We have two 6'9" small forwards that really are not shooting guards and a 6' point guard that is really more of a shooting guard. We have no one over 6'9" that is available to play center so what are we to do? Probable starting line-up with roster as is: Hayes, Scola, Battier, Ariza and Brooks. The line-up that will likely give other teams the most problems IMO will be: Lowery Brooks Ariza Landry Scola That is a line-up that will should be able to absolutely run you out of the building. Plenty of skill and tons of athleticism that line up should be the most fun to watch by far and one of the most fun to watch in the league. I know more changes are coming but I'm still excited about this team and what they can accomplish with Landry, Ariza, Brooks, Lowery and Scola all another year better. Still hoping to re-sign Von Wafer as the off season progresses but we will see.
With the lineup of Lowry, Brooks, Ariza, Landry and Scola only make me think that Brooks would be the target on defense. Scola may or may not do so well defensively seems to be a good lineup.
we stood toe to toe with LA for 4 games with Hayes as our starting C, and LA has two long 7 footers, yet Hayes was able to defend and box out Pau and Bynum. Hayes will have an easier time handling the rest of the league. He's actually a better rebounder than Yao even if he's 6'9. Boards shouldn't be as much of a problem as people think.
Hayes is also a GREAT passer. He is great at passing from the high post and also getting the rebound and throwing the ball to the other side of the court for one of our athletes. I wouldn't mind seeing Hayes instead of Scola if Scola is playing horrible defense.
I'm planning on waiting for the dust to settle to figure on starting line-ups and rotations. A lot of turnover, in Roxter not due to bad handes, remains. Just in case: who is my lotto ball hope and how deep will the lotto be?
The Rockets will not stand pat and be lotto team this season. I still have faith the Morey will fill out the roster with a team that will be ready to compete at the star of this season and a team that will make the playoffs.
If we're letting McGrady expire and he comes back before the first season game (His expectations), this is what we will see: PG Brooks SG McGrady SF Ariza PF Landry C Scola Bench: PG - Lowry SG/SF - Battier PF/C- Hayes Obviously this is a lineup barring any moves and the Yao injury.
You mention Von Wafer below... Von will yet again be another signee right when camp opens. He cost himself a long term deal and millions with his game 2 antics in the Lakers series. We may sign him back but I really dont see it... I like him as a player. He just needs to learn to control his emotions from a personal standpoint. Being firey as a player is one thing but when coach says jump, you jump. Especially when you are V Dub...
Guys, I love Chuck as much as anyone, but I seriously doubt we go into the season with him as the starter.
Chuck Hayes could be a starter on this team easily ONLY if he can develop a post game. I know hes understand but I don't get how he hasn't developed a solid post game. I still love Chuck Hayes though.
Allow me to rephrase, I seriously doubt we go into the season with him as the starting center. I think he did quite well as the starter at power forward next to Yao when Jeff was here in Houston.
If the 2009-10 season started today, this is what I think the starting rotation would look like: PG: Aaron Brooks / Kyle Lowry SG: Trevor Ariza / Brent Barry / Jermaine Taylor SF: Shane Battier / James White / Chase Budinger PF: Luis Scola / Carl Landry C: Chuck Hayes / Joey Dorsey Eventually as the season would pan out, I would suspect the rotation would change to this: PG: Aaron Brooks / Kyle Lowry SG: Trevor Ariza / Jermaine Taylor / Brent Barry SF: Shane Battier / James White / Chase Budinger PF: Carl Landry / Chuck Hayes C: Luis Scola / Joey Dorsey Of course, it's silly to speculate this early... but I would seriously be interested in how many games this squad could win. Could they make the playoffs?
start of the season would be: brooks battier ariza landry scola/dorsey later in the season: brooks tmac/white battier ariza/cook scola/dorsey/yao ( depends on injury
Why waste time on such speculation when Morey might make two or three changes even before the season starts. It is doubtful that we would be without a Center!
Been discussed here: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=171470 LOL @ you, like me, you forgot about Brian Cook!
