Keon is better backing CWebb. Pollard is uglier, probably better -- but, BUT -- Cato is one of the few anywhere who stands up to Shaq. Pollard lays down for Shaq (Vlade just flops). So, Cato gets my vote.
Cato has mad hussle but I think he's only good off the bench. He fouls a lot and he pretty much has no shooting range except when he's right in front of the goal ready to dunk . I think people thought Cato was a disappointment before Yao stepped in and gave Cato a reason to play hard. Personally I think Yao and Cato both increase each other's game. So Cato is a good guy to have around even if he costs a grip. Plus when houston needs extremely aggressive up tempo play Cato is your man. That is until Yao starts adjusting to that style.
I think Cato is slowly becoming my favorite Rocket. The man would be a monster with his new energy and hustle. Keep on rolling Taurus....
Cato is definitely the best backup. HE hasn't been the best backup all season though. The best backup this season has seen so far is Yao (first couple of games when Cato started)
Cato should be starting PF with Yao at Center. Then you have a strong rebounder/shot blocker and someone who can elevate for the alley-oop when Yao is doubled. but who would be Yao's backup? Just don't have a real center backup. play forward-guard lineup until Yao comes back in.
Cato is one of the last rockets I would trade. He hustles, boards, blocks shots, essentially does all the dirty work. You don't want to end up with another KT or MoT earlier this season.. I know I know.. he was hurt...
I don't want to give him away, but I would happily allow someone else to give me great value for this most valuable 7 foot (reserve) with an OK contract (based on remaining $s).
Especially when Taylor has an off night, Cato should play some PF mins. Like the last Rox-Suns game, Cato shut down Amare completely when he played. Taylor couldn't do that, neight could Eddie.
I love hearing Cato scream "oh sh*t" or "gimme that!" while snagging a rebound. Shows he's got some fire in him.
I think KG is the only guy with a shot at guarding Dirk. You can't bang with Dirk because he'll spin right past you to the hoop. Give him any room and he'll drain a 3. Tough.
Why is Cato so different now???? When he backed up Dream he was worthless!!! Now he is actually helping us and seems to actually want to play??
Cato knows he will play only 10-15 minutes agame. So he just plays hard and does all the garbage work. Maybe when he was expected to play 30 minutes he was pacing himself
Cato's value goes beyond just game-time, too. In practice, he's a big, strong, physical defender to go against Yao Ming. In-game, he's one of our most important backups. He just brings 110% all the time, and he doesn't take s#it from anyone. Cato is expensive, but I'd consider him a luxury. We are paying premium for him, but the Rockets are getting premium play (in limited time). And oh yeah, if Yao Ming gets injured (GOD forbid!!!), it's nice to have someone as capable as Kelvin ready to play.
