If Cato will come out and play just the way CD predicted this guy will play this season, I guess Cato will be an asset to this club. ------------------ Rudy T. will find and fulfill Rockets destiny.
I honestly think it was partly fatigue that affected Cato's play. I've been following this guy since his college days at Iowa. I remember when he was w/ Portland he seemed really down about his playing situation since he got very little PT playing behind Wallace, Grant, Sabonis, etc. When interviewed he alluded several times to the fact that he hoped he could just stay in the league a FEW more years and have a decent career cuz he felt like he'd never get any PT or might have to go play in Europe or something. So I can see how he probably began doubting himself and hence stop working hard in practice, conditioning. I don't question the guys heart though cuz I did see him dominate many college games defensively when he was w/ Iowa St. In one NCAA Tournament game he simply destroyed Shareef Abdur-Rahim, getting at least 9-10 recorded blocks in that game and single-handedly shutting down Cal in the second half. I think he just needs some PT this year to get more consistent. ------------------
Gotta agree with DrN. Cato started 8 games as a rookie in Portland and avg/d 13.6 min/g. The season prior to the trade to Houston, Cato started NO games and avg'd 12.7 m/g. I am sure it was a major physical AND mental change to go from Portland's bench to Houston's bench to Houston's starter for 32 games. Vince said he would be happy with "10pts., 8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks". IMHO if Cato comes to camp in shape and prepared to play say 30 minutes per game, I see no reason why that couldn't be 13/10/2.5. I think Cato will benefit if/when Mo gets doubled. ------------------ GATER
For once, I have to disagree with the Dr. I think that any of these highly paid NBA players should always be in shape to play 40 minutes a game, no matter if he currently is the 12th man or a starter. If you are on the bench and only get 10 minutes a game, you train to be a starter and to get 40 minutes, or something is wrong with your attitude. Also, I think they all practice together and starters and bench players have about the same amount of practice time, so that should not make too much of a difference.
I would agree, though, that, for some players, it probably takes some time until you get used to playing more from a mental standpoint. Maybe Cato is one of these players and once he feels comfortable in the system and has enough minutes to play in the flow of the game, he might be a decent enough C. I agree, 12pts/10rebs/2asts/2.5 blocks would be great. Dale Davis was an All-Star last season with similar numbers.
