Say what you want about Cato...

I am starting to like Cato, but he needs to improve his one on one defense. Olawakandi was just killing him the other day. Cato's lateral movement on defense is almost has pathetic as Steves.

 

Cato fits in fine with this team. With penetrators like Cat, Franchise and Mooch, all he has to do is make his open shots and play defense, which is exactly what he is doing. He's probably among the top five centers in the West. Rudy's system has completely reversed,where now it's the center who has to hit open shots and contain his man, when it used to be the point guard who had to hit his open shots and contain his man in order for the Rox to win.

 

I love the way he's increasing his trade value.

Now, if only the Rockets would pull the trigger on Cato, his value will never be any higher than it is now.

Sorry, but he's still a back-up C, just a specialist.

 

Live, you are not going to get a starting 5 of such quality that would allow you to give up Cato, even as a backup. Outside of LA, I think that our team's ability to get 48 quality minutes at that position is almost as good as many contenders, based on the way Cato has been playing. Once we replace Willis, either thought the draft or FA, we will be alright, especially if MoT and EG, plays some at 5, based on matchups.

I think based on the improved play of KT further supported by him saying that it is all about getting the minutes, we have to be much more patient in evaluating Collier. He has been showing good hustle and other areas of his game. Interestingly, we have not really seen his best part yet, which is that jumper.

 

Cato has stepped up big time here recently. Just wait untill we get Mo Taylor back....Mo Taylor brings a lot to Cato's game. I was watching a few tapes from last season, and Mo Taylor distracted the defense so well when he had the ball Cato was able to cut to the basket and get an easy bucket like 90% of the time. And if the defense didn't switch off from Cato, Mo Taylor can hit the 17-20 ft shot.

- Junkyard Dog

 

For what its worth, the 'they can't find anyone better, so just hold onto him' logic just doesn't fly with me.

Cato is playing 'better' on a bad team that trying to finish up another bad season. And, interestingly, this improved play coincided with 'whispers' of a possible departure.

If he's still a Rocket next season and giving the team the type of hustle and effort he's giving now, all season long, then I'll be 'sold' on him. Otherwise, I'd rather the Rocks become aggressive and creative in addressing their needs at C and the frontcourt (Cleveland has an abundance of younger, cheaper Cs, Toronto has some interesting candidates).

Sorry, but I'm just so used to the Rocks' legacy of underachievers that I'm very wary when it comes to Cato.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing Amare Stoudemire replace Willis.....

 

Live, I think it fair to say that he has shown a whole new attitude this season in addition to improved play, it is not a recent thing. I said about two months that he should take this momentum into the offseason and commit to a program of drill to improve foot and hand work. He is a big guy and his rebounding and shot blocking is more that respectable.

 

He has proven himself to be a decent back up center; now we need a starter.