With the expected signing of Swift and assuming Howard is healthy next year, who do you want as the Rockets starting PF and why?
Whoops, forgot to put my response. Although I like the way Howard complemented Yao well last year, I think we'd be better off with the more athletic, defensive-minded Swift playing primarily alongside Yao & T-Mac and then bring in Howard, who is more polished offensively, in off the bench to play alongside Mutombo in the frontcourt.
I think you said it perfectly moon. Swift helps balance Yao defensively on the starting unit and Howard brings offensive balance to Mutombo's defensive presence on the second unit.
If Swift can play up to 50% of his potential, we'll have one of the best frontcourts, if not the best in the league. Juwan Howard is an average starting PF but would be a fantastic backup.
I think the answer is more than clear: SPOON/BAKER OF COURSE!!! Spoon/Baker provides the athleticism and rebounding we need to win a championship. Combined with their ability to draw their defenders out because of their superb shooting skills will be more valuable than anything TMac or Yao can provide. I love that poll option.
Assuming (and hoping) Juwan is healthy, he starts. He knows the offense and Van Gundy's defensive rotations. He's the incumbent and it is up to Stro to win his own playing time. It will happen...just not immediately.
No way howard starts over swift. If it was someone like Marshall, then yeah Howard would start, but i think that was part of it was to get a starting job.
Tip jar bet? If Howard is healthy, he starts the Rockets season opening game. You are totally ignoring the Van Gundy factor. JVG was right up front and told Stro he (JVG) was mean.
Howard can be the Spark plug the team needs off the bench. Swift should start, Whilst Howard should bring instant Offense off the bench.
I agree with GATER. JVG isn't going to hand Swift the job right off the bat. Howard is the incumbent and knows the system. It's his job until Swift takes it from him.
Look for Swft to get most improved or best 6th man award if Howard stays healthy and continues to contribute. The following year Swift slowly takes over PF position as starter. This is a great day to be a Rocket fan. You can feel the energy and excitement. What do you think? 60 wins? More?
Gater - you are big with these tip jar bets. I agree that Juwan starts, Juwan maybe the better player at this stage, compare their individual stats and Swift pales behind Juwan, maybe for reasons beyond SS control such as not having a starters role in his first 5 years. I hope it's not Swifts expectation that he will be given the starting job but that he will have to earn it with his play.
Howard is still a better player than Swift at this point. And for those who think Howard would be a spark off the bench, remember last year. He is a lifelong starter. He doesn't do very well off the bench. Swift, on the other hand, has been a backup the last five years. And GATER is right about the JVG factor. I think Swift will be a terrific spark off the bench for a year. Than he will take over as Howard's age catches up with him. And the good thing is Swift can be Yao's backup when Mutombo retires. All these said assuming Howard is healthy, of course.
Howard's the only one who's proven he can do it. Plus, he's the incumbent and most coaches pencil in the incumbent and force the newcomer to take the spot away. Historically, Swift has not averaged big minutes, and unless he improves dramatically here, his contribution would be best coming off the bench. If he improves dramatically, he will take the starter's spot away from Howard.
GATER, you make some good points. And I dont necessarily disagree with you. But for some reason I think JVG will open up the PF spot in training camp and then probably will want Stro to be the starter with Howard's scoring coming off the bench when it is time for Yao to rest. I think Howard's scoring with the 2nd until as a low post option will be important to this team. It is something we really had problems with when Yao left to the bench.
