i don't think the FA pool has much to offer us right now Derrick Coleman and Gary Trent are at the top of that list
I was happy when we got rid of MO T's contract, but we could sure use him now. I mean he is a similar player to howard and put up the same numbers as howard is putting up this year last year.
Even if Howard is out for a significant amount of time, I don't think this hurts the rocks all that much. Sure, Howard is obviously the best of the pf bunch, but Spoon and Baker can step in and give similar production. I thought Howard would be a big plus in the TMac trade, but turns out that he's just an easily replaceable cog. A short pf who can hit open midrange jumpers, rebound okay, and occasionally shows up with a few post moves. Oooo, shiver me timbers.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery, especially if we match up with Dallas in the first round. If Zarko Chaparkapa can torch us like he did last night, I shudder to think what Dirk could do to us in the playoffs without Howard.
charles jones was 80 years old the first time he was on the rockets. not sure how effective he would be at 90.
none of you have seen Vin Baker play recently (nor have I), but he does look to be slimmer and almost in shape, I think he deserves a chance to prove us all wrong. I think he has it in him to start for us.
Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but this could be a blessing in disguise if it gives Baker a chance to regain even 25% of his former abilities. If so, we'll need to have a nickname ready. Any ideas?
I can't believe how many people have mentioned Vin Baker as possibly being productive. I guess anything is possible.
Waiting for news on this .... GAAAAAAAHH I can only imagine what it must be like for Juwan having to wait. As for the impact: I wonder if Juwan is the 3rd most important guy on the team. He brings a front court presence - and most importantly - HE CAN HIT THE OPEN JUMPER. Plus - he brings veteran experience. When will we get an update!
You never know. Less than 18 months ago, he averaged 11 points and nearly 6 rebounds a game for the Celtics, before his now-famous relapse. Sure, he's PROBABLY shot. But he might get some minutes here, and you never know what'll happen. Much stranger things have occurred in sports. Rich Gannon was a 32-year-old washout -- then passed for over 20,000 yards. Of course, for every Gannon there are a dozen Darryl Strawberrys. The point is that you just never know.
Easily replaceable? You are seriously underestimating how important Howard is to this team. He is still a legitimate scorer, decent rebounder and adequate defender. Opposing players have to respect his talent or risk getting burned. This isn't Mo Taylor we're talking about who can be depended on to shoot 15-18 foot jumpers all night and nothing else. Juwon is a guy that can go off for 20 and 8-10 any given night, but doesn't have to because of Yao and Tracy. Padgett is a good shooter from the outside, but isn't as physical as Juwon. Bowen defends, but is not much of an offensive threat. Spoon is too inconsistent to man the 4 on a regular basis. Baker is the question mark here. If he can regain half of the talent he had, we'll get by, but if he's truly done, we're in trouble.
