Exactly. His presence there is worth the minimum alone. I remember watching during this season when we weren't in the playoff race. Mutombo would be giving it his all on the bench, getting EVERYONE involved no matter how disappointing things seemed. I thought to myself; there has never been a lotto bound team in the history of sports with such an enthusiastic bench. I would love to have him back. Signing a younger center is not worth it in my opinion. The position is too hard to fill with worthy talent. Just live and die by Yao's health. Its championship or bust.
I'm all for this. At the very least, Deke is good to fill in the role of 3rd center. I mean, we had Zan Tabak filling that role in our first championship. I'm sure Morey knows he needs to be on the lookout for a possible replacement. It isn't though he's going to just wake up one day and be like "OH *****! Mutumbo is 42?!?! I need to find a new back up center!". He knows, and considering how well did with the last draft, I'm not concerned. It doesn't matter if he can pick up a center in the draft. If we keep accumulating assets like this, we're going to be in a very good position to make moves every single year.
Can't hurt at all. He's the 12th man for all intents and purposes next year, and seriously- no one plays more than a 10-man rotation. Can't hurt at all and can certainly help.
Mutombo is a great ambassador for the sport and a great asset off the court for our team, I would love to have him for another year.
Could we sign him as some consultant or assistant coach? That way we get a spot to find some talent for our backup C, and still have Deke close enough to the team where he can be an influence but doesn't have to go through the rigors of the NBA
Bring Mutombo back. Hell, bring JVG back as a special consultant to the team, pay him to do nothing just so he can collect on a ring too. Get Horry as an assistant coach, and Cassell if no one wants him. Let's even put Barkley on the payroll, get him on our Fave Five. Load up the whole bandwagon for our push to the championship next year!
I feel that the Rockets organization owe Deke something. Deke came there for a chance at a championship ring and we were not able to get him one. Deke has been great for us on and off the court since he's been with us and he deserves to retire as a champion. Therefore, I'm all for Deke coming back for another year and a final shot at a championship.
I'd rather we sign Shaq next year as a backup to Yao. If not, maybe look into offering Dwight Howard the minimum or even a free ride in a NASA space shuttle.
Good job Morey. Next year, I bet Adelman will play him more often as the situation warrants both to not tire him out too much but still give Yao more rest when we need a big man in the middle.
Even if Deke retires after this year, I think he should still be allowed to sit with rockets bench every game!!
He takes up a spot, but I think his contribution in the locker room for the younger players can not be overlooked. DD
