I have visions of Yao Ming and Eddie Griffin circling the paint like two tigers waiting to maul somebody. I didn't see the Rockets employ a zone defense much last season if at all, but with the personnel that we have this year, I think that we could be a stifling defensive force. I'm not saying we should employ it all the time, but imagine if every fool who wants to drive to the bucket had to go through Eddie and Yao first, well, you can see where I'm getting at. Maybe this would also take up the slack when we have players on the court that are weak on the Defensive end.
That's a good point Stevie. So not only do we bolster our D when needed, but we also get into our offensive groove through better defense.
I like the idea because I think it will keep Ming out of some foul trouble. Maybe give him the chance to ajust to the league better.
Rudy recently said, Thank God for zone defense, because he knows Ming could get whipped like a rented mule otherwise. So, Zone. As needed.
I forgot to mention that there is still Cato, although only so-so offensively, he's a capable shot blocker and rebounder. A think a zone D will also improve his game in that area. As I am typing this, I've come to realize that there aren't any other Rockets worth mentioning that has a true defensive presence. That being said, a zone D would really help this team.
The zone defense is needed. If you watched the Oakland Game (USA vs. China) last week, you would have noticed that when both Yao and Menke Bateer were on the court, the Chinese NT was as effective if it was not more effective than the US Team. The Chinese NT had used this approach (dubbed as "twin tower" approach) several times throughout the exhibition games. Wait to watch the actions of this approach on Aug. 31 (USA vs. China in Indy)
I was thinking today how the SWAT SQUAD (Ming, Griffin, Cato and Frances) could make it very difficult to score on the Rockets in the paint. This team might accumulate huge totals of blocked shots. You know, the Rockets are "suddenly" loaded with talent. IF they stay healthy, I am expecting the biggest turnaround in the league.
