While I think that most of us here already knew that Eddie's shot blocking and rebounding skills are best suited for the 4 position, its good to know that the Rockets are in sync. Now, I hope that they agree that a shot blocking center (Ming) is our priority this summer. http://www.nba.com/rockets/fans/Ask_The_Rockets__April_8-40403-34.html Q: I know that Calvin Murphy answered this question the other night on TV, but he answered so quickly, I could not assimilate what he said, much less write it down. Please explain what the numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mean when speaking of which position each team member is playing. Gloria Ferrell - Houston A: Each player position on the court is designated with a number: 1 – Point Guard 2 – Shooting Guard 3 – Small Forward 4 – Power Forward 5 -- Center Coaches began using the numbering system to make it easier to identify certain players. For example, when drawing up a play on a chalkboard it is much easier and less time consuming for coaches to use the positional numbers rather than writing names. From the Rockets’ perspective, much has been discussed this season as to the position of Eddie Griffin. Is he a “3” or a “4”? The “3,” or small forward position is usually a player that has outside shooting range and can also drive the ball to the basket. A “4” player is someone who has the ability to post up inside, rebound consistently, defend the other team’s strongest player, and block a few shots. Right now, Eddie is somewhere in the middle. In the long term, however, the Rockets envision Eddie as more of a “4” than a “3.” While he has shown the ability to knock down the three-pointer, the Rockets would like Griffin to add some muscle this offseason to enable him to play inside a little more next season. Making him a “3” would make little sense because the small forward position tends to mostly play on the perimeter, which would negate Eddie’s natural shot-blocking ability. And Houston fans are well aware the importance of having a shot-blocking presence, having witnessed the destruction Hakeem Olajuwon caused opposing offenses through the years.
Deckard-No, crispee more or less got slaughtered in the bet. Not only did we acquire a starter SF (Rice), but we also drafted another player (Morris) who was considered ahead on the depth chart over Langhi.
Thanks Nikestrad... I knew it was convoluted and didn't really follow it closely at the time. Now I remember why! I see Griffin as a 4 as well, to get this back on track. His legs are not beanpoles, and if he can bulk up his upper body, add some pounds, strength, and stamina, he may be able to swing between the 4 and the 5. He's so young and this has been such a weird year, that he probably wonders what he'll end up as himself. I've read that he sees himself as a 4, but I wonder what Rudy and CD have in their minds for the Griffster.
I'm hoping that the comments on Rockets.com reflects Rudy and CD's thoughts. After adding some muscle, Griffin could play the 4/5 spot. In certain situations, he and MoTay could be on the floor at the same time. If we could get a solid shot blocking/rebounding center (i.e. Ming), we would have a nice 3 man rotation at the 4/5 (Ming, MoTay, Griffin) (OK, so I'm doing a little dream casting) I've heard Griffin compare himself to Sheed, therefore, I think he will always take pride in being able to knock down the three. Now he just needs to add a low post game like Sheed.
