Who can really stop Garnett? Who can stop Amare? Thing point is that, yes the elite PFs can't be stopped, but you keep them honest when you're on offense--which means that you have to have an ability to score to keep them from sagging off of you. You think any team out there is going to be worried about Chuck Hayes? It's a double edged sword with Hayes--defense sags off of him because they know he can't shoot from beyond 5 ft so they can double team Tracy and Yao. But then Hayes gets his easy layups and dunks and that's all fine, until you realize that a defense will let him do that all night long because they know it's Yao and Tracy that needs to score, not Chuck Hayes.
first off, thank you those who did the stats on haslem's defense. On the rebounding side, there's no doubt that both players(comparing wif hayes) are very capable. After seeing the stats, I am convinced that Hayes actually has a better defense than haslem. For one thing, Morey mentions that Hayes' defense is fantastic and at a marquee level(something similar at least). Add that with the stats to back it up, it seems haslem is not sorely needed on this roster. Also for those who have seen hayes play defense against okur or boozer, u'll know whta I'm talking about. Okur suked in this series because of hayes. Besides, for the limited time that Hayes was guarding Boozer, he was effective. The only guy on our roster last year capable of disrupting the monstrous Boozer was Hayes. So given this, it seems Haslem's only advantage over Hayes is on the offensive end, something that Scola is hopefuly able to provide. So I say we only trade for him only for rafer plus scrubs(maybe not even wif head) or unless come training camp when we see that scola is not capable.
Look at the big scheme of things. Can anyone really actually guard Garnett? Are we going to see him more than 3 times a season?
One who is quick. Who's out there? And I'm still wondering what Butler can give us. (and I wish we could get Barnes. he's not a 4, more of a 3/4, but I really like him. only a sign and trade, and GS will keep him, not doubt)
Garnett shot below 40% against teams with big defenders except for Ben Wallace. Spurs(Elson? Duncan?) Chicago(Ben Wallace) Golden State(Biedrins?) Detroit(Rasheed Wallace) Toronto(Bosh?) Orlando(Battie/Howard/Darko?)
Wow. You actually can remember all 9 minutes that Wells got on the floor? In all seriousness, you have to agree that this newfound system (and it IS in its infancy) is flawed because of what you stated--small sample size. If you are going to use it as a litmus test on how a player performs defensively, I wonder if you're going to pick Eric Snow with a 54 rating or Raja Bell with a 24 rating? Or heck, Hayes with a 91 rating over Prince with a 46? I'm not saying that he wasn't a great compliment to Yao because he was. He does what Yao doesn't do--bang down low for boards. But you can't say that he's the absolute BEST fit. Heck, if there was a player like Otis Thorpe right now, I'd be drooling over the prospect of getting him to play next to Yao and, if you remember, Thorpe wasn't a liablity on offense at all.
Actually, I am quite perplexed with some posts on this thread (with respect to the posters, I have no intention of dissing here). If I am to believe this, we are actually looking for a power forward who can rebound and score and still defend against Duncan, Garnett and Boozer. I doubt any power forwards of those type are coming cheap or in exchange for scrubs. Especially the 6 foot 11 inches variety. BTW, if the ladies and gentlemen on this board had watched T-Mac's interview (where he was informed that Francis had signed), he mentioned that the team needed a rebounding power forward, not another scorer as we have enough scorers on the team already. Think realistically people... if every position on our team is perfect, the rest of the NBA might as well just give up and hand us the Championship on a platter.
