[Feigen's Blog] A Question about All Those Rockets Questions

[Feigen's Blog 9/19] A Question about All Those Rockets Questions

Beat writer Jonothan Feigen has a great blog on Chron.com that every Rockets fan should read. His blogs are very informative, and he also will answer questions in the comments page. He looks to be getting back into the full swing of things now, after a break during the summer.</p>

There's a lot of information (or informed opinions) you can get reading the Comments section that don't show up any where else. This season, I'd like to create these threads for his blogs (which he updates once every 2 or 3 days, generally), and list out the Q/As in the comments section here. I think it will make for pretty good discussion.</p>

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http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2007/09/a_quest..._those_roc.html</p>

October 1st (start of training camp) can't get here soon enough. His latest blog is an open forum for discussing the big questions heading into training camp. Some of the issues are:</p><ul>[*]How Yao's game will evolve under Rick Adelman[*]How to make McGrady's job easier without sacrificing his playmaking [*]Backup center[*]Point guard situation[/list]

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Now I'll list some of the Q/As from the comments section. I'll keep updating this thread as more Q/As roll in.</p>

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dannyboy writes: My burning question to you is this: who do you think will be Scola's backup at PF? The obvious answer is Chuck Hayes, but do you believe he can really carry his weight offensively in Adleman's system? Chuck is a great guy, but a passing and shooting liability. That floated under JVG, but will it under Adleman? I still hope that we can dump some guards for another Big. Do you see anyone on the horizon at the four, given what we have to offer in a trade?</p>

(Chuck is the sort of guy you have to get on the floor. He is not much of a scorer, but does all the other winning things. And teams don't need everyone to be scorers. The question will be how to use he and Dikembe both play off the bench when they really don't fit well at the same time. -- Jonathan)</p>

</p>

Phil writes: My question is: How do you see Luther Head fitting into the Rockets' scheme. Despite his lack of size and average ball-handling skills, he was quite an effective contributor for us last year, and I'd hate to see us squander his talent, or send him to another team. Houston has such a knack for sending people away and watching them burn us down the road.</p>

(It's going to be tough to fit him in the rotation for the kind of minutes he is used to, but if Adelman limits two point guards to the point, and Bonzi to the three, Head can serve as McGrady's primary backup at the two. -- Jonathan)</p>

</p> longtime fan writes: Is Adelman more likely to play the rookies early, especially Aaron Brooks? That's one area I totally disagreed with Rudy T and Van Gundy. They had no use for rookies. I believe in playing them early when the games are not that important, so come playoff time they will no longer be rookies - they'll be veterans. What has been Adelman's MO with the rookies?

(Coaches of winning teams rarely rely on rookies, other than the few very special players that are so good they are worth suffering through the learning curve. Adelman's teams have rarely given big minutes to first-year players. Brooks might have figured in the rotation had the Rockets not acquired several point guards this off-season, but now might have to wait a bit, other than a few spot minutes. -- Jonathan)</p>

</p>

Whit writes: Will the playing rotation that's set by opening night be 9 players deep or 10? What will it be and barring injury, will it last the entire year? Here's my take and please tell me if you thnik this is close:</p>

Starters:
SF Battier (36 mpg)
PF Scola (30 mpg)
C Yao (36 mpg)
SG McGrady (36 mpg)
PG Francis (24 mpg)</p>

Bench:
SF Wells (12 mpg)
PF Hayes (18 mpg)
C Mutombo (12 mpg)
SG Head (12 mpg)
PG James (24 mpg)</p>

(Sounds about right. I'd guess Bonzi will play more. -- Jonathan)</p>

</p>

YC writes: 1, Any updates on whether Yao will arrive in town on time? News from China has reported today that he'll most likely miss the media day, but didn't you mention that he hadn't asked for a late arrival?</p>

2,Ok, this is a non-rockets one. Is Kobe still insisting on being traded? </p>

Thanks a lot, Jon.</p>

(According to Daryl Morey, Yao will be in Houston on time. Kobe might not be insisting on being traded, but he wants to be on a better team. If that's the Lakers, he'd be OK with that, but so far, they have not made themselves a better team. -- Jonathan)</p>

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Mr. Smith writes: Does anyone really want our "excess" talent, or is this an urban myth? What team would you have to be GM for to find any of these guys intriguing enough to trade for, and what would you be willing to give up to get them? Assuming it will be win-win, who wants what we got? Also when is the trade deadline?</p>

