With the shot-blocking abilities of Eddie Griffin, Dikembe Mutombo, and Yao Ming (at least, lately), we definitely have one of the best shot-blocking teams in the NBA (along w/ San Antonio) I think if JVG can limit Eddie Griffin from laying out those atrocious, flat bricks from the 3 pt line, he can be a very serviceable PF for the Rockets.
I voted no, but I think the effect on the Rockets would be secondary. I don't think it is a good idea to bring someone with his troubles back into the place where a lot influences and situations that supported those troubles are in close quarters with EG again. If he fell off the wagon, and lost his way again that would end up hurting the Rockets. I think it is healthier for Griffin to keep growing in a different situation for now.
He should've never been cut in the first place. If rudy was coaching last year he would've been there for eddie. Maybe if he had a caring person he could talk to nothing would've happened and he still would be a rocket. if he wants to come back and sign for cheap then why not? I'm sure JVg would never allow it though.
Personally, if he would return I would take him for his ability alone. He is a natural shot blocker, has put on some muscle, and still makes over a third of his three pointers, which is as good as hitting 50% from inside the arc. I would love to bring him on as backup to JH next year. That being said, I just don't see the Rockets pursuing him.
If the price is right and he is willing to come off of the bench behind Juwan Howard. But no long term deal. 2 years cheap with a team option in the 3rd year. If he wants a big pay day let him get it with someone else.
I think EG has been humbled and would come back a new player.. If he could be the same player he was before he left and wanted to come home I would definately be all for it. he is our prototypical PF.. good height long arms can rebound / block shots has range but if he scrapped going to the 3pt line and focused on taking long midrange jumpers (elbow, top of key, etc) he would be much more valuable. J
Dead horse... meet beating. Beating... meet dead horse. Can we please just move forward (and away) from our prior failed experiments? I highly doubt Griffin would want to come back, anyway.
If he can't play for Minnesotta who is an offensive oriented team, then he definitely can't play for us considering we're a "defense-first" team. I've seen a couple of Timberwolves games and his defense is lacking. Doesn't know hot to get position and his low post defense is non-existent. We do not need a scoring PF. We need a more prototypical PF (CHarles Oakley type) who does not take shots away from Yao and is a tough rebounder and presence.
We need a power forward with a jumpshot that can keep the defense from doubling yao before he even get the ball. EG is a good rebounder and blocker too, still need to work on his post defense, but that isn't as important with the zone.
Actually, I think Eggie has the skills we need in a power forward. We were so interested in pursuing Donyell Marshall but Toronto wanted too badly to dump Jalen Rose as part of a deal. Ironically, JVG dumped Eggie before the head-case stuff kicked in; he wanted a power forward who played close to the basket; and yet he pursued Marshall and, to a lesser extent, Austin Croshere (3 point shooter, stretch the defense, etc etc). Shot blocking and 3 point shooting to back up the 4 and the 5, sometimes the 3. Can't beat that. And yet once Eggie returned he would inevitably drift on out to Sugar Land and get his a$$ in trouble again.
God damn, not this crap again. He sucks. He's worse than Bostjan Nachbar. I'm not even kidding, look at his stats.
He's been humbled because he had his worst season ever. He'd be the worst defensive 4 on our roster though, that's for sure. A few blocked shots every now don't account for the fact that he gets torched in the post with regularity. I don't know why you think he'd be a valuable player without taking 3's, either, considering he shoots a lousy % from two point range. hell you take away threes and he's got nothing at all.
I think he would become more valuable in the JHoward/CWebber mold. Where he spots up near the top of the key and on the elbows for easy kick outs. If he can knock down that shot consistently and still rebound / block shots he would be perfect for us. He would in essence be a younger more athletic JHoward minus some post moves but better rebounder and shot blocker. If he could put on some weight would be a plus. J
Put on weight? He's big for his height. He needs to put on muscle and shed some of that fat. Seriously though, he's not even close to what the Rockets want in a power forward.
Looking at Griffin, I don't think he can put on much more weight in muscle. His build reminds me alot of Joe Smith, and so I think he will probably always be thin, weak and undersized to play the 4. If he had been serious about improving his game, he would have worked on his handles and improved his outside shooting form so that he could have switched to the 3-spot. I wouldn't waste any money on Griffin - the only reason I'd be glad to get him was if he was packaged with Garnett in a trade for some of our scrubs
Let's just make this thread a sticky. Jesus Christ, it never goes away! We jump all over Steve Francis' back when he misses a team flight for the Super Bowl, but when Griffin punks out the team so badly that he's actually FIRED we're all about forgiveness. And he wasn't even all that good! JVG and CD have done a FABULOUS job this season of filling holes with the right guys and building a team with REAL chemistry. I honestly don't think Eddie Griffin, who bashed his ex-teammates for being cliquish after he got ****canned, is the guy we want at the four. He's not better than Juwan, and whoever the backup will be sure ain't gonna be making the kind of jack I'm sure Griffin wants (and will get, somewhere).
A mature and bulk-up EG is what the doctor would order for us. Athletic and long with lateral quickness, excellent weakside shot-blocker, good rebounder, ability to make outside jumpers...yeah...I would take a chance on him.
