He needs to bulk up a little more to play center. He is already the ideal size to play PF. It can happen, but I really like what Hayes brings on the defensive end. Yao/ Hayes[.B] Scola / Hill / Patterson Ariza / Battier Matin / Buddinger Brooks / Lowry 10 man rotation, with Patterson contesting Hill for minutes. This team is stacked.
Ran a quick survey. Here are the starting Centers (?) of some of our most common opponents and their vital stats: Dallas: Erick Dampier, 6' 10" 265 LBS Brendan Haywood, 7' 263 LBS New Orleans: Emeka Okafor, 6' 10" 255 LBS San Antonio: Antonio McDyess, 6' 9" 245 LBS Memphis: Marc Gasol, 7', 265 LBS True that Hill does give up about 20 LBS per opponent but two questions: 1. If he adds 10-20 LBS to his frame, is that "case closed?" 2. Can those opposing centers compete with his quickness? 3. Do those teams even run plays for those centers? Seems like most are a 4th or 5th offensive option... so what's to worry about?
Some of those guys are tough-as-nails, which Hill hasn't proven to be yet (Noah, Wallace)...others have greater length which allows them to recover easier when being pushed back (Camby, Chandler, Biedrins), others have demonstrated to be among the best shot blockers in the league which Hill has not (Andersen), and a few others I would say are such strong offensive players you don't mind keeping them in at center even when they're at a defensive disadvantage (Bosh, Aldridge). The only one I left out is Gortat and he just somehow seems bigger than Hill. I almost have to question his listed weight. Besides, as someone already mentioned, Yao's availability is still such a big question mark you can't risk making Hill you're starting center. Giving up points in the paint was the Rockets biggest weakness last season. It needs to be addressed. Preferably someone who can defend the post AND help on the weak side.
I agree that Hill is not the answer at center ...yet. I hear he's working out with weights and bulking up, but we can't count on him to be the answer this year, especially given the amount of playing time Yao's backup is going to have this season. I'd like to see us grab a guy like Haywood, who has legit size, rebounds, and blocks 2 shots every 25 minutes.
According to Richard Justice, Hill is going into training camp as a center. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7079456.html
No one even mentioned David Anderson....is he still even on the team? Just because he was a let down last season doesn't mean last year wasn't to become accustomed to the American style game.
Apparently he was such a scrub and letdown that even you, a supporter of our worthless Aussie, mispelled his name! :grin: It is David Andersen and until he proves to NOT be as soft as tofu on the defensive end of the court, I doubt he will see much minutes off the pine considering our current glut of bigs at the 4 position. We have Hill, Jeffries, Scola, and Patterson now, so AndersEn who?
Stoudemire and Barbosa for Scola, Battier and Brooks? You've got to be kidding. The idea is to win more games, not fewer.
Did everyone forget that we took the Lakers to 7 games, with Hayes as the primary backup center for half the series, and the primary starting center for the other half? Remove Artest from that team and add Hill, Patterson, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Chase Bundinger, and Jared Jeffries. Remember also, EVERYONE on the Lakers, save for Farmar and maybe Gasol, is getting worse (older), while the whole of our roster (besides Yao) is either entering their prime, in their prime, or a season or two from reaching their prime. The Magic constructed a team to beat the Lakers, and never got to face them. The Cavs constructed a team to beat the Magic, and never got to face them. You don't have to mirror your opponents to beat them. In fact, the reason the Magic beat the Cavs 2 years ago is because their team was built completely opposite of the Cavs. They had 4 shooters and big man. Getting a more conventional roster to match up with the Lakers and Cavs hurt them. Let Morey do his thing. We've already beat the Lakers when it comes to heart and character... once these youngsters come of age, they'll wreck shop.
Read Rileydog's thread. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=188392 Morey said that Hill was the same size as 50% of the 5s in the league. And he is training with Yao right now. They are planning on using him as the backup center, unless Morey can get a big in the offseason. I think Hill has the potential to be a solid center. He needs to bulk up though.
If Jordan Hill is gonna play the center position he will need his weight to be around 250. However he need's to add that muscle with out losing his quick leaping ability, and high vertical at 35 in. Which is really important. --RB
As others mentioned, the league is getting smaller and more athletic, Hill fits the new mold perfectly, he just needs some time. The backup 5 would be perfect for Hill to pick up significant minutes since Scola and Patterson should split minutes at the 4. You're two deep at every position with a ton of assets to make a trade. AB/Lowry Martin/Buddinger Ariza/Battier Scola/Patterson Yao/Hill That's a playoff team no doubt, if Yao stays healthy I like our chances.
How many of those smaller new teams are winning championship. Having Big men on your team has been the blueprint for winning rings for ages. Hill can play spot minutes as backup 5 but not for to long I think we reduce his potential by having him play out of position. I think he would be a better player playing along side Yao. I agree with many of you about Haywood. We get him and stay healthy were championship bound because theres no weakness.
