I have been reading through the threads, and precious few posters are recognizing Mo Taylor for his contributions -- not just in the Knicks' game Wednesday but overall. Injuries have kept him from being a vital cog in past seasons, but now he is really moving into the limelight again. Kudos Maurice, and thanks for being the wind in our sails when we are becalmed.
awwww, but i would rather talk about how much steve francis sucks!! serious bidness though, mo is a freakin man! and i know his rebound numbers are not that much better, but he really tears after those rebounds and seems to be working harder! and i LOVE how that fool takes a charge. sacrificing his body for the team. seriously, i think bobby jackson may have some serious compitition for 6th man this year. serious props for big mo! damn, he was just abusin' doleac and "crazy eyes" thomas!
In a more direct fashion, I will second your thought and recognize MoT's play. I did mention is a few days ago, indirectly, in making a point about EG and Tmo. I refered to the fact that MoT was now a factor on defense, the boards and passing game. He is no longer one dimensional. Keep up the good work, MoT.
Good thread. I just posted this comment in the game thread before I saw this thread. Worth posting again.
Mo has been great offensively this year and adequate (NBA standard....not West standard) on boards and defense. I don't expect him to move in the starting lineup because I think JVG is using him like Rudy used Cassell. I haven't been paying attention on who the hip "sixth man" choices are this year, but would assume Mo's a contender based on his offensive production and efficiency. I would credit the Rockets improvements on offense lately on Yao first, JJ second, and Mo third. I also hold this hope that Francis will get out of this funk when Mo and Padgett are in the game. I've liked what I've seen from these guys together.
Yeah I've said this too, Mo is playing a great role, and has a good repoire with Yao. Also, he really hustles and defense and makes some hustle rebounds too every game. I think being on the bench makes him want to perform well when he's out on the floor. He seems more motivated that ever.
Yeah, I agree. Mo Taylor is getting the job done. We still could use some better rebounders at the 4, but Taylor has become one of our few consistent offensive weapons.
If you think everyone is ignoring Mo, then you havent been payin attention to my posts.. I recognized his contributions, especially hustle, defense and on the glass for the last week ot two..seems like with every passing week, he gets more and more in shape and playing like we expected when we first got him. I believe it was Walton that mentioned him as under consideration for 6th man this year..I agree.. It would be nice if he could get it, it would reward him for leaving his ego off the court and accepting that him not starting is what is best for the team. Keep up the good work Mo.
I think he's doing a great job too. I don't think he doesn't TRY to get rebounds, I think he's just usually outjumpred to the rebound. Despite the numbers, Mo's rebounding numbers hav been pretty good over the apst 20 games or so. Personally, I think he can get into even betetr shape. Lose a bit more fat and add some solid muscle (not mass). Make him ROCK HARD, basically come back the way Kenny Thomas did that one summer - except MoT has a much better frame and is taller.
MoT and Cato make a tireless two headed PF attack.... This is a good combo against most opposing PF's including the Western ones....
I love this thread. Where were you guys last year? MoT has gotten very little credit for his defensive positioning throughout his Rockets career. But it seems now his defense may get a little more recognition by drawing charges. He & Yao put on an offensive display last night vs. NY. Definitely give them credit for taking command of the game, but Lenny Wilkens needs to reconsider his defensive scheme. If you don't double the post (Yao/Mo) when you play us, expect to get burned.
The difference this year is that Mo Taylor is finally healthy and in shape. Right now he's shooting at about a 48% clip, which is very good considering the amount of outside shots he takes. Last night in the second quarter, he kept posting up Doleac and Kurt Thomas. He was beating them with spin moves, fadeaways, and face up jumpers. He will be a key player for us in the playoffs, because you can't leave him open and double team Yao. We need that kind of consistent production out of him, and that's why he has a $48 million contract. Meanwhile, Cato's a good complement to Mo because he comes in and gets on the boards, hustles, and pushes people around.
I echo your comments on MoT. He's finally healthy and in good physical condition...JVG has commandeered him to a legitimate 6th man honor...12PPG & 5.5 REB in 28 minutes...I still think he can improve his rebounding numbers... Who other than Bobby Jackson is being considered for 6th man?
Mo is an excellent player. His offense approaches elite at times, imo. There aren't that many people with his shot who can also post. But he's no 6th man. He should be the starting PF for the Rockets . His defense has improved markedly, and his O is coming back to the level it was before his injury. He's more in shape than he's been in for years. And he's still young. It feels like he's been around for a long time... but he's got time to grow with this team.
I'm glad MoT has been coming on lately...The talk about the 6th man is deserving...I just hope he keeps away from the Mota...
