With available centers flying off the market in the past few days, I think the Rockets would be smart to take a look at Scot Pollard, who is an unrestricted FA this offseason. He's one of those guys who is young enough (31) that he can still do his job effectively, but old enough to understand what that job is and not try and go out and do more than he realistically can. He's a solid locker room guy, plays smart, and will fight for every loose ball. For roughly 2 million or so, could we ask for much more than that from a backup center? We could probably just grab him up with the 1.6 mil TE if Indiana wouldn't mind doing us a favor. And for those of you who are thinking "Hellooooo, we still have Mutombo!", well, I think you're being too optimistic to think that Mutombo can start in Yao's place if he ever goes out for more than a game or two at a time. We at least need one more 6'10"-7"+ warm body to throw in at center from time to time. So what do you guys think? Any better suggestions for a backup center? Things are looking pretty grim at this point as far as I can tell. *Also...since the Rockets are apparently looking at Fred Jones as well, can anyone think of the most efficient way to get both Jones and Pollard in one deal with Indiana? Maybe something with our larger trade exception, so we could keep the MLE? I'm not very knowledgeable about the TE's myself...
Pollard would be serviceable I suppose, since I do think Deke's done. It would be nice if they could find a way to get Foster.
I'd be thrilled if the Rockets picked up Scot Pollard. I don't think you can ask for much more out of a back up center. There is only one Zo. I also love the suggestion of Jeff Foster, but I think that's less realistic.
Pollard would be fantastic! But I think he would quickly fall into the category of "knucklehead" that Van Gundy is through coaching.
From what i remember Pollard has alot of nagging injuries. Jeff foster would be a nice pick up. He is big enough to handle centers but is moble enough to hang with alot of power fowards.
Not at all. His demeanor is all fun, his work on the court is all business. I live in Sac... trust me, I know. Pollard would be an excellent pickup for us.
Scott Polard is a good suggestion. I would have liked Nazr Mohammad, but I knew he was gonna be one of the more expensive free agents and he already signed with the Pistons. Im not sure how the TEs work, but Im for anything that will allow us to keep our ME so that we can pick up some more depth or MJ.
Alright, i got the message this white boy can be a good addition to our rosters this season. I like him more when he starve for playing time in Indiana. Good back up center and can start if Yao goes down!
He sure has missed a lot of games the last few seasons. Injuries, or couldn't get off the bench? I remember him as a sometimes effective, pesky fellow with the Kings. That Pollard would be nice for low dollars. Does that version still exist?
He's available. He's cheap.He likes Houston. He responded well playing behind Yao Ming. If we pick him up quickly, we can knock him into shape by the preseason! He's good at picking up all the loose balls from Yao Ming's missed shots.
Glad to see that I wasn't flamed for suggesting Pollard. For some reason I thought with a 5/5 career statline that might happen For whoever said Jeff Foster, I think you can pretty much let that thought pass right on through your head. No way the Pacers give that guy up for anything that doesn't seriously improve them. Sure, he can't score to save his life, but the guy grabbed more than 9 rebounds per game last year, nearly 4 of which were offensive. All that in only 25 minutes per game. That's ridiculous production. Also, for what it's worth, I see that he has some kind of trade clause in his contract. Not sure of the details but chances are that it makes him pretty difficult for us to obtain. Here is his contract for those interested in crunching numbers... 2006/7: $5,200,000 2007/8: $5,600,000 2008/9: $6,000,000
