much has been discussed about deke not fitting in with adelman's offense. however, coach A has had players in big roles on his teams who couldn't shoot (christie, pollard, etc..) i believed that deke would be back until the steve signing. since then, rafer is obviously on the block, not just on the block but getting shopped hard. we can't keep him on the roster going into the season or there will be issues. for that fact, don't get your hopes up that a team (heat) will overpay (haslem) for a guy who the rockets NEED to get rid of. more likely, the rockets will need to throw in luther to get a decent deal done (foster). now, a lot of people are thinking that the rockets look a little thin at the 3 when looking at the depth chart. those people think that deke will be resigned and that rafer is moved for a 3. i'm not of that opinion. here's how i see the minutes being distributed on the perimeter: shane (30) tmac (36) steve (30) ---------- james and bonzi take the 18mpg behind steve and shane respectively, then split the 12 minutes available behind tmac at the 2. this gives both bench players 24mpg. there is no need for another perimeter player IMO. so, i vote that whoever rafer (and possibly luther) will be traded for will take deke's roster spot.
I don't think he will be back actually. He was a good player for us, especially with Yao down (which may make him a possibility of coming back), but I would like a younger big man.
Oh my freaking garsh. Why is no one talking about how just last season Deke turned it on and started playing like he was 20 years younger, proving that he still had much to give to effect the game, or does everyone have amnesia? Deke has proven he can still be one of the best back up centers in the league once again next year. That's how I feel about it.
It would be ridiculous not to bring Deke back. Even if he's third string, his presence is good for the team. He's a vocal leader, an exemplary human being and a mentor for our young big guys. Do you think Jackie Butler won't learn a thing or two from scrimmaging against Deke? I want him on the team. If nothing else, he's a mentor and a leader. But I haven't forgotten how amazing he was when Yao went down last season either.
There are two sides of the court, and he played well on the other side while he played OK on the other half. Scola and Hayes can make up for it.
Damn right, he was amazing when Yao went down. I think he was averaging like 11-12 boards a night. Great leader, and great guy to have around.
He wants to play here, he's still effective, he knows our team, and he's cheap. Why say no to that? Who'd back up Yao? Kelvin Cato?
deke is still a shot blocking and rebounding presence. sure we've known since day one that he isn't in there to put the ball in the bucket on the other end, but we have even more offensive fire power now than last year. last year juwan howard would sub in for hayes when deke would come in because then we'd have at least some offensive production from a big. this year scola we'll be much much more of an offensive presence than juwan. i used to cringe and yell at the tv when i'd see juwan post up cause it was a guaranteed brick. (his clothesline jumper was his only bread and butter) but scola's mix videos show a guy with a plethora of graceful lowpost moves and footwork. plus mike james and steve francis? adelman is seriously going to have the luxury of an entire 48 minutes of fresh legs with explosive offensive presence. we have the offensive buffer even moreso this year to keep a great defender like i believe deke still is...
I have a hunch either Deke or Chuck may not be back. If we trade for another big man that will make the team, it wouldn't make sense to sign both Deke and Chuck.
i hope both chuck and deke stays esp deke he deserves another shot at a ring. the guy has done so much for basketball on and off the court. this is the best rockets team assembled (on paper) since the glory days. and with juwan gone we need a vet leader/professional in the locker which mutombo is and was. all the other guys look up to him and his ethics. that alone can be invaluable to the team even if he sees a total of 30 mins the entire year on the floor.
Deke wants and deserves to retire as a Rocket. No one can deny his presence being anything but positive for us. Plus, he can help Butler make big strides in his development this season.
Let Butler take his spot. I think Butler is better Rick's system and will be a good C backup. I don't think we have the luxury of having 2. And any time Deke would get would only stunt Butler's growth.
