I don't think that's true, some of us care. But no news doesn't leave people much to talk about other than who replaces him if he's out.
I must say that the play he was injured on was officiated wonderfully. I always thought that a "chicken wing" was an automatic foul.... I suppose the exception is when it happens to a Rocket player ... especially a Rocket player who gets injured by the move. The NBA ... I love this game!
I remember people talking like this when news hit that Alston was hurt before the playoffs last year...like it was no biggy. However with Alston that series likely goes to a game 7. Thus far this season, Chuck is our only guy that can hinder opposing bigs who are taking over the game (see also: Aldridge, Nowitzki). Big loss if he misses significant time.
For those that still question the importance of Hayes, if he is out for a few games with the team defense being as bad as it is right now, we will see why he is so valuable. If it wasn't for Hayes, we may be 2-3 or 1-4 right now. His defense is so good that, in the coaches' eyes, it was worthing sitting both Scola and Landry late in games. They were right. In at least 3 games, Hayes came in and stopped the bleeding. He repeatedly shut down players 5 and 6 inches taller than him, wheither it was Dirk or Aldridge or Garnett. Reggie Miller was a fool on TNT last night. Sure, we wish Hayes had a two-way game but his defense was more needed than Scola's or Landry's offense down the stretch against the Blazers. I would go as far as to say that if they call the offensive foul on Aldridge correctly and Hayes doesn't get hurt/foul out, we probably win that game. I used to get endlessly frustrated with Hayes when he was starting a few years ago. I still don't think he is a starter because of his offensive deficiencies but at the same time, his defensive abilities are among the best in the league. There are nights when we will need him for 25-30 minutes because nobody else on this team can do what he does. I hope he's a Rocket for the next 8-10 years. We will always have a need for him.
He hurt the same shoulder at least once last season. I don't remember if he wore a shoulder brace (though it's likely that he did if you think he might have).
Great post and completely agree. Hayes changed the game when he came in. Funny thing is, McMillan must not know who Chuck Hayes is, because the Blazers kept dumping the ball to him in the post even after he put up brick after brick when Chuck was defending him. I kept on telling myself "can't they see who's guarding him...time to move on to another plan". But no, they kept trying when it was obvious Hayes was dominating Aldridge defensively. Regarding Miller and rest of the TNT crew...I was amazed they actually tried to argue a case against having Hayes on the floor and even ridiculed Adelman for this move. I've never been one to overly criticize announcers (other than Scott Hastings, who I have deal with consistently living in Denver), but in this case it was way too obvious that they were just either not analyzing what was going on in the game, or they were just clueless.
For those that really hate no Chuck, you all will learn a lesson on how essential he is to our defense. He might not be able to put up points, but as you all saw last night, Landry and Scola cannot defend as well therefore we get burned by PF's. Battier, Hayes, and Deke are essential to this Rockets D. Our defense was already pretty bad, now it's going to get worst. Ron Artest is great individual defender, but not a great help defender, although still good. Oh well, I hope Hayes isn't out for long.