(The trade deadline this season is Feb. 21. There is always a lot of talk this time of year, but serious talks, if any, tend to crowd around the start of the training camps and start of the season. -- Jonathan)</p>

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jnelly writes: thanks for the rockets warmup. my question is how does adelman incorporate yao's strengths with the princeton offense he runs? since there is so much motion in that offensive set, how does yao's conditioning play into this factor?</p>

big fan of the blogs! keep it up bud!</p>

(His conditioning is better than many understand, though it was never as strong after the injury last season as before. That won't be a factor. Anything new he does will be as a passer on the high post with the sharp cutting by others. I think he will still be in the low block the vast majority of the time, anyway. -- Jonathan)</p>

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Cortez7 writes: In all honesty Jonathan, do you see the ROX with their new additions, old additions, rising any higher than a 5 seed ? Me personally, my prediction is that 1-3 will be locked up by SAS/MAVS/PHO (not neccessarily in that order ) but I think the ROX could be a 4th seed this yr, because the JAZZ will miss DFISHER alot more than they think, and AK-47 is going to whin all season If they dont trade him by Feb. My other question is between ALSTON/MJAMES/FRANCIS who do you think fits best in ADELMAN's system as the starter, based off production from last yr. ?</p>

(Obviously if based on last season it would be James. But he and Francis expect to be better this season than last. I don't think the system will be the issue. The system should work well enough for each. They should be able to determine their playing time with their effectiveness, rather than style. But who starts might also depend on how things work for the playing coming off ther bench. James, being the better catch-and-shoot option, would work well with McGrady and Yao, as a starter, but he might be able to more often look for his shot when McGrady or Yao are out. Francis' penetration can work either as a starter or off the bench, but he does not need to shoot often to contribute offensively. -- Jonathan)</p>

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Ronny writes: since the rockets have picked up the option on luther head's fourth year, does that mean that the rockets see luther head in their plans this upcoming season?</p>

(They have not picked up the option yet, only decided that they will. Where he fits in their plans this season will be determined by Adelman once they go to work. -- Jonathan)</p>

</p>

Diezel writes: I read that ADELMAN thinks that LHEAD can do alot more than just shoot 3's and watched him at Illinois (which I am an Alum). Comming out of Chicago HEAD was a scorer who range was suspect from the 3. At Illinois he played a little of the 1 but moved to the 2 once they got DEE BROWN/DERON WILLIAMS. He worked on his shot while in college and started shooting alot more 3's. What ROX may not know is that LHEAD is alot more athletic than they think. He was regularily catching alley oops in college from DERON WILLIAMS, But on the NBA level everybody can jump out the gym just about. Now going into his 4th season, Jon, Isnt it the coach's responsibility to develop young players and have them work on the skills that they lack or need to upgrade ? I dont see LHEAD being in their future plans as a 6'3 SG ? I thought about him playing a " Bobby Jackson " type of a role, but realized that BJ was a scoring PG in college and a quick one at that, who could get his shot off whenever he wanted. LHEAD is a spot up shooter who is mediocre at best when it comes to putting the ball on the floor, and I've never seen him shoot off the dribble. I know JVG experimented with playing him a PG a couple of summer leagues back, but because of his weak ball handling skilss + basketball IQ...he has been regulated to being a 3pts specialist.</p>

(Actually, he played a lot of point last season. So far, he has been ineffective at the position and inconsistent at doing things at either position when on the move. -- Jonathan)</p>

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Diezel writes: Hey Jon, I've always been curious to know what goes on inside training camp ? besides learning new offensive sets and getting the players back into NBA level conditioning, do the coach's and players work on individual drills and skills test like the one they make the rookies go thru ? could you give me a break down ?</p>

(There are portions of practice time spent working in smaller groups, and in some cases individually. As I think you guessed, however, the bulk of time is spent working in larger groups, with some drills mixed in at the beginning and end of practices. -- Jonathan)</p>

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Edwin writes: Jonathan, I guess Battier fits perfectly at the 3 w/ the Rox & that is why no one is asking questions about his playing time, but what do you envision for him this year under coach Adelman's style of play?? Thanks.</p> (He fits this style of play well. He does not create for himself off the dribble, but that is not a high priority in Adelman's offense. I would think, however, his playing time would decrease somewhat with Bonzi back and more depth at the four. -- Jonathan)

