I don't get why so many of you guys dread getting this guy. I say he will be a great pickup for this team; he's the best center out there that is available and relatively cheap. I can't believe some think Keon CLark would be good; Keon sucks now. Anyway, why not get him for a couple years; maybe not 3 or 4, but you never know. He's a tall body who can block shots. When Yao is on the bench or injured (god forbid), his presence will be a phenomenal asset. He ain't a number one option (or even a second or third), but he would be a great bluff player. I think it's possible to morph him into a block-and-rebound only specialist and then let McGrady carry the team around everyone else (IF without Yao). For the last 2 seasons, Houston had the best 1-2 depth at the 5. With Mutumbo, I think the same will be true...(on paper at least). Really, what team could compete with the high altitudes of Yao Mt. 'Tumbo? or would Mt. YaoTumbo have been better???
Here's what people who know the NBA will tell you. When you get old you lose your quickness, your leaping ability, your shot, eventually you may not even be able to run up and down the floor, HOWEVER, your shot-blocking ability is the last to go. We have seen centers that are completely fossilized, still manage to hang in there by just putting up a body, getting shots changed, getting a few rejections on ambitious young pups. Charles Jones, Mark Eaton, Tree Rollins all stayed in the league, way after they were eligible for Medicare, only because of that.
I agree Kayman. I think Clutch showed some stats awhile back about the winning % when the rockets are blocking shots. He is a better shot blocker than Cato. Mutombo blocks more shots on a per minute basis than Ben Wallace and he is still a voracious rebounder at the age of 38.
I'd really like to know why people are acting like we have a small window of oppurtunity to win because we're surrounding Yao and T-Mac with veteran roleplayers. It isn't as though we can't infuse the team with new veteran roleplayers bit by bit over the next few years as our current ones get older and less effective. That's the whole beauty of signing cheap veterans.
Another NY Connection. So Far it's: Mark Jackson JVG Ewing, Ward, Weatherspoon, Now it's Mutumbo Let's call them NY Rockets from now on.
I agree JMW, this would help us much more than it would hurt us! I believe that if Rockets' mgmt go after DM it will show the rest of the players that this year means business. This could go down as one of the most successful off-seasons in recent memory. Last point of significance I can remember was the addition of Barkley followed by Pippen. Also think in terms of the atmosphere of the team. We would certainly have a diverse group of players that can all benefit off of one another. The only question is how long it takes for them to gel? There were references to Charles Jones, however I believe the most accurate comparison would be (damn forgot the name but the guy we acquired from the Hawks back in 96? - flat top, cut, etc. - what the hell was his name) to take over for Akeem during down time. Though I believe Mutumbo could bring more. Yes
well since 38 is only a two digit number, then i guess so. see, not only do we get mutombo to fill the backup center void left by trading cato but he fills the "talk in 3rd person" void left by trading francis. is there anything he can't do?
it'll be nice to see some elbows flying next year, breaking peoples noses...And has anyone mentioned yet that we will have the ugliest center tandem available?
Best line ever about Deke... Someone called Don Imus' radio show and was talking about Mutombo and told Imus that Mutombo is a smart guy and that he speaks 7 languages.....Imus says "One of them ain't English"
