The small ball mindset must die in order for the rockets too be successful. I like Odom but what the hell he will not make this team complete. He would be an intriguing addittion, but I don't know about you, but the small ball crap just cannot get it done in this league. What is Odom going to guard Shaq. Ming may get pushed around by Shaq, but he could also help to wear him down. I personally think the Odom trade would be a waste. Rudy hasn't properly used a 3 in years, and I don't think we should get Odom to do Steve's job. If Steve doesn't want to distribute the ball on the fast breaks he should move to the 2. Odom is not a great shooter, and we will have bigger guys to rebound this year. They will help us get the fast break started. I want to see more fast breaks too, but an inside game is more important. Steve and them lobbied to make sure we signed Moochie, he's here so use him. If they want a 3 guard line up they've got it. The good thing about Mooch is atleast he will pass the ball to Ming. If we draft Ming and Steve doesn't welcome him he's just going to make himself look bad. If we trade the pick and Odom doesn't work out he's going to look bad as well. I still say if Steve and Cat do not work on their defense then they should stop saying all they want to do is win right now. ODOM IS THE EL GRANDE QUESO AND Odom will never win a championship!! Odom will never be a MVP!!! Odom will never stop SHAQ!!! ODOM will never make Steve and Cat smarter players!!! ODOM will never improve Steve and Cat;s DEFENSE!!!
Hard to start a Fast break when ya Guards are Rebounding. We get odom and his 7~8 Rebounds a game [a majority are defensive] Who is leaking out on the break? Francis? [7 Rebs a game] [1.54 Steals a game] Cuttino? [6 rebs a game] [1.14 Steals a game] Odom? [7 rebs a game] [1.04 steals a game] they all crashing the boards. we definately won't be breaking off steals. Rocket River
Well . . . . Which one of these guys are you comparing to Kidd? I don't think I've seen ANY of them demonstrate the push it up mentality. SOOOOOO We have to go with the rebound long past Fast Break mentality. Rocket River
River, I agree with your point, that Ming will help by hitting the boards and tossing the outlet, but I think that Steve and Cat could have pushed the ball up a lot faster last year too. DaDakota
Do you think that is Steve and Cat or Rudy's Coaching. He seems to want to call every play. Rocket River
We have not had a 3 with the skills that Odom does since the season we had Pippen and that team was MUCH different than the one we will field next year. That year we had Charles and Dream, both still leading the team. With Steve, Cat, Odom, Griffin, MoT and whoever we would get in the draft we have a nucleus that will atleast make the playoffs consistently. If they play together for a couple of seasons there is no telling how good they could be. Dont equate Odom with smallball, he is a legit 6'10'' point forward who can do most everything that Steve does. Is Odom going to turn this team around on his own? No, but neither is Ming. If we are going to become a better defensive team then Steve and Cat have to dedicate THEMSELVES to getting better. Ming nor Odom nor Butler are going to help that.
The reason Rudy is so intrigued with Odom is because he loves versitility. Versitility is only good to have when you absolutely need it but right now, we need someone who plays one position great, not someone who plays many positions all right.
Adding a 6'10 player to the lineup is not considered small ball. Also, why would Odom be called upon to guard Shaq?
I don't wanna be Phoenix or the Timberwolves or Seattle Yea. . they make it to the playoffs every year. . . but. . . . Rocket River
It is when you Cato and Collier are maning the Center position. That is where the greater need is. Are there more good 2-3s in the league than 5s? If you answer yes to the following question, then it will show you who to draft.
Never bothered, Magic,Clyde or Jordan either. Its his fault he can't run a fast break. Get the rebound, turn and go up the middle until someone stops you. I didn't say skip and high step, i said run and your teammates will run.
The trade I have heard about is sending the number 1 pick and Glenn Rice to the Clippers for the 8, the 12 and Odom. Take it. Now. The 8 and 12 could be Butler and Stoudamire. While I think that Odom is a waste, he has trade value. Butler apparently can play a solid 3 right now. Stoudamire is expected to develop into the next superstar center. These are our two biggest needs. Not to mention what you may be able to get in trade for Odom or at the number 15 slot. You can address most if not all of our needs in the draft. I'm not saying this would make us contenders right away, but the roster would be less of a mess and could be the building blocks for a run in a few years.