Ok how sweet is it to see the Dream playing some meaningful minutes again? Rebounding, blocking shots, a dunk off a nice feed from Francis, and one behind the back pass to Stevie. Man, how bad do the Rox need Hakeem to play well again? I don't know, but he's played one heck of a first quarter...is it a surprise the Rox are up big so far?
The spin, fake one way, back the other 15-16 foot fadeaway on Shaq was vintage. Just having Cato and Olajuwon taking turns patrolling the paint has made a big difference defensively.
Ive been kind of down watching Hakeem this year. Its been painful at times. But watching him with his full breath in the 1st Quarter was inspiring. It seems he has found his role. Now if he could maintain it for the rest of this year, and into next, Id be a happy camper. Please oh please, Rudy lets start Hakeem and Cato at the 4 and 5 when they are both healthy.
I think its great to have the Dream coming off the bench against the backup or tired centers of our opponents. He is still a relly good player and can dominate these guys. As to starting Cato and Hakeem, it is better to have one in at a time so we can always try to intimidate people in the paint. If Cato can block Shaq straight up on the dunk attempt, who is going to give him real problems. How about this lineup Starters PG Francis SG Anderson PF KT SF Bullard C Cato Reserves PG Drew SG Cat PF Pig/Rogers SF Wizard C Hakeem
