Wow, talk about jumping to conclusions. What do you all really expect from Yao next season? Do you really think he's going to start immediately without even going to training camp or preseason? Even if he did, does Rudy start rookies? Rudy lets people earn their positions, and so far Yao hasn't done anything to earn it. He's not even drafted yet. He has played one game against NBA competition several years ago and fouled out within a few minutes. Don't even try to show me that roster of college players he played against because a majority of those players won't be drafted or are longshots in the NBA. I'm not discrediting his skills or potential. I'm not saying we shouldn't draft Yao, but give me a break. I thought you guys had a LITTLE more knowledge about the game. The NBA is much more physical, quick, and challenging than any other league, whether the top EuroLeague, NCAA, or even ChBA. It will take him time to transition and there is no promise that he won't be a bust or that he won't be much more than Rik Smits. We don't know what he will become. Yes, Cato is overpaid, but at least he knows our system, and I haven't lost all faith in him. I think you guys are thinking too much about 2 seasons ago. He was getting some low double-doubles, he was getting double-digit rebounds, hell even towards the end of the season he was hitting some short jumpshots. He made an improvement in his FTs, and showed more passion and desire than previous seasons. Even during our losing streak, he was the one to say he didn't want to tank, and that he wanted the team to have the pride to win. --subtomic basically said it. We paid too much, he needs to be more consistent, he could develop just one post move and it would help alot, he has much room to develop, but just because we have drafted an unproven rookie with a supposed great upside, doesn't mean you dump the one serviceable center you have.
If we keep Cato and he comes ready to play, and once Ming gets use to the NBA style of play i wouldn't mind seeing them both of them on the floor at the same time in limited mins of course. Instead of the Rockets always going small lets go BIG for a change
I agree. Cato will be the starter on opening day and it will be up to Yao to take the position from him. Alot of drafting Yao Ming (or Kwame Brown or Amare Stoudamire or even Eddie Griffin) is for potential. I personally only see Ming logging about 24 mpg. Keeping Cato is a good idea. Cato and Yao are so different that guarding each other at practice (hopefully) will help strengthen each of them - (Yao for the "banging" and Cato for the foot speed development of guarding a perimeter type player).
Damn Right I would!!!!! To get a proven NBA veteran who can score down low, rebound, and play solid defense for a younger physically skilled big man who has alot of question marks would be fine with me. Remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Anyway if the player we were going to trade Ming for is not named Brand, Shaq, Duncan, or Garnett...I would prefer to take and keep Ming.
Cato should be dealt for a 2nd round pick, purely to get rid of him and his fat contract. He is a waste of space.
