A duo of Steve and Cat on the court at the same time is redundant. They look like a replica of each other. My perfect team would look like this: dominant low post presence, formidable long range shooting, and good passing.
Yeah I was thinking about that lineup too, with JJ playing 1, Francis 2, Padgett at 3 so we keep the outside shooting, but I would still start Cato at 4, I think it helps his psychology to start. I would also like to see more sets where JJ handles point duties while both Mobley and Francis or on the court. Howabout even a four guard set with Mark Jackson running point, Francis at 2, Mobley at 3, JJ at 4 and Yao at 5? That could really shake up the Laker's D by forcing them to spread the floor more and try to keep up with the Rox. Of course this would totally go against JVG's slow down philosophy but if the Rox find themselves in a situation like Mon. where they are down even though Shaq isn't scoring and Kobe is killing them by allowing Yao to keep concentrating on Shaq but forcing Kobe to concentrate on D instead of just offense (and maybe pick up some fouls) and tire Malone out from chasing Mobley or JJ.
Just because Yao is 7'6" doesn't mean that he automatically can or even should be purely a low post player. Like you said consistency is the key but I think Yao has so many talents that are unusual for a guy his size that if allowed to he could still play well even when his post game isn't there. While height is essential for a low post game it also comes in very handy for court vision, passing and even outside shooting. Look at how KG uses his height to pass over smaller defenders or shoot over them.
this is one of the best ideas i've heard so far- keep JVG as head coach, but get an offensive minded assistant, not unlike what the nets did when they hired Byron Scott and Pete Carill (sp?), or Jackson and Tex Winter...
Let´s try to adress the PF spot.. If we can all agree that we somehow need an upgrade in the starting power forward but still wants to keep our core group which in my opinion is all the other spots: SF, Cat, JJ and Yao ( Cat is arguable but he is talent for money).. then it surely won't be easy and will have to involve a three way since we will be trading away Cato and possibly Mo... But it just so happens that there are teams out there willing to get rid of "potentially" good power forwards... I know potential is dangerous to play with but if we want to get betterby not trading our core group we kind of have to rely on a potential star who for some reason isn't getting playing time... One name comes to mind.... MEHMET OKUR!! This guy could be very good but he is right now in Detroit in a no-win situation and I believe he should be pursued by Les and CD. He won't get the starting spot from Rasheed Wallace and they Darko Milicic waiting for playing time. That would put Okur as a third option which no one is happy about. In Houston Okur could develop under JVG and would get the starting spot.. I would be happy with such a trade.
Just wanted to act that I am not aware of contract difficulties and the more specific requirements for such a trade to happen but maybe someone would think it interesting to see into this. My post was just kind of seen from án overall perspective so don't bash me too hard It's just that I think next season a guy like Okur given that he finds the right motivation and playing time could be one to win the most improved player award
hitting the tip jar can change that little "member" ID to "contributing member" allowing you to edit your posts... Okur's name comes up pretty often on the board, i haven't seen him play enough to have an opinion, but i think you'r right about the situation in detroit. however, i thought he was Ben wallace's backup, not rasheed's.
a guy i like at the four, and who could be available for cato if eric dampier leaves this summer, is troy murphy. don't know his contract situation, or if a trade of cato/murphy would work, but he's a guy i'd look at.
