I know; I know Hayes did a phenominal job of playing defense, but part of defense is rebounding. When Yao is out of the lineup (and sometime when he is in) we are absolutely being dominated by offensive rebounding teams. If Dorsey isn't the answer then who is? This will be a constant theme against the elite teams. Phoenix, Lakers, SA, Boston, even Memphis are going to give us fits when they go big. I'm guessing we kept the open roster spot for Deke when he can come back without costing us luxury dollars. Is this the answer? Any younger bigs that could be had?
You're right, and to put it more concretely, see this page: http://basketballvalue.com/teamplayers.php?year=2008-2009&team=HOU That page hasn't been updated yet through yesterday's game, but through our first 3 wins the Rockets team DREB% goes from a very strong 77% to a very poor 53% when Yao leaves the court. Chuck's essentially be replacing Yao so far this season. It's not surprise defensive rebounding will hurt when you replace a 7'6 guy with a 6'6 guy. And the Rockets recognize this problem. Before the season, Morey said that he thinks we'll probably look into "maybe" adding a 7-footer, but he actually liked how we played with a smaller lineup. Today morning, that's changed to we'll definitely be adding a 7-footer at some point. The team needs to make a trade to clear some salary, and then they'll add Mutombo or maybe someone else. But it probably will be a while till that happens. Until then, we just have to make due. Our guards and wings have to be more aggressive in helping out on the defensive boards.
I don't think we need any new bigs. We just need to do a better job of playing defense, both on the boards and in transition. You look at last year's personnel and we didn't have anyone different except Dikembe (who we'll get back anyways), yet we were one of the top defensive rebounding teams in the country. Our defense will come back with time. Shane will be a big part of that.
I agree but it is still early we need to have patience. With the way the game was going last night i thought we would have seen him with the foul troubles we had with our big men but i was wrong.
i agree let dorsey have a shot before doing anything big.... We didn't know how good landry was until he started getting minutes!
The page also shows the reverse is also true, though not quite as much. When Yao is out, and Chuck is in, the offensive rebounding improves. According the nba.com, we actually had more offensive rebounds than the Celtics last night. They did outrebound us overall, but then the Rockets took 10 more shots yet made six fewer...so there were certainly more defensive rebounding opportunities overall for the Celtics. Not saying rebounding wasn't a clear issue weak point, and would think that defensive rebounding is more important than offensive. Just pointing that out...
This small ball stuff always sounded like crap to me. Last night Yao goes out and the Rockets cannot buy a rebound. Bring back Deke.
we need Deke not only could he provide Yao for some good backups, but also he could practice with Yao. Yao needs another 7 ft to play at practice as many has mentioned this. I am just hoping morey would get this done sooner rather than later. I am sensing that Les is pulling his chain on Morey to get under the cap first before doing anything. Les needs to understand this is the year to break his piggy bank and go out and win that championship.
size will always be a problem. But when battier is around, defensive boards will be much better. Grabbing boards its not just the center, its the entire team. Guards and forwards have to blocks out.
The answer is the perimeter defense. Rox let other team penetrate too deep. When they miss, the reb is up to everyone. Shane will top that and the problem will be sovled.
Funny that Dorsey was brought in to contribute right away according to Morey. Now, we are clearly at a disadvantage and in need of some finger wagging. Trade Rafer or Luther for a pick so we can get the big Deke back !!
We need DEKE back stat. If we had Deke yesterday we probably would have won the game. Big Fatty and Kendrick killed us yesterday since Yao was non-existent.
