Anyone else kinda sad seeing that Deke isn't playing this year? I mean the guy took less money to come back for his swansong to play for a chance at a title. Then there was this statement by Adleman back in Dec. Yao Ming is averaging the third most minutes of any center in the NBA (behind Dwight Howard and Chris Kaman), and Rockets' coach Rick Adelman admitted that he has to consider limiting his playing time somewhat. "I'm not concerned, but I know I have to back him off some," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "He kind of thinks that. But then (Wednesday) I was going to take him out in the first quarter and he said, 'No, I feel good, I feel good.' Against some of these teams that we're playing, I really need to think about getting (Dikembe Mutombo) in there." I'm not saying to play him 20 - 30 min but in a game like last night, he could have played Deke 10 minutes in relief of Yao Ming. I just want to see more incredible blocks from the old man before he goes and that finger wag from the paint. Deke is so humble. He even had this to say about his own playing time. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2008/01/mutombos_final_dc_finger_wag.html "I just want to be a mentor to these young guys. If I can inspire them and lead them to the right direction to understand what it takes to prepare for the game, just be an example for them," Mutombo said. "If I get in fine, if I don't, I'm going to be on the bench and cheering for my friends. "Some of teammates are like, 'Deke, why are they not playing you this year?' I'm like, 'It's not about that,' " Mutombo said. "I've accomplished everything, all-star, defensive player of the year, whatever you want to do." From a pure basketball perspective, I like Deke in limited minutes at the Center spot with Landry and Scola at both sides. That would be a nice ten minute lineup with Yao out of the game. Defensively, you get better and you don't lose much offensively with Landry and Scola. I'm still rooting for Deke and will miss him after this year.
he's was sign for the "just in case Yao gets injured" so as long as YAo is not injured ..Deke will be a cheerleader..I don't think he minds that..he's a mentor to our rookies and also Yao...he's doing a lot of things off the court...
Yeah, I was hoping for Deke to actually be in the rotation this year. He can still be useful in limited time. But with the emergence of Carlton Landry, there's not much room for Deke.
Deke is a professional, I'm sure he understands he'll get in when the matchups are right, we are fortunate to have a Yao, and others that can counter with their centers. If it was still a Centers game like in the mid 90's with Hakeem, Shaq, DRob, Ewing, he would be in there no probs. But the only other legit 7 footer to really counter against is Dwight Howard and an aging Shaq.
Deke has the best seat in the house, don't feel sorry for him. He's not looking for heavy minutes either. But Yao's minutes does need to be cut down, give Deke about 10-15 minutes a game. Look for us to sign Jake Tsakalidis in the offseason. And hire Deke as an assistant coach.
yea where is Jake Tsakalidis? he played pretty well for us last year didnt he? he has a midrange jumper and knows how to hit a FT.
It doesn't make me sad but i feel sorry for him because he's one of my favorite players ever, definetly among the top 10 centers ever and one of the most humble players i've ever seen. There's something about the less fortunate to be extremely humble (also Africans, look at Olajuwon how humble he was) and i love what he's doing for charity. He's an example for all the rich people all over the world, because everybody with money imo should do what he does. When it comes to success in the NBA indeed Deke has done it all except for one thing: win a championship. He's also in the category, if the Rockets don't win it this year, of players who deserved it most to win a championship. This guy has done all the dirty work, one of the major factors in the 1994 Nuggets succes (as well as former and further years), has always been a team player, a clean player and really fun to watch. He's been around for so many years and if there was one player i would grant a championship it would be him. I love he's still around and part of this Rockets team and if they would win a championship with him he will have a place in Rockets history. Two of the leading shot blockers of all time have been Rockets !! Just thinking about makes me happy and really appreciative of both Hakeem & Deke for what they've done for this franchise. The only left to do is get that championship this year, let Yao receive it and pass it first to Deke who can then pass it on to T-mac etc.
I think he is good for 6-8 minutes a game just to throw a different look at opponents. Outside of Yao, this team has no other shot blockers in the rotation so I would not be surprised if Deke came in and blocked 2-3 shots in just a couple of minutes as some of these young cats try to test him. The problem is that he has the absolute worst hands in the league and finishes at an extremely low rate. For those complaining about Chuck not finishing at the rim take a walk down memory lane and think about how bad Deke has been in the last few seasons. It would be imperative that he be in with scorers to cover up for him. Brooks/Alston Tmac Bonzi Scola Deke could work well for a few minutes a game
Deke is getting paid good money to get a front row seat, no need to feel sorry for him. I'm sure he knows he's older, how important Yao is, and what his own role is now. He's had his time to shine in the past.
didn't deke say that he was retiring because he wanted to spend more time with his family? i don't see him as a future assistant coach for that reason, at least not in the next few years.
Deke did play the other night for a bit. I think it is fine, if anything we may need him for the playoffs when teams play more physical and we need another shot blocker in the middle. I think he is a great leader though to all the young guys on the team showing them what it means to be a professional. How many times have you heard our young guys say to the media how much Deke means to them? if anything I would want the rockets to win a ring for deke, if anyone in the NBA deserves a ring who doesnt have one right now its him.
I actually think Deke is enjoying himself this year. He's having a good time on the bench, and he's actively involved throughout the games. He's like a mentor for all our bigs. Personally, I'd love to get paid 1 million dollars to just sit on the bench of Rocket games.
Love Mount Mutombo. Wish I could've seen him play in last night's blowout. He can still come in and block some shots and pull down some boards.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing when he didn't get any minutes in the 4th quarter. I don't know why RA didn't put him in.
we don't need him as much because other teams don't have big men who are threats that can't be managed by hayes, landry, or scola. come playoffs, deke and shaq can go at it, deke and bynum, basically any game a strong inside defensive presence is needed
When Yao gets a severe ankle sprain or something next year don't worry. Mutombo will be resigned late and come to the rescue. He will also stick with us for the playoff push. Just a hutch.
