. I just don't see this organization gluing Chuck to the bench with all he's done and all he's got left.
While Morey has clearly set a precedent in this regard.. I don't see it happening. Hayes will not fetch anything worth trading him for. He is much better kept on as a leader and defensive stopper. He's the hardworking glue guy everyone loves to have but no one is willing to trade for. Of course if somehow a team gets desperate and offers something of value but.. don't see it happening. NBA loves it Johan Petro's and the Chuck Hayes of the world will continue to get snubbed.
What I meant was that the organization probably respects and appreciates his contribution enough to not let him sit at the end of the bench. If that were going to be the case, I see them releasing him somehow or trading him for cash or a 2nd round pick or something so he'd get to play - and the team that got him would be damn lucky to have him. Of course, that would only happen if Hill and/or Patterson surpassed him and took his minutes and I don't see that happening anytime soon.
I asked Feigan about this particular topic and this is what he said. Jon, A little off topic but... I was wondering about the Chuckwagon's summer. I heard that Hayes was working his tail off and looking really good. What do you know about this? Is he the first of the bench to spell Scola or do you see Hill or PPat in that role? (I saw him in Las Vegas. He looked very good. He's slimmer. Looks strong. He said the knee is not bothering him at all. I think matchups and Hill's progress in camp will determine the rotation. I don't think Patterson will initially be in the every-day mix. -- Jonathan)
If Hill is inept at playing defense or getting burned in camp and the preseason, I see Hayes being the primary PF. If Hill or Paterson show enough promise at defending, then I can't see Hayes come off the bench before them. Although there is no doubt, Hayes is our best passing big man.
It really depends on the matchup and how a player performs. It really doesn't matter the size. I mean Chuck may be undersized but his will power totally makes up for it. As of now, Chuck should be the first big off the bench over Hill and Patrick. The reason is Chuck is more experienced, he is a floor leader, defensive specialist, and has an high IQ for basketball. Until Patrick and Hill both can improve different aspects of their game, Chuck will be the first big off the bench unless there is a specific matchup that requires for Hill or Pat to come off the bench first.
it will depend on the game. if we face a dirk or a KG or a duncan, chuck will probably gets the most time after scola b/c we need his defensive prowess to slow those guys down. if we play an average or above average big man, you can expect hill to get more burn. it also depends on what is needed at that juncture in the game: offense or defense? energy or experience?... it's not as easy as you think. adelman is great at determining all these, and he doesn't give preferences. he'll determine what fits, who's playing well, what the pace of the game is.... and then makes his decision.
During the beginning of the season Chuck will be the number 2 option, This also depends on the line up, Chuck will most likely play with Brad Miller or Jordan Hill at the 5. If Yao is playing half quarters then 5 spot time will be split between Brad and Jordan. Patterson will have to prove he is ready to compete at an NBA Level before he starts really seeing any significant minutes. The object of this year is to stay healthy and Chuck is our Superman! But i would like to see Morey try to get Landry back
