Where did I say that KG was abusing Deke? All I was saying was that JVG was reaching to find ANY solution he could at the PF spot by putting Deke in there with Yao. Personally I thought Deke matched up the best on KG rather than Spoon in terms of what we had available.
I think he was referring to my comment. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "abused," since he was going against the best in the league. I just remember McHale using KG is a point forward when Deke was guarding him. That gave KG a lot of options- shoot, crossover, pass. I agree that Deke did a pretty good job in the paint vs. KG, but Deke couldn't come out on KG, therefore giving KG quite a bit of open jump shots.
I always liked the "Tank" and am glad to see him back. He played well last year, his dismissal was rumored to be disciplinary rather than related to on-court performance, IIRC. EDIT: wow, didn't see this: "And frankly, I screwed up last year in releasing him."
I wasn't talking about starting Deke at the 4. If Yao can get up to 35 mpg (which I think he'll be doing come playoff time), that leaves 13 backup 5 minutes. Right now, minutes 14-24 from Deke are more effective than Clarence Weatherspoon. Deke averaged 23 mpg last year- he's getting around 14 this year. I think Deke would be alright for 20-25 mpg right now. Preferable to Weatherspoon imo. 10 minutes from Deke at the 4 is 10 less minutes of Spoon.
If Braggs can give the Rockets 15-20 solid mins at the 4 spot I would be extremely happy. That means Padgett get about another 15-20 mins and the remaining mins go to Spoon/Deke/Bowen depending on the matchups. Also does anyone know if Braggs is available to play for us in the playoffs? I thought the deadline was March 1 but i wasnt sure.
I liked what I saw of Braggs last year and was sorry he was cut. He's strong, quick, fearless and a good rebounder - fair midrange shooter. What JVG said about cutting him last year speaks ++ for both of them. Unfortunately Spoon has no gas left in the tank and certain matchups (like last night) will kill us. Padgett is a gamer, smart, and will stretch the floor, but that's all. I wouldn't be surprised to see Braggs starting within a couple of games. Anything he gives us on the offensive end will be a bonus. I'm excited he's a Rocket and feel he will help us down the stretch. This year's team is like a patchwork quilt. Kudos to JVG for piecing it together. D R
DR, I like your optimism. If Braggs makes half that impact, I'll be dancing in front of the tube, and we'll be winning some games.
Im so ashamed...that was gucci that said that...I have no idea where I got the idea that it was you by the time I got to the reply box... my bad....
anyone know if Tank will be playoff eligible i know rosters are trimmed even further for playoffs but i recall there was a deadline of march first for rosters. thats why indiana made a big rush to get davis signed after he was waived by NO. anyone know if this is true? if tank gets decent pt and produces well for the team i hope he'd be eligible for the playoffs when JHo is back
I also noticed that he's not on our roster on the Rocket's site and Espn. We badly needed immediate help at the PF spot. If he can't come, could we go for James Thomas or Sam Clancy instead?
