For 6 years, I have watched each and every Rockets game on NBALP. I DVD them and watch them at a minimum of 2 more times each. Because I don't ride the jock of a stone cold scrub like Chuck Hayes means I'm lacking in basketball knowldege? Yea, right. The guy is a nice human interest story and he hustles. He's also the worst starting PF in the NBA. He is proof positive that running to the 82games +/- stats is the bastion for those who lack the ability to perform game analysis of their own. But then...why should I be surprised that a VG guy like you really appreciates a VG scrub like Hayes.
1. Chuck Hayes is a restricted free agent. 2. The Rockets will have the ability to match any and all offers. GATER - While I agree that Chuck Hayes shouldn't be a starter, he's more than you're giving him credit for. He's pretty similar to guys like Najera and Reggie Evans (better, imo). Scrubs? Maybe, but they're pretty standard 8th man, back end of the rotation types.
NIKE - I honestly don't think I'm being too hard. And I've NEVER understood the fascination around here with Hayes. Najera doesn't need to be in the gym alone to score. Najera is 2" taller...maybe more since I doubt Hayes is a true 6'6". Although not good at 25%, at least someone trusts Eduardo to take some 3's. Najera has a career 68% free throw average. Najera actually plays 1/3 of his time at SF. Something not possible for Hayes. Do you really and honestly think they are comparable? Salaries aside...I'd trade Hayes for Najera in a NY minute. Evans? Maybe close...but Reggie is much, much stronger. Consider...of Denver's Top 20 Five man combos, Evans is listed 3 times....5, 18 & 19. He's basically behind Nene, Najera and Kleiza. That's the level of ability we're comparing here. And I'm being too harsh?
Only to support what I've already seen on the court. FWIW, I watch...make an assessment...check some stats to see if they support what I see or if I'm fooling myself. Then...re-examine. Besides...when everyone around you speaks another language...you have to respond in kind.
He's a prolific rebounder. 12th in the league this year in rebound rate. For a team desperate for talent, Chuck at least has an appreciable NBA skill. 1. For his career, Najera's averaged 5.4 ppg in 19 minutes 49.7% shooting. Chuck is at 5 ppg in 19.1 minutes on 57% shooting. Not much of a difference at all, but even less of a difference if you consider Najera's played on teams with a much faster pace (early decade Mavs and recent Nuggets). You're vastly overrating Najera's scoring abilities if you think there's an appreciable difference there. 2. Chuck's not exactly far behind Najera in free throw shooting at 63%. 3. Najera has made 14 3's in 7 seasons. I wouldn't call that trust. 4. Hayes slides up to the 5 just as well as Najera slides down to the 3. As I said: 8th man, bottom of the rotation, 18 minutes a night. Maybe it's splitting hairs, but I disagree with your assessment that he doesn't belong in an NBA rotation.
I like Hayes I like his aggressiveness. But he is not a PF for the starting five. We all know that so we definetly need a new PF
NIKE - OK - I'll leave it die. Let's slot him as 8th. And if Morey does a really good job...maybe lower. A closing comment. The distance from Hayes @ 12 and Fabricio Oberto @ 29 is a whopping 1.7 boards in 48 minutes. No one considers Oberto a rebounding machine...he plays on a team that forces alot of bad shots. Hayes may not have that luxury under another coach who may emphasize offense.
