I believe bill is correct on this one. A player that would take up for him would be Oakley all though im not a big fan of his.
As much as I like him, Thomas is a tweener: a PF in a SF body. IMO, he is more valuable coming off the bench than be a starter. Before Yao and Griffin develop, Taylor is our only low post threat. But when Griffin gets his inside game down, Taylor will be expendable. He is making starter money. We don't want him sitting on the bench. The only "power" player on the current roster that can "protect" Yao is Cato. Playing Cato alongside Yao for some minutes is a thought worth considering. (I know, I know. Who said Cato needs to score or rebound or do anything out there? Just PROTECT Yao.)
The Lakers always fielded a banging PF. and I don't think Walton is talking about every situation. He is talking about *this* team. He is saying the Rockets are a finesse/fast team, and Ming might be more a finesse/Jabbar like center, to boot...not like Shaq. Drawing comparisons to past teams is not his point. To me, it reads that we should have finesse, speed and shooting to burn. Why add more of that if it is not your weakness? His comments have nothing to say about Shaq and Hakeem. Would you compare Ming to them?
Easy, stop the crap about Tweener. Have you seen Thomas play Horry, Walker, Malone, Webber, and Davis? I have and I think it is just crazy how guys get up on this bandwagon. Forget about his size; in actuality, he is a banger, respected by those guys I just mentioned and he was named the raging bull by Rudy T based on his play against these guys. Last year he made his living as a PF and did a damn good job at it. Have you seen Zach Randolph's height? Barkley? O. Harrington? All power with less height. KT gets it down.
Line-up, nuff said! Center: Ming, Cato PF: Griffen, Mo Taylor or KT (we trade one for Lewis, and keep the other) SF: Nachbar, Rice SG: Lewis (can play SF), Cat PG: Francis, Norris Back-ups or Role Players: Terence Morris (SF, PF), Tierre Brown (SG), Tito Maddox (PG), Jason Collier (C) Looks like a awesome line-up, it has finals written all over it! ! The question is can we get Lewis!
I think since Cato and Ming have completely opposite games they would compliment each other and the team very nicely. We'd have Cato who would flash to the basket for the alleyoop or the dump off when Cat or Steve drives and if that's not open we would have ming drain shots from 15. Opposing D's would have a major task in choosing whether to let Cato get his or Ming get his. We allready know Cat and Steve can penetrate on anyone which will make opposing defenses have to shift and cover the penetrator either leaving Ming open for the shot or Cato open for the dunk.
KT = Keep Truckin' ! kenny won me over last year. at first i couldn't stand his inability to finish a damn layup. i couldn't understand why he didn't just flush the damn ball. last year he started to do that. unfortunately, he also showed his limitations last year. he IS undersized as a power forward. he IS a little slow for a small forward. he DOES hesitate on his jumpers too often. but, that's ok. dude could be the perfect, affordable, backup 3/4. motay flat out has the physical tools to beat out kenny for the 4 spot. griff will fit in wherever, ala kevin garnett. kenny will be the loveable, durable, tacky, gooey glue that holds both forward spots together.
I like KT & Mo T and in a perfect world they could both remain Rockets but unfortunately, thats not the case. KT has got to go. There are not enough minutes for the both of them & EG. Mo got off to a slow start w/ the Rockets but after the all-star break Mo found his groove w/ the team and the Rockets had a GREAT second half and made their playoff push. KT has heart and some good offensive skills but there is just something about KT thats just a little off. When he gets the ball, he holds it just as long as Steve, Cuttino, & Moochie. Mo works just as hard as any other Rocket except Mobley. Clutch said that Mo has been killing KT in practice so I'm really excited to see what he can do healthy. I really think Mo can be the big body to protect Ming (at least until Ming is ready).
I like KT, for one thing he has an incredible first step, second he works his rear off. I also like Mo T, I think he is a good ball player....but if one has to go I kinda see Kt as the odd man out. However I would hate to see him go.... But if he had to go what do you guys think about Outlaw, he is a tough...do the dirty work type guy? Dont hang me, Im just throwing out a question
Playing Cato significant minutes will hamper the development of a new offense. It will not complement it. Make no mistake. Management's plans for the team as the years go on will center around an offense utilizing Ming's skills in concert with the guards. Right now, Cato is not given *any* plays. His offensive involvement exists soley because the guards draw so much attention. Cato does not complement Ming, because an offense with Cato is 180 degrees opposite one to Ming. One is a perimeter based offense with a weak offensive center; the other will be an offense focused on the center. Cato cannot pass the ball, dribble or make any moves. His only points come from the defenses ignoring him. When you introduce a center that cannot be ignored, you redesign your offense. Cato will get forgotten as Griffin gets more powerful (especially since the coaches are already alluding to him playing some 5).
I actually agree with Walton on this one. You are forgetting a major part of the equation with your comparison and that is that Yao is very young right now. In 5 years, he probably will not need a banger next to him but as of now, the Rox should do everything they can to get a bruiser on the team (Malik Rose type player). Mr. B
I can't argue with that. However, I'm sure "The Franchise" could. Offense invovling the center means less dribbling and more passing. LESS DRIBBLING!! Oh, the tragedy! You're messin' with his game! What am I worried about? Duh. Rudy has assured us over and over that Stevie wants to play the game the "right way."
Charles Oakley is always the first one that comes to my mind whenever I think about a banger (or a thug). Is he still playing?
He sure is and he is looking to relocate. I REALLY REALLY hope the Rox can land him. He is perfect for the team and will not require a huge salary. Mr. B
