http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5217034.html Oct. 16, 2007, 12:58AM Rockets give Yao lots of backup How many centers does a team need? New coach Rick Adelman faces a tough choice in deciding which big men will fill out his roster By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle With every turn, there is an elbow challenging him, or a drop step to test him. Wherever Yao Ming turns, the Rockets are loaded with sparring partners. On one end, he goes against Dikembe Mutombo and his talent for swatting shots that earned four defensive player of the year awards. On the other end, Yao faces Jackie Butler, and his combination of low-post moves and 260 pounds of bulk. One goes out, another comes in, and Yao never has an easy possession. On the practice court, it's a pretty good setup. But on the roster, things could be as crowded as stuffing them all into the back seat of a Honda. "It's really hard," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said of the roster and rotation decisions to come. "It's going to depend on the people we play. I like the rotation of Yao, Luis (Scola) and Chuck (Hayes). We can also play small. But we're going to need Dikembe against bigger guys. And, we have to find a way to use him offensively, because he's totally different from Yao. That's one I'm going to wrestle with. "That's a process we're going to have to talk through by the time the 26th comes, which way we're going to go. Jackie Butler's been pretty good when he's played. That's going to be our hardest decision, I think, when we get down to choosing the 15 guys." Especially at center, where Yao and Mutombo are unique, the decision will be more complicated than collecting the most talent possible. Yao's combination of size and offensive skills allows the Rockets to use him differently than any other center. Mutombo, 41, is the NBA's oldest player, but after a slow start last season, had a stunning run of success when Yao was injured. Butler, acquired in the trade to get Scola, is just 22 years old and the youngest Rocket. Yao missed 59 games the past two seasons, making the decision about his backup especially important. Mutombo's age might require a backup for the backup. But the Rockets' roster, with 20 players under contract, might not leave much room for that luxury. "That's something you have to think about, insurance," Adelman said. Beware the numbers crunch Butler was clearly aware of the numbers crunch. But he said he tries not to think about it, choosing to concentrate on giving Yao a workout and hoping to improve, too. "I'm just here to work," Butler said. "That's all I'm here for. Hopefully, I can get a chance. Just maintain, just go out there and play and try not to do too much that you know you can't do. Just try to show coach what you can do. "I'm just trying to make him (Yao) work as hard as he can. Me, I'm just trying to help him, work him out. I'm getting better, but Yao is a hard guy to guard, man. Seven-six and 300-some-odd pounds, that's a lot to deal with. I'm just going to try my best to contain him." For Mutombo, who does not have to concern himself with making the team, the goals are different. Normally, Mutombo uses the preseason to get in shape, and is trying to get sharp well into the regular season. But this summer he worked out more often than in past offseasons, reporting in much better shape. But as is his custom, he played no basketball. For Mutombo, this preseason, with its increased emphasis on scrimmages, has been about getting his game rather than body ready for the season. "This is good," Mutombo said, waving toward the Toyota Center floor where the Rockets had played a simulated game. "We've been doing this since training camp. "This is good for me to get me back in basketball condition, because I don't touch the ball in the summertime." Mutombo has not played in either of the first two preseason games. Adelman said he has tried to avoid having his backup centers chase 3-point shooters around the court, but has liked getting a look at using Hayes and Scola together, anyway. But as useful as having so many options can be, it will not make things easier when rosters must be set. Versatile forwards help "It's like I used to say: You go with two point guards, but you always seem to need three," Adelman said. "I think three centers is what you need, too, as you get through a season. I do think we're pretty versatile with the forwards we have, but when we go that way, we become pretty small." With that, he exhibited why the roster choices will be so tough. jonathan.feigen@chron.com The decisions continue to be tough. I'm for keeping 3 centers. Discuss....
in my opinion mutombo takes away an undeserved roster spot. i really like dikembe and his play the last couple of season for the rockets has been stellar, but the organization moved to another direction. with jvg gone and guys like scola and butler on the roster there really isn't any need for him. it probably was a mistake to re-sign him. i'd rather develop butler and use scola at the 5.
If you can say that with a straight face then god help you. moutombo is the 2nd best backup C still in the game. besides Zo, there is'nt anyoneelse who can shots and play intimitading D like big Deke. why do you think the C were offering him almost 4 million to sign with them?. remember when yao was out, 14 boards and 3 blocks a game. thats prime bemn wallace numbers.
The only reason Butler has a chance of making the team is concern about Yao getting injured. If Yao plays the whole season, Butler will be inactive 90% of the time. Even if Yao gets injured, is Butler good enough to be in the rotation?
Jackie Butler averaged 0 blocks per game for two out of the three seasons he's played. His best season was a measly .6. He makes Juwan Howard look like Ben Wallace. We still need our intimidating 7'2" Cookie Monster out there blocking shots and wagging his finger.
the truth is, mutombo is at least 41 years old. he may be a good backup center and he might even fit in as a starter for 10 games or so but he won't last for an entire season. another truth is, that he will be basically useless against the majority of teams we face in the upcoming season. adelman's system is totally different from jvg's. what's dikembe's role offensively? if you consider the fact that he can only play against a minority of true centers anyway you should see that there's only a limited role for him. if yao and scola are healthy, mutombo will see 5 minutes of playing time every 3 games or so at best. he won't be a factor. and even if yao gets injured again. i just can't see a 41 year old slow footed defensive specialist in an uptempo and creative offense. he just doesn't fit in. so, after this season (where he won't be a factor anyways) mutombo will be gone. and so will be butler. i'd rather have scola playing more center and keeping butler. butler is weak defensively. but he's also only 22 years old, has a big body and some talents offensively. if you consider all those aspects there really shouldn't be another option. and btw mutombo never averaged 14 boards and 3 blocks a game when yao was out.
I rather waive Novak or even snyder then butler. butler has pretty good low post skills. he can score. not to mention he is versatile enough to play Both the 4 and 5 position. you cant teach size. he is a big body who can score. I say keep him around. deke wont be here forever. we need a replacement for the big fella. groom big jackie butler for next season.
10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks to be correct. it was quite impressive. but my points above are valid nonetheless.
There's no doubt that Mutumbo makes this roster and I feel that he deserves. Even if he does only get 5 minutes every 3 games, he seems like a great guy to have on the bench and in the locker room. Not to mention that I don't think you could ask for a better guy for Yao to practice against. Mutumbo will last all season because, hopefully, we won't be asking much of him. I think we'll see more Scola at backup center than we will Deke, but I'd put my trust in Mutumbo over that of Butler. That being said, because of the injury bug I say Mutumbo makes the 12, Butler makes the cut but on the incactive list.
