Game 4 is why the Rockets did not invest in a backup C

What Birdman is now, is what the Rockets hoped Dorsey would be imo. No one was sure that Birdman would be this good. I still have hope for Dorsey.

 

I think this is a little on the knee-jerk side. Lets see if we actually win this series before we proclaim we didn't need a backup like Deke after all. If Bynum ever wakes up from his hibernation and Gasol explodes, we might need an actual big man.

 

No Sherlock. Yao Ming played more minutes in 07 playoff by CHOICE, depending on matchups. It doesn't mean this backup by committee thing can eliminate the priority in a backup center. the In fact, many people were saying, maybe including you, I'm not sure, we would have had a better chance of winning if Deke played more. They did end up signing Deke midseason again.

Yao Played heavy minutes this year, in many way, forced. Deke was the first off bench for Yao, and was playing significantly more minutes than regular season. Only when Deke went down, Yao played significantly more. In any case, if Rockets does have a capable 7 footer in reserve, I think RA would use him right about now. Those Gasol offensive rebounds would be cut down.

See the subtly in logic? My original reply was sultry, 'cause I don't think Rockets would believe they can rely on center by commitee. All told, I believe Morey will bring on a backup center this off season.

 

I don't know what you are talking about. But I'll just ignore you as you suggested.

 

By going by the trend of game 1 and 2 of the Portland series, Adelman used Deke as a part of the rotation. So if the idea was to go small all along, then why did he use Deke to give Yao rest?

I think they didn't have another backup center because of money. Yes there were 7 footers available but they typically cost more than Barry.

 

I'm not sure about that. I remember prior to Mutombo re-signing, Morey said that although he'd love to add Deke, he was pretty happy with the team as it stood, and didn't see a dire need to add another big.

Against the Lakers, I think the Rockets have been able to get away with small ball because the Lakers' backup center Bynum has been playing so poorly. If Bynum doesn't get it together and Hayes can somewhat neutralize Gasol, there is much less of a size advantage for the Lakers going forward.

As for the future, I'm not sure what Adelman and Morey will do. They must be pretty happy with the playoff performance of Scola and Hayes, power fowards who can also man the center spot. On the other hand, they'll have to be concerned how the team's defense of the paint suffered during the regular season when Yao went to the bench.

 

Eh, I think it's more the result of drafting Dorsey, instead of wanting to be small.

Just so happened that they didn't realize till much later that he's just not getting "it"

 

I'm sorry you don't remember what you write:

would calling it "recipe" as you do, in stead of formula make you happier?

 

At that time nobody would know. At least Barry was a great shooter, had championship experience, and could handle the ball a little. A low risk move.

 

That's probably correct. They were hoping Dorsey pull another Landry. When you found out, they didn't have good options and quickly went back to Deke.

 

I was concerned about the small lineup during the regular season, because it really didn't work very well (see Yao Mings's On/Off +/-). But I think the small unit may very well be gelling as the season went on, and may be doing better nowadays.

One problem they had all year in the absence of a shotblocker is that they tended to allow more penetration and scores at the basket, but they really didn't struggle with that last night. May be a bit of a fluke, who knows.


Now, of course if you can get an effective tall guy, go after it... I was for Dikembe not because he was tall, but because he still had great rebounding ability and defensive instincts. He was effective. There is, however, no point in bringing in a tall stiff just to say you have another 7 footer when you are way better off playing Hayes, Landry and Scola.

 

Pretty much it. I can't remember if they got Artest before or after Barry, but Jackson was pretty much gone either way, and they needed insurance for Brooks.

 

I agree. I think Adelman prefers having the option to go both big and small, and has the personnel to pull it off.

 

actually OP got me thinking. the modification of the illegal defense rule has almost nullified the significance of a scoring center. i don't remember having a center ranking in the top 10 scoring since the rule change so it kindnda makes the OP comment sensible. good observation.

 

I watched the Euroleague Final Four. If the Rockets were smart they would go after that guy HARD. He's a big time gem just waiting to be had.

 

A low risk move,yes. I didn't expect much from him. A lot of people here got excited because of one great playoff game while ignoring the fact that he went missing because of injuries and hadn't done much in the playoffs either for the Spurs until then.