100% correct. To my knowledge, Rice has never been a "gym rat" or fitness freak. He is higher mileage than the average 34 year old player and will turn 35 in May. And Rice's huge contract makes it nearly impossible to persue Rashard Lewis. He was a bad move for the Rocks from Day 1.
This may not affect the people who don't believe in Rudy's credential's opinion, but one of the things Rudy first said that impressed him about Rice was his defense.
Rice wont give up anymore than our defense has this year. He will bring more offense. All in all, then, it has to be a benefit. His body definitely seems older than his age, but I still agree with those who predict the 13ppg, 4rpg type season, with average defense (once again no worse than currently): a) he doesn't strike me as the Cato type attitude. He will try his hardest to be healthy and effective day in and day out. b) even with his "old" body he can still shoot. to those who don't agree, just go to a Rocket's game about 40-60 minutes early and you'll see Rice firing away three after three (and generally making 90%) of them. c) his size will be an advantage. we have to many "sticks" on our team, which contributes to the inability to run consistently effective pick and rolls, despite the fact that it is our only true play. Walt should be able to set solid picks and fan out for open three pointers. Further, his size will help in guarding post-up players. d) I'd rather have more old, veteran players on our team these days anyway. Rice has won a championship and gone to the playoffs a number of times. He knows what it takes to get there and to win it all. No other player on our team does. Hopefully, his leadership will help.
The team might be playing a bit more effeciently, thanks to his veteran presence. But this team needs more offensive and defensive balance, preferably from a post player. They have too many jump shooters as it is.
I disagree with you guys Yes he may be a better defender than what we have now but that's not saying much. Houston can put up plenty of points without Glen, when Mo comes back. But what happens in the first round of the playoffs next year when Glen matches up with Wells/Patterson? I think he'll be a adaquate 24 minute per game player, since we're stuck with him anyway, but a replacement needs to be found soon. Playing a good draft pick behind Rice, or signing Marshall, strikes me as the best possible scenario. I want Houston to win a Championship. I doubt his continued health, lateral movement, and defensive commitment (no more than the rest of the team save EG&KT). What is Glen playing for at this point of his career? I truely hope he proves me wrong.
Behad, I think we are assuming WAY too much here. Glen still has very lively legs. Last year, with the Knicks, I watched a lot of Rice when he was healthy, and he can elevate. I watched a few games last year where he'd up fake the defender on the perimeter, and drive into the lane, and shoot a nice floater......and he was up there....hanging a bit, clutching the ball. I really don't know the impact of his current injury, but honestly Rice may still be very mobile when healthy. He showed me that last year. Granted, that was last year...but.......
