I've just been reading some of these threads saying that we need Fortson for this reason or for that reason, or we need Jerome Williams. Before anybody gets too excited in thinking about signing these guys, think about what sort of big men the Rockets are looking for. First thing to consider; the Houston offense. If we're honest with ourselves we will acknowledge that the rockets want to run the offense through the guards. What role do the big men play in this offense? Their job is to either finish strongly on a cut/ pick'n'roll, or get their man away from the basket to open up the driving lanes. Those are the first qualities they must possess, secondly it would be nice if they could score in the post, but taht is more of a bonus than a pre-requisite. Second thing to consider; Houston defensively. Ok, I hear you, there is NO Houston defensively... but the key here is for the guards to be able to invade the passing lanes and break things up a little. What does this demand of the big men? That they are quick enough to fly down the floor to make themselves available for a finish, and to provide a bit of shot-blocking. Third thing; what is more important in Houston, offense or defense? Rudy is on record as saying that he wants guys to fit in with our new offensive style and he hasn't made significant moves or hinted at anything to improve our (woeful) defense. I guess Rudy's approach is "let's score tons of points - defense... ahhh heck let's see if they can outscore us" With that in mind we can now look at the big men available and see what is out there that would be worth thinking about. Let's take a look at our current big men; Kenny Thomas: ok, I know he's not good at it, but he sort of fits the offensive scheme - he can hit from outside (sometimes) and can score inside (sometimes) - hopefully with some seasoning he can choose his moments a little better........ Matt Bullard: we all know what Bull is good for - no doubt he opens up the court. Carlos Rogers: classic example of a strong cutter and finisher and has the ability to hit from 15-18 feet - he's a little streaky and maybe that's why he sits for so long... Hakeem: can hit from outside and score inside - and he's retiring at the end of this year and won't have a massive involvement with the team after that... Jason Collier: screen and rolls well, can shoot from outside. Dan Langhi: can score. Kelvin Cato: drops the ball when he cuts and never really had a jumper when he came here. If he can continue to work on his little baseline jumper then he's a definite fit - he's the main concession towards a defensive big man. Think about Danny Fortson now, sure we need his rebounding skills, but what he'd do for our offense would be terrible. His jumpshot isn't respected (and why would it be??) and his man would just slide down into the paint and clog up the driving lanes. Having him on the floor with Cato would prove disasterous. Jerome Williams - exactly the same thing. PJ Brown was a nice fantasy, he has that nice little jumper from 15 and he can set a nice screen, plus he fulfills all our defensive and rebounding needs - put A.Davis into that same category. Mo Taylor is a perfect fit offensively AND gives us a post up option - sure he doesn't fit defensively, but then again defense isn't the main strategy this season is it? So please stop dreamcasting Fortson in a rockets uniform, he just doesn't fit! ------------------
The point is somewhat moot now. Fortson has been dealt to the Warriors. ------------------ "Never underestimate the heart of a champion"
Gotta feel for the guy... he went through all that trouble posting a pretty good post, too. But what he says is still valid, of course. ------------------ Just shut up and post [This message has been edited by Dr of Dunk (edited August 14, 2000).]
My ideal situation, if we can't get that mega-stud PF, would be to get Taylor, and follow that up with Jerome Williams or Feick, or the like to back up Mo. DrN-I'd add to the job description of a Rockets big man on offense: 1. Occasionally take the backdoor alley oop. 2. When the defense decides to collapse our guards, have the ability to post up down low. ------------------ The Serious Police are watching. Follow the rules or be assimilated. Shandon is underrated.
I think Fortson was traded before I even posted - the point was not to say whether or not we should get the guy, he was just an example of a kind of PF that doesn't fit with the Rockets. DoD: Thankyou NIKE: agreed! - I think that's why Rudy is looking at MoT - sure he's not the best defender/ rebounder around, but what he can do is COMPLETELY fulfill the needs of the team in offense - and that's something we just don't have right now!! ------------------
You make some good points in regard to what we need for our PF position. The fact that Fortson got traded is almost irrelevant. Do I prefer Fortson or Taylor? At this point, I would say Mo. However, had he not been available and Fortson was left for the taking I would have jumped at the opportunity. He would have been a bargain at $2.5 million. ------------------ Nederland 2002 Qualifying Campaign (Damn those penalties!!!) Houston Rockets Space Center- Not just another ClutchCity.NET clone. We're that and more!
You cant have a power forward that can rebound, defend, shoot, and be able to post up... there are only a few of them and they are all stars right now. In other words, I agree about MO Taylor. He cant do all of them, but he does fit into our offense nearly perfectly. And Rudy did indicate offense over defense. Plus MO Taylor has the potential to become a good defender and rebounder. With MO on our team, we'd be pretty much unstoppable on offense. ------------------ president of the dan langhi fan club.
hmmmmmm, i'm trying to remember the last time offense won a championship in the NBA...........I GIVE UP.......that doesn't mean i wouldn't sign MO for one year, 2.25 milion......it's risk free.....he's like a temporary PF till we can get a defensively better one......A. Davis is the number one option.....PJ, not a possibility....... ------------------
