[Chronicle] Rockets' Hayes faces tall responsibility

Running isn't a problem. It's that third dimension he has problems with.

Hayes is my favorite player, so its nice to see an article featuring hm now and then. Thanks for posting.

 

I love Chuckie, and its almost hilarious to think that he is now virtually the elder statesmen of this Rockets team.

 

I think Hayes should start at the beginning of the season, but I expect Andersen to take over after a couple of months. From what I saw in the spurs game, I highly doubt Hayes can defend elite centers since he even couldn't stop rookie Blair.

At least, Andersen's offense is decent. He even can shoot 3. Even if he cannot defend opponent centers, they will have difficult time to defend him either. But, if Hayes cann't defend well, he is useless on the court.

 

He was our starting PF for 1 1/2 seasons. It's no surprise that he's our starting C now that Yao and Deke are gone. He was already backing them up last year anyway.

 

Umm, Shane Battier.
Duh.

 

i dont think it matters, most of the time the center is firing the outlet pass, not running the break, unless you have David Lee playing center or someone like that...

The importance in running more is that chuck won't be in as many half court siutations, meaning the offense/defense won't be in a set position as much. Chuck now has the opportunity to cut inside when trailing a fast break. When they are set, there's less attention paid tothe post, and we should get the D moving more with a more balanced offense, meaning chuck can sneak away from his man and get open near the rim. I dont love 6'8 centers, but you gotta love chuck, his D is top notch, he can rebound, and i think he'll find himself easy and high % scoring opportunities in this offense.

 

Chuck Hayes

I like Chuck Hayes. I like his work ethic, toughness, and defense. I understand that due to our unfortunate injury situations he is probably going to be the starting center at least until Andersen get adjusted to the NBA game. HOWEVER, please DO NOT run plays for him on the offensive end! In the first 2 preseason games I've seen him posting up and in one case face up and try to take a man off the dribble (and it wasn't pretty!). LOL

I know it's preseason, but keep up the good DEFENSE Chuck. If we're running offensive plays for him it's going to be a LONG season!

 

Wow....I never knew that!

 

.. I don't think his height has hurt him so much. For those who has played any organized basketball will agree with me that Hayes is one of the smartest post defender in the league. By the way, the idea we will get crushed on the boards because our starting center is 6'6" is unfounded. He didn't lose the rebound battle by much against some of the elite PF/C in the league. He has gone against Tim Duncan, KG, Dirk, Pau Gasol as well as Bynum pretty well. On some of those match ups he was able to completely take them out of their game. He may not block many shots as some of the fans here would want mainly because of his height, but his positioning make it difficult to score in the paint for guards/ wing players. The swipe of the ball for big man who tries to drive on him, is always fun to watch.

 

Usually the plays that are "run" for him are broken plays. It's not like the team is like, "hmm, let's get Chuck going this trip down the court."

 

I'm just curious, do teams retire people's jerseys because they're team/fan favorites of all time or is it completely based on stats?

I'm not saying hayes should be but it popped it to my mind "if he stayed with us all of his career would people want his jersey retired?" (atleast based on his complete dedication and hustle) Just an example mind you

 

Do we wan't to play three offensive players against five offensive players.
Chuck shouldn't shoot and Battier doesn't want to! Not a good idea

 

Umm, He's injured right now.
Duh.

 

Hayes, Scola, Battier should never be traded. Thery are the key role players for a champion. Unless you are MJ and Pippen, then you need great role players to win the WC.

 

No worse than Ariza...

 

No way. landry need to be in 2nd unit for points. Scola will be starting center and Hayes will be starting PF for a while.

 

Since Hayes is starting, I'm really hoping Budinger can play defense well enough to start. Battier and Hayes should not play together unless there is a lot of firepower on the floor with them. The Rockets don't have that kind of firepower. Hayes, Ariza (probably will be asked to be average in ball usage this season), and Battier are all below average ball usage players. Scola is average. Brooks...well the fun police are still chasing him, but I don't think he will ever be caught.

 

Kind of difficult to think of a guy who's 6'6" and built like a wall as "undersized."

 

Be prepared for a long season reguardless.

However this is going to be a growing stage ...so dont sweat it.

GO ROCKETS!!!!

 

I really agree with Yetti. You can play a small, strong center if you're running, but he needs to be fomfomatable finishing as a trailer. If we're really going to give him big minutes at the 5, we will consistently have:

* "Flop and a hard place" as our interior defense, with Scola and Hayes. That's not much shotblocking or intimidation to penetration.

* playing a reduced, 4-on-5 (at best) offensive set, even in transition.

I like Chuck, and this may be our best option, but I'd say it won't lead to a lot of success.