.. and his name is LAYES. (granted, that name doesn't sound anywhere near as cool) I have a feeling that Adelman is going to go to a Landry and Hayes front court often this season when he brings in the second unit. It seems that he was trying to use his regular season rotation in the final preseason game, and we saw a lot of those two together on the court in the second half. There's something about that combination that I like. They both brings a lot of toughness, hustle, and all-around scrap on both ends of the floor. Landry is a particularly good offensive player, and Hayes is a particularly good defensive player. They're both versatile defenders, in that they can switch between PF and C easily and (particularly for Chuck) switch onto wings in PnR situations. Last year, I once asked the question if Yao should sit in the fourth quarter against teams that are killing us with their small ball. Adelman was reluctant to do so, and most here agreed with him. But I think after our experiences in the second half of last year, Adelman might be more comfortable matching small with small. Morey said it in his interview recently -- the Rockets in many ways played better a year ago when they went small. If small-ball is something we go to much more this year (and I suspect we will), I definitely think Landry and Hayes is a combination we'll be seeing plenty of. [rquoter] “Our transition defense and rebounding were terrible in that (second) quarter," said Adelman. "Luckily we were able to shore that up in the second half. Chuck (Hayes) especially really made a difference for us with his defense. I thought we had a really good night all around, except for that second quarter.” [/rquoter] http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Rockets_End_Preseason_On_Winni-286405-34.html
I'm more than OK with Chuck getting increased minutes. He had one play tonight where he picked up a penetrator, stayed with him step for step, knocked the ball loose, and once the player regained possession Chuck blocked his shot attempt. I believe it was with about 1:50 left in the game if anyone cares to go back and look. It was just the epitome of perfect defense.
This is irrelevant but I think Chuck Hayes could crush the average man with just one of his calf muscles.
I'm sorry, but it's moronic to sit yao in the 4th for hayes and will never happen, unless it's yao's usual rest time.
"But our bigs are still too short, if Hayes was 4" taller then I'd consider him acceptable in my book..."
Looking at tonights rotation then add Alston + Battier's minutes. I'd guess Layes won't play unless Adelman decides to sit Scolandry. Morey has also made mention that Yao is the Rocket's most efficient scorer in the fourth quarter.
Chuck Wagon is good for a D but he REALLY needs to improve in offense. Luckily we have other options so he's not so important but his D is really great. Big props on that, probably the best low block defender on our team.
small ball is good depending on match ups. If we play the lakers, I wonder if small ball will still be effective. Also, note that when we play small ball, we get better fast breaks and transition but it comes with a price. Our opponents usually outscore us in the paint and shoot more free throws.
then Chuck would be earning a full MLE...see what Turiaf got... I think coach should really consider putting Scola/Chuck or Chuck/Landry on court in certain situations, which would mostly occur when we face smallball teams. But if we are struggling in the 4th, i doubt Adelman would dare to rest Yao and play Handry or Scolayes...
He would definitely cost more and would definitely mean someone on the roster wouldn't be on the roster....
Yao's +/- must be terrible whenever he's defending some perimeter-capable center. Hawes looked all-world last night, especially when Yao was out there. It's a problem, and the reason Chuck's going to be a Rocket as long as Yao's a Rocket.
Seriously? I like Chuck, but, really? Besides all the things Yao does that makes him one of the best big men in the NBA..... Have you seen Chucks shot? Do you want Chuck or Yao on the free throw line in the 4th qt? Chuck has a better chance of starting for chemistry purposes, than finishing in the fourth qt of a tight game. With a player like Chuck starting, the guys you are counting on carrying the team get a chance to get their game going first. But 4th qt Chuck should be on the bench unless its a blowout. Steve TMac Artest Battier Scola If we are dreaming smallball though i'm hoping SF comes back to be effective enough to see this line up at least once
Yeah, seriously. But don't get me wrong: I love Yao. When he's rested and aggressive, he can do some amazing stuff. But inside-out offenses kill us when he's on the court; even worse, when teams go small ball on us, he's not on the court. I am rooting for him to get into amazing shape and out-sprint and out-quick everyone, no matter who it is-- but it's the laws of physics he's fighting. Fortunately, basketball is a team sport, and our team has depth and flexibility, and, yes, some of that depth and flexibility is provided by the Chuck Wagon. I'm not the only one who's willing to accept Chuck's liabilities on offense; consider what his coaches say about him!
I don't those two are going to play together for a lion's share of the minutes, but it was great seeing them out there together against the Kings. That was more hustle and work ethic than the building could hold. It was exciting to see two Rockets' players go that hard on every single play. I liked it. That being said, it won't be the majority of the minutes.
I really think a lineup of Landry, Hayes, Artest, TMAC, Barry for a few minutes in the 2nd and 4th quarters would DESTROY teams