One thing to keep in mind Hayes plays a lot less. It is easier to have more impressive stats at low 20s MPG than low 30MPG. That said I think Haslem is slightly overrated. He is a top of the bottom quarter or bottom of the 3rd quarter starting PF. Still he is a better player than Hayes. Haslem can give you 30 MPG of servicable play--I don't see that in Hayes. I also think Alston would really help Miami. He can give them 30 minutes of solid PG play. Good defense and good set up--exactly what Miami needs. They were interested in Blake, and Alston is a stronger more defensive version. Alston + Hayes (S&T) for Haslem IMO would really help both teams. (We can throw in Novak or JL3 or the rights to Landry too) Mia would overall gain in athleticism and defense with Alston and Hayes as starters (really exposed versus Chi). Formost Mia gets a decent workhorse PG whose first job will be to get the ball to Wade and Shaq, and 2nd job will to be D up, 3rd job spot up at the 3. He is solid in these respects. Mia also has the offensive alternative to Hayes in Walker they can turn to, or maybe get another PF to mix in there (Simeon, Wright)--I think they can take their chances they won't slip too bad. Novak or JL3 is a flyer on the cheap who maybe can provide 3 point shooting. Mia is also in need of filling roster spots and they are better bets than CBA guys. In Houston's case, 1st, we have gained a servicable PF with all around skills. Hopefully Scola plays well and we can split the job 50/50, but Haslem, unlike Hayes, is a much better option if Scola is foul prone and we need 30+ minutes from him. Also, we have thinned out our roster without cutting guys or paying up on their contracts to basically acquire 1 slightly superior player. Another alternative would be James for Haslem strait up. We acquired (not signed) James, if he were pissed so what (but how pissed would he be being traded to a place where he has all the PG minutes he can have next to Wade and Shaq?), it wouldn't be like we duped him as a FA. The problem here though is then Mia hasn't addressed the PF spot or filled in more roster spots (but if they could get Barnes and PJ Brown they would be fibe), that is why I like the 1st one better.
Nick Collison might be a better fit than Haslem. He's a battier type of guy except he does all the dirty work inside. I'd be happy with either player, but I still think Scola will start for us, but having one of these guys as our backup PF would be awesome.
I have not see Haslem play a lot other than the Finals a couple years ago. But that was more than enough for me to be sold on him. He is a winner. He made tons of big shots (midrange jumpers) and grabbed tons of big rebounds in that series. I remember thinking to myself at the time, Miami would not have won the title without this guy's play. If we can get him for Rafer and filler, do it without hesitation.
But Haslem can rebound...in addition to his scoring. It's not like Haslem DEMANDS the ball on every play...he's no KG as far as scoring. He's an above average rebounder and has a good bball IQ. Haslem's been mentioned by the chronicle as Miami's trade bait for Alston. Why would the Heat want Rafer?... ...The Heat have missed out on PG after PG...so it's understandable they would give up something for Alston, who has a strong history in Miami. Also, Rafer's played under the JVG defense, something Riley would possibly see as an asset in Rafer's game. Haslem is the Battier of power forwards...he does everything you want in a power forward decently...not great in any category, but at least decently across the board. In my opinion, the Rockets have too many players that "compliment" each other. They need to start finding players that more of an all around game...no more "Deke has defense and Novak has offense...have them play together off the bench"...the Rockets need a player with both...Haslem fits that bill and more.
Collison?! How quickly we forget....... <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O21Nw3UxbE0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O21Nw3UxbE0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> P.S. Raise your hand if you have the stones to pick a fight with Chris Wilcox. I know if that guy was coming after me i'd be running.
Agreed! Haslem has won on the college level Haslem has won it all on the NBA level. Some might say Haslem won because of Dwade and Shaq...the Rockets don't look to far away from that mold and more. If the Haslem deal does not go down, I'd go for Jeff Foster....he's the most realistic option, and he is a BEAST on the boards. Yao/Hayes....Foster/Scola. you take the compliment route if Haslem is off the table
This is another reason I think Haslem would be great here, he would fit in without demanding the ball, is a team player and a good locker room guy. And as mentioned above, Haslem has won at the NBA level and is proven aswell. I'll let Haslem and Scola dual it out for the starting power forward role but favour Haslem at the start because of his NBA experience but wouldn't be surprised if the minutes were split.
What is that the T-Rex walk? Shimmy didn't work out too well, huh? Walker is WAY to inconsistent. Haslem:Battier of Power Forwards as Walker:Alston of Power Forwards
If we could get Haslem and Doleac It would be all good. . . I like Doleac and he had decent game but that was several years ago . . dunno what he like now if his game is still consistant for 10~15 minutes a game I'd be happy Rocket River Rafer + Head + Sura = Haslem and Doleac . . .GOOD
Scola would more than likely back up Haslem (or Chuck Hayes). Scola has an adjustment, particularly defensively. Start out with the defensive/rebounding player, Halsem or Hayes, bring in Scola for scoring punch with the 2nd unit. Close games with whatever is working better.
