Assuming no more injuries to Cato, Collier, Hakeem, Mo and KT, think about this scenario. Once everyone is back, I think you will see Hakeem and Cato splitting most of the time at center with Collier backing up both center and PF. I think Mo will continue to start. Mo may catch fire the rest of the season and make this a moot point. However, if for whatever reason, Mo is not back next year, consider what we have seen of Collier's game. Compare all areas with Mo's game (passing, scoring inside, scoring outside, defense, rebounding, overall knowledge of the game). I personally think Collier compares okay in scoring and actually is better in most other areas. By the time this season is over, he will have gained valuable experience in the NBA game. I know there will be the usual sarcastic "they both suck" replies, but would we be better off or worse off next year if Collier started alongside Cato or Hakeem? ------------------
I'd say worse because I don't think we've seen the best of Mo yet.Imagine Seattle evry night. ------------------ The National Basketball Association obviously revolves directly around Bob Finn's Fantasy Basketball League!
I don't think you want Collier to start against opposing 4's in the west. I think as a backup center/forward he can be productive in his sophomore year, but I think next year is too soon to start Collier. If Hakeem continues to outplay Taylor, do the Rockets look to sign Taylor long term, or get another year from Dream assuming Dream will take a discount? Webber is the only power forward of note available in free agency in 2001, so do the Rockets go with a Dream,Cato,Collier,Thomas in 2001-2002 and try to pickup a longterm solution through free agency in 2002? Or perhaps trade up in this year's draft to get a power forward they can bring along slowly, a la Swift with Vancouver? Great topic, Moe, I think you've raised some interesting questions. ------------------ "I really don't try to score, I really just try and pick apart teams by passing to create opportunities." -- Cuttino Mobley
This is too much of a hypothetical for me. Not that you ask the question, but that you place Collier in the PF role. I don't see that. Collier will be backup to the starting center. I would be more inclined to answer the question if you said KT rather than Collier. In any event, my answer is that we cannot lose Mo without another PF acquisition. Being that the free agent season falls after the draft, I cannot possibly imagine us drafting a SF that so many people want, when Mobley rules like he does and Shandon can guard anyone. This team requires more big bodies. These injuries have definitely exposed this lack of depth on the frontline. Since Hakeem likely won't be back, we need another guy for him. And since Mo will be shopped by his agent, his return is not for certain. We need KT, Mo and Collier to play well. And we need yet another big body to replace Dream, and 2 big bodies if we lose Mo. Who's going to continue to insist we need a SF in the draft, no matter how effective Mo is. Guys, we are in the Western Conferense. We need more size! To answer your comparison question, Collier is superior to Mo and KT in the pick n roll so far. KT is the best rebounder of them, has the best defensive fundamentals, best 'tude (as DaDakota says) and has huge scoring potential if he develops a turnaround J to free up his fast-footed drives. I would say KT's entire NBA career hinges on him developing a turnaround, because without it, his fast footwork is more easily defended. Mo has the best size and a natural shot with good instincts to pass. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited December 13, 2000).]
HeyPee U notice the Hesitation on the three by KT nowadays . . Once he hit one or is left just too open he tries it but it is like his 3rd or 4th option I saw him get the ball in perfect stride for a three he jump stopped , looked for the drive looked for the pass. . . .looked inside again THEN looked at the three. I think Rudy whispering in his ear. His 3 is not bad [10 - 29 is not all world but . . what is the league average?] I agree on the turnaround I think a Floater in the Lane would be AWESOME too I think next Year Cato, PIG MILLER!!! - C [We draft a C or trade for okalo in clipper land ] KT, Collier, Los - PF Walt, Bull [the eternal], Langhi - SF Anderson, Mobly - SG Francis, Moochie - PG Rocket River Look for Upgrades in the frontcourt Mainly Center ------------------
Rudy said this summer, after the draft that Collier could play PF. He said he could play at the same time with any of the other big men. Maybe we haven't seen that because of the injury to Cato. Heypee, you're cheating by comparing KT if he develops a turn-around J. ------------------
If Collier is our starting power forward next year we had one lousy summer. Collier has extremely turtle-like lateral movement(Taylors not much faster) which he would over-expose to much quicker starting power forwards in the league. Unless Colliers willing to spend an unbelieavably large amount of time with UH's track coach I don't think we'd be much better off. ------------------
hehe...Others are cheating by saying potential-this and potential-that for Mo. Mo does have a lot of potential. And so does KT. A 10-15' turnaround J is a shot that anyone can learn. Not to say they can get it off. But combining a turnaround with over-under moves and spin moves that KT already exhibits, it is not a stretch to say KT has potential to be an awesome scorer. With even an average turnaround J, defenders would not be able to back off him and harass his drives. Now if we could just get him to stop thinking he should shoot three's. Did I say I love KT! If we lose him, it will be like losing Othella all over again, but worse. thanks for the tidbit about Collier being a PF. I did not know that. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited December 13, 2000).]