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Diezel writes: Hey Jon, during half-time..Do players take showers or change uniforms ? I watching some ol school games with the Knicks and me and my friends were commenting on how Patrick Ewing would be drenching wet from sweat before the game even tipped off...and he would stil be wet after half time, and my gurl asked me the question, which I honestly couldnt answer for sure... I did tell her the story of Agent Zero allegedly taking a shower in his uniform during half-time while at GSTATE...LOL</p>

(I have not heard about halftime showers, but I would imagine it is not unheard of. Some like to warm up and then shower. The majority like to stay "lathered up." -- Jonathan)</p>

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Thanks for posting this durvasa. I try to read the Feigen blogs but only sporadically. I do like how he answers most questions and comes with insider information that us fans drool for.</p>

Very excited to read more of what he has to offer. </p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'>

I couldn't help but notice Rafer Alston's name was left out of the rotation. </p>

This was a great follow up question by Jonathan -- The question will be how to use he and Dikembe both play off the bench when they really don't fit well at the same time.</p>

I've been wondering about it myself. A lot of the Rockets frontline players were defensive minded at fit well with what JVG likes doing. Now you have an offensive system in place that relies heavily on big man playmaking. Maybe the Rockets have Scola come off the bench with the second unit and Hayes starting? </p></div>

My feeling is that Dikembe will not be playing regularly. I think we'll see a lot of situations where Scola and Hayes are on the floor, at the same time. </p>

 

bump. Added more Q/A. See first post.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Luther Head played small forward at Illinois when Dee Brown and Deron Williams joined the team. It was a 3 guard offensive set and they locked down teams with one of the best zone defenses in college hoops. He's right about Luther Head being more than just a three point shooter though. Head can flat out score, but I can see why JVG tried molding him into a spot up 3 point shooter, since he was playing off of Yao in the post.</p>

Should be interesting to see what Head can do in a more wide-open offense. His mid-range game was exceptional at Illinois. I really wanted the trade to go down earlier in the summer between the Lakers and Rockets. The deal would have been Cook for Head.</div></p>

I'm not optimistic about Head. For the most part, he's appeared very 1-dimensional offensively while in the NBA. I didn't follow him in college, though. </p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I guess I see your point about Deke not getting steady minutes all season long in the rotation. However, I think that's putting a lot of pressure on Scola in his rookie season to play heavy minutes. I think he's going to struggle with the officiating more than anything because he's physical and very aggressive on defense. I can see him picking up two quick fouls and spending a lot of time watching from the sidelines until he makes adjustments. </p></div>

Foul trouble for Scola is definitely going to be a concern, especially since his probable backup (Chuck Hayes) will also be foul trouble a lot. We also have Jackie Butler who may end up playing a lot of backup C. But with all the backcourt players we have on the team, I don't see Adelman playing 4 bigs every night. </p>

 

I'd like to see Jackie Butler get some minutes too......I think he's a better fit for Adelman's system than Chuck is</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rock4life)</div><div class='quotemain'>

I'd like to see Jackie Butler get some minutes too......I think he's a better fit for Adelman's system than Chuck is</p></div>

</p>

He's obviously a better low post scoring option. But will he play off the ball and pass from the high post as well as Chuck? Those will be very important for a PF in Adelman's system, and I'm not sure he fits that mold very well. I think he could be an effective backup C for us when Chuck is also on the court. Chuck and Mutombo together just doesn't provide enough firepower. </p>

 

Well looking at Adelman's previous teams I can't remember a powerfoward as one dimensional as Chuck. I think JVG's style of offense fit Chuck very well because it wasslow, stagnant, and had Yao and Tmac doing 95% of the playmaking. But in Adelman's system expect for everybody on the court to be a threat to score. I think Butler can finally become a solid contributor if he's used correctly. He's a big body who can be very active, just like Chuck, but the difference is Butler has a better variety of skills. I'd like to see Hayes used in certain situations, but defnatley not as large a role as JVG gave him last year.</p>

 

I've said it many times, but I don't consider Chuck to be "one dimensional". Unless you want to say that rebounding, heady team defense, and all around hustle all constitute a single dimension on the basketball court. I think that's a narrow way of thinking about the game..</p>

I agree that Adelman's system will require more offensive contributions from the whole team, and it's definitely a question mark