His name is Nick Sheppard. I believe he played in the CBA last year, but not sure. He played college ball at Pepperdine in 1999 as a senior. He is 6'11" and weighed 275 this year when he appeared in the Summer League Games on the Clippers. He's big, strong and an intimidating presence in the paint. His 275 is all muscle , but the best thing about him would be the salary. We could give him the league minimum for a season to see him play and see how he developes. I admit his shot isn't great , but neither is Cato's, and I don't think the Rockets would mind with all the options we have. Plus he does well what we so badly need, rebounds and blocks. There is a big debate about wether or not to give M. Jackson a 3 year contract for around 5 mill a year, but I think I'd rather save some "room" and bring in 2 or 3 players for that amount, if not less. Its just hard to justify signing Jackson for only playing good for half a season on one of the worst teams and know he went down with a season ending injury. The last thing we need is Cato out making 6, Jackson injured making 5 ,and Collier out making 1. Thats 12 mill that could be sitting on the bench together! It happened last year at the 5. I would be satisfied with McCoy at 1.5 mill , Sheppard at the minimum , and a little "room" to maneuver during the season, or carry over to next season. Anyway, If we give Jackson 5 mill, how much will we have next season. And how much will we give Francis from that? I'll leave that up to the capologists.
I am not anti-Marc Jackson. You have pointed out his downside but additionally the CBA requires that Jackson have a minimum 3 year contract. I like the "quantity" approach - especially since Cato, Olajuwon & Collier all logged significant IR time last season. Sheppard sounds interesting if he can block and rebound at an NBA level. There is also Nate Huffman in Isreal. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I have the impression Huffman has some "O" and is a legit 7 footer. Huffman was skinny in Centel Mich., but has put on muscle from what I have heard.
Hey, I'm tall, I have basketball smarts, have a big heart, and was a rebounding machine in school. Maybe I could play center. I'll play for the league minimum. And the best part is that I'm younger* than Hakeem!!! *ok, only a couple of months younger, but who's counting?
Oh, and shame on you, Crisco!!!! Chiding newbies is my job! Before you say anything.....shut up, Rodney, it was a joke.
Thomas Hamilton has been working out at the hoop in back of the Star of Hope. He's on his meds and ready to go. I know he will play for a minimum contract and meal money.
Personally I can't see why the Rockets don't bring back the legondary Dave Feitle! Quite possibly the greatest bench warmer of all time!
This is my job! I'm a professional pain in the ass. The boilers are running....water in, steam out.....what am I supposed to be doing?
