I'm not a big college basketball fan, but let me ask this: What do you guys think of someone like a Shane Battier? I know he has the defense, but how does his offensive game fit or not fit with the Rockets style?
My philosophy on Duke players is never draft the simply "good" ones. Because the simply good ones can look very good playing around really great players and playing in their system. Case in point-McLoud, Thomas Hill (if I remember we considered him instead of Cassell or Horry), Hurley, that big stiff that played right after Laetner (Parks I think), Billy King, and probably William Avery too. If they are get media notice for player of the year (which they will if they are a great player there), like Brand, Grant Hill or Laetner, they might be draftable, otherwise forget them. Of the current guys there, so far Carrawel (sp.) seems the best (though I haven't seen their newcomers). [This message has been edited by sir scarvajal (edited February 18, 2000).]
I have been saying for 5 years that Kenny Thomas is a legitimate NBA PF (If you consider 15 & 10 being legitimate). Keep in mind, this child was misplayed here at New Mexico by current Baylor coach Dave Bliss. Coach Bliss played KT as a center and never recruited a real center to supplement his game. Bliss' coaching style focused the offense around Kenny, but Bliss *never* played with a decent PG, so his game is somewhat stunted. I think KT will only grow with Hakeem as his mentor. Go KT Go Rocks
I didn't even bother to read past the first ten or twelve replies to my post. It seems that many of you justify your position by giving examples of the Bulls 4 and the Rox guards in each teams championship years. The truth is that each of these teams had a player that was unstoppable at another position. I feel that Francis may have that kind of skill, but it is obvious that Rudy wants him to be the prototypical point. Therefore, the Rox are going to need another scorer preferably in the post. With Cato locked in a at center, it is only reasonable to guess that would be at the four. Kenny Thomas is not that player. If you disagree than fine, lets see how he is playing in a couple of years. My guess: he is a decent backup.
HeyPartner, Yes OT was the starter the first championship. In fact, Elie hardly played at all..something like 15-20 minutes. I was referencing the 2nd Championship, where Horry and Elie started at the 3 and 4 and the Rocks took it home. My point is still valid, we only need 2 stars and the rest role players. DaDakota
"It seems that many of you justify your position by giving examples of the Bulls 4 and the Rox guards in each teams championship years. The truth is that each of these teams had a player that was unstoppable at another position." That's the only way you're going to win a championship. If Francis isn't that kind of player, we won't win one. 2 or 3 very good players doesn't mean much, you need 1 great one. [This message has been edited by TheFreak (edited February 18, 2000).]
Let's set aside the Brian Grant standard for a moment. Here's the list of skills I proposed that we look for in frontcourt draftees and free agents 2 weeks ago. Why not apply the same test to Kenny? The list: "We have an extremely quick backcourt that can score, penetrate, dish, steal, and run the break. The players we add in the frontcourt should have complimentary skills. They should have good hands and eyes to catch the dish and finish, whether on half-court penetration or on the break. They should set Malone-quality (not Olajuwon-quality) picks. They should have enough weight and strength to clear out space in the lane for their own boards and for guard penetration. They should be good free-throw shooters so that when they catch the pass under the hoop and go up in a crowd, they can punish defenders for giving them the hard foul. And they should have the predatory mindset and hand-eye coordination to block shots so we can spring our fast guys for the break." Now, ask yourself: Does Kenny bring enough of these assets to the table? To my mind -- so far -- the answer is yes.
If we were to get a second young superstar, I'd want it to be at the PF position; someone who will lead the team in points (slightly ahead of Francis) and rebounds. That means either that Thomas will be a great back-up or moving on to another team. He'll make a perfectly adequate starting 4 and, if we don't get another superstar or get one in another position, he'll be fine for us, but I'd sooner upgrade at the PF than at any other position.
University Blue-- There is no one in the league who can consistently hold his own against your list. That is a ridiculously high standard for Thomas to meet.
Ah, the burden of expectation. If Houston wants to compete, they need a premier power player who can hold his own against the O'Neal's and Wallace's of the league.
KT MPG____22.0 REB_____5.4 PPG_____7.9 BLK____11 %_____.431 3%____.360 % excluding 3pt==.446 Grant MPG____20.6 REB_____5.4 PPG_____7.2 BLK____18 %_____.479 3%____NA (doesn't have the range) % excluding 3pt==.479 Grant should have the better % since he doesn't step out and shoot the long ball. Since KT is out on the 3pt arc more than Grant, he should also have a lower number of rebounds. KT has a MUCH lower contract than Grant. Mango
Using that type of logic, shouldn't LA and Portland upgrade at the PG spot to compete with Francis? Mango
"If Houston wants to compete, they need a premier power player who can hold his own against the O'Neal's and Wallace's of the league." Why? Was Chicago worrying about matching up with Ewing, Robinson, Olajuwon, etc. when they were winning 6 rings? Will the other teams in the league need guards that can match ours if they want to compete?
University Blue, You are absolutely correct in saying we need a PF to hold his own. But I say that really only has to be achieved at the defensive end and rebounding...not in terms of 18/10 production like UT Baller proclaims. Thomas may never be that defensive force, but Cato/Anderson are there to help; so as long as he plays smart and hard, we can still contain these big men. Thomas, indeed, must be a tenacious rebounder to satisfy me, because Cato needs to roam and can't be expected to pull down 10 boards. As long as Cato brings his shotblocking to every game, I'm happy with that. Thomas must be solid on defense and a skilled rebounder to be our 4. His offense will be there for 13-15 pts a game, easy, much of that is because of the guards, but Thomas does have skills. Who knows; he may actually fully develop to require a double-team (something that Brian Grant/Othella will never achieve). If he does, and brings some passing and court vision with it, he will be a very formidable threat in a guard-oriented team. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited February 18, 2000).]
TheFreak, I often seem to be in alliance with you on various topics. Considering your popularity with the Admins, just another feather in my cap!!!!! Mango
Why is it so necessary to knock something that shows promise on this team? Drew, Mobley, Kenny... For God's sake, people: there isn't more than 2 years experience in any of these guys.
Dadakota, Not meaning to be a stiff here, but you were referencing both season's, not the second one only, and not just the playoffs. it was just a mistake in quick writing, but don't deny the mistake, or i'm going to have to trade you. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited February 19, 2000).]
UT Baller, Whatever. The main point about the Bulls 1st 3 titles and the Rockets' titles is DEFENSE. That is what took those two teams over the top. You can plant any scorer you want with Francis, but we will never win a championship without superior DEFENSE. Isiah never needed a good scoring low post player. You are wrapped up in some prototype mindset that entirely ignores one half of the court. We can win without another big scorer. You could not win in the 90s without defense. That is what this NBA is all about. Look at my scoring tandem list above and tell me which team is the only one that plays good defense. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited February 19, 2000).]
Heypartner: I agree with nearly everything you've said... but Payton has superb D, and Baker isn't bad, imo.
