Okafor but it's hard to go wrong with either. They're both so similar in my mind, but Okafor is younger, and aside from the "minor" back injury late last season has been as durable as an ox whereas it's not uncommon to see Brand miss 20 or so games a season. Also Okafor is 6'10 whereas Brand is 6'8 I believe although Brand is always up there in block shots when he's healthy, but I'll always take the taller power forward that's younger and has a cleaner bill of health.
It's hard to get worked up over this, as there is no way the Rockets can get Okafor. Brand is obtainable. Okafor isn't. Raven
I'll take both. trade Francis+Mobley for Brand+Kaman+Dooling, and Yao+Cato\Taylor\Spoon for T-Mac and #1 overall. PG-Dooling(needs fixing) SG-T-Mac SF-Jackson PF-Brand C-Okafor
Now that's a fan - the only Rocket you currently like(want to keep) has been with the team for one year!
I'm not a fan of Francis's boneheaded play, and like Yao's game, but he shows no aggression on the court. Seems like 6-7 backup PF can come in and out hustle Yao. Yao needs a mean streak.
With respect to EO, he would be a bad fit with Yao, IMO. Brand can stick the open J and knows his way around the inside. He is a 4. EO, to date, is a 5 masquerading in a 4's (or 3's!) body. He will be a good pro, but will thrive in different ways than EB.
Tough question! In reality I see Okafor turning into a Brand type player. That's the "hope" at least. But with Brand we already "know" what we are going to get. Brand is a player that is an automatic 20/10. (but perhaps not on a Yao centered team). Brand has a decent mid range game. He is one of the best rebounders in the league (especially offensively on the weakside perhaps helping out Yao). Brand also is a VERY good shot blocker for his size (long arms). Brand is a team player, with no ego. Honestly, if I REALLY had a choice I would go with the KNOWN commodity over the potential. What we need here in Houston isnt a bunch of potential, but rather a bunch of SOLID players.
I'm not sure either is great for the Rockets, but I'd take Brand between the two. Brand is a known and good commodity. Okafor might or might not be as good as Brand.
I'm curious. Even if the Rox wanted EO, how could they acquire him? He's a potential number one, isn't he? I don't think any team would trade their number one pick for SF. Raven
Remember, Tim needs to sell Tickets. The Toyota Center is no longer a new building, and the patented "JVG Scowl" scares women and children. Assuming the basketball talent is close enough to equal, and the choices were: trade into the top three picks, or obtain EB, there is no question. EO is the much more marketable choice, so you go that way.
oh my god. are you kidding me??! every single person wants Okafor? if Okafor can develop into a Brand I think that's the best case scenario already. i'll take the proven commodity, please.
I prefer Okafor. Yeah, he could end up being a huge bust, but he also could end up being a huge superstar. Nobody knows. Brand is more of a “Steady Eddie”. You know exactly what your going to get from him and while it’s very good, it’s not going to completely blow you away.
I'd rather have Elton Brand, I just don't think Okafor has the offensive game to be a superstar in this league. I could see him being a Ben Wallace type player though, alot of rebounds and blocks, but doesn't have the offensive game to be great.
