WE DON'T NEED A BACK UP C Why does everyone think we need one? We do fine (and works in our offensive system well) when Yao sits down and we go to a small lineup of Scola Landry or Hayes Landry or all three. We don't need another big to clog our rotation. The problem with the small lineup is obvious. When we go against the Duncan's or Shaq's we can't guard them. For one Hayes has done better guarding Duncan than Yao has in the past anyways. For two the offensive advantage they would have we would have too. That's why we have been successful when Yao comes out and Landry replaces him. No center can match Landry's quickness. Landry's no center but we do have him replace Yao a lot (we run two PF's in essence). I just don't see why everyone thinks we have to get a backup for Yao we're doing fine without. Two parting thoughts. Jamal Magloire is no better than Mutumbo and Deke doesn't platy because he doesn't fit into Adelman's offensive game plan. And if we can't get Barry then get no one we have the depth and good rotation already why possibly screw it up.
I'd prefer to shore up our depth at the wing position and, if possible, bring in a dead-eye shooter. Another backup C should be a low priority, but I'd be worried facing PHO or LAL with our current bigs.
We'll be fine. People want Magloire because our chemistry is too good so they want to bring in a fat, lazy has-been whose idea of defense is to get beat off the dribble over and over and then dish out a hard foul. Every team can always use another big body but bringing in an underachiever with conditioning issues does not help us. We might as well bring back Vin Baker or Mo Taylor.
Well, I don't want to insult anyone, but I remember old ass charles jones actually getting some action in the playoffs. It doesn't hurt to have another big guy. If we play the lakers or even phoe, shaq,bynum,gasol, and guys like that will make it tough and force us to double team which starts a defensive scramble. Its will play itself out, but didn't the rox pick up big jake last yr just for insurance?
Here is something I think many people are missing. Some fans want another big man as insurance for Yao in case he gets into foul trouble or injured. The problem I see there is it doesn't matter if you have a third string Center to cover for Yao. If Yao isn't getting big minutes then this team will not advance in the playoffs no matter if Scola, Deke or some scrub is playing big minutes at C in Yao's absence. Scola and Deke can do more than hold their own at Center for 12 minutes a game. It is a lot like everyone wanting insurance for Tmac. It doesn't matter. If Tmac isn't playing big minutes then the team is not advancing.
So...don't get a backup, because the team will lose anyways? If a 40-year-old Deke can shore up the Rockets, any decent second-line center sure as hell can too. I hope the Rockets are looking into one, since we all know Deke needs to retire soon and we all know small ball doesn't work all the time. I'm praying for a Diop-type player. Right now, the Rockets have only two issues they need to address; starting PG and long-term backup C.
No. My point is we have other positions that are much more important right now than a third string Center when we have a franchise player starting at C and a man who was the best or second best backup C last season. We also have two PFs that seem to be holding their own at spot duty backing up the Center position. I'm not really worried about a backup C for next season. If a good one falls into our lap now then great. If not, we have the entire off season to work on that. We can certainly pick up a young, big player who is competent as a backup Center and who is not a washed up, fat guy who is 29 going on 39 like everyone's new crush, Magloire.
Yeah, I kinda agree with you in that it's not really a short-term concern (if you consider short term this season)...however, long-term, this is the most pressing position. Every other part of the depth chart is covered with people that still have a couple of good years left in the tank (except maybe starting/backup PG, depending on how you value Brooks)...except backup C. And with the WC starting to trend away from small ball and back into the traditional big-man game, Yao needs to have some backup. I just hope the Rockets are considering it for this offseason.
If we need a backup center, i'd pick up jackie butler again. but its really not necessary. Coach is resting Dikembe for the finals anyways
So quickly you all forget. Deke is still sitting on our bench. You don't think he can come up big if we have to use him in the long term? This is his last season. He isn't going to let us down if his number is called to enter the game in the playoffs. Until then Scola, Landry and Chuck can cover for Yao. In fact if Bobby turns out okay the only thing we are missing is someone who can guard the Bonzi's of the world... big strong guards. And if that person can shoot the 3 like Barry, all the better.
We need a back up C because when Yao has met a back to back game, his enduress doesnt allow him to play well
Having a extra big man never hurts. However, for the stretch run IMO we are in okay shape. When Deke retires at the end of the season, we might look to pick up Francisco Elson if Seattle releases him, as rumored. Considering the latest Robert Swift injury, I don't think they will let him loose before the end of the season. If Seattle does, Elson would be a great complement to Yao. Francisco has the speed, agility and height we need when Yao takes a rest or when some big PF is overwhelming Scola and Landry.
Yes we do because: 1. Yao, Scola and Landry commit too many fouls 2. We are too small 3. Deke is a one dimensional player 4. Yao gets too banged up in the low post, which makes him prone to injury
Answer to number one is with there being three (plus Hayes) getting in foul trouble isn't a problem in the sense that not all of them can be in foul trouble. Answer to number two is the player mentioned in umber three. Answer to three is do you really think there is a two dimensional C in free agency? They are gobbled up and not available. Deke is still a good defender and rebounder as proved last year. He's no help offensively but Scola and especially Landry can make up for it because that's most of what they are is offensive players. Answer to four is if Yao gets injured we're not going to win any games anyways so bother with a backup would rather see Landry just get more playing time and play small ball.
