With Yao and Cato playing so well, Jason Collier can't break into the lineup. However, until Mo Taylor recovers, Jason can do very well backing up Eddie Griffin. As I have said in other threads, Collier was a PF in college and that is his natural position. Because the Rockets needed center help in the years after he was drafted, Collier was designed as a center because he is a true 7 feet and 265 pounds. However, if Eddie gets into foul trouble playing Stoudemire, Collier can put some added beef on the front line. True, he isn't as fast as some, but he can punish opposing players with bulk and a deft shot if they leave him alone. I am looking forward to seeing Jason do some offensive and defensive damage tonight.
I agree, Collier has some weight to throw around and that may be his niche to catch on in this league. With Amare tonight he can get rough and tough with the rookie and show some backbone. At the very least he could give some much added relief to a depleted front-line. I know that Collier is star or world beater but he set a mean pick, hit a mid range j, and get a few rebounds.
He just doesn't fit w/ this run and gun team. He's more like a Backup Waterboy. Just ship his a$$ to the NBDL for some development.
Waaaay harsh! Whenever Collier gets a chance to play, he plays remarkably well. He is a great backup for the Ming-Cato tandem and the Griffin-Taylor tandem. I don't think Collier will be better than any of those players, but he is a quality backup for each tandem. He doesn't complain and, when he gets the chance, he plays hard. The Rockets need that kind of player ready to go.
In a couple of games that Collier played this year he did do ok. He definately didn't make himself look bad out there. Rice's injury could be a blessing in disguise for Jason
Excellent point! Jason can run, rebound, set a mean pick and has a nice touch out to 15-18 feet. Could he be a bigger, interim Mo Taylor?
