Hey Clutch BBS. It's your lovable neighborhood poster. The question for today is 'with camp about to open for the Rox who will suprise this year and have veteran players watching their a$$es?' I believe Nwankwo hustles all over the paint and in a straight up competition with Collier this year could make the coaches think twice about cutting him. After all that would make 2 good camps in a row for him. Tierre will out play Mooch IMO and push the rock . May shock Norris. Tmo is fighting for a roster spot and MoT, I think, will be better than before the injury. K9 has had another great offseason and has come in slimmer again. Is he quick enough to guard the 3? I think so. I believe Rice will impress (has lost a lot of weight). What are your opinions?
If Rice does anything halfway worth while this year, I'll be surprised. He hasn't done much of anything the last couple of years that dignifies his salary.
I definately think it will be Yao Ming... The players will make a big deal about him once they play with him. There is just something sobering and real about trying to drive the hoop with an athletic 7'-6" shot blocker underneath. Everyone has seen Yao Ming a little, but its kind of like Shaq, you really don't fully appreciate him until he puts that body on you and backs you down like your a featherweight. If Yao Ming is aggressive on the court once he gets to camp (vs. polite) the players interviewed on the 10:00 pm news will be talking about him.
Although I like Ike, don't get your hopes too high. 1) Collier has a contract with a team option next summer. 2) The Luxury Tax level has not yet been firmly established but the low end is reported to be as low as $50m. The Rockets are reportedly at ~$49m. 3) Nwankwo has been invited to another camp. I read this in the past 3 days but can't remember which team. Almost positive EC (Raptors, Cavs, Bucks...?). 4) The Rockets have invited 6'10" C Steve Goodrich to camp on a non-guaranteed contract.
"Miles skies for the rebound, throws the ball the length of the court to Wagner , DeJuan throws the ball up high over a defender , the trailer Nwankwo crushes a monster jam ." " Where did this kid come from." " I believe, Houston?"
Yetti- I agree with you... It is meant to be a small play on words... meaning God believes even the atheist believes somewhere within. Back to the post subject---- Another person who may surprise in camp is Nachbar B.- Just because he hasn't been around due to injury.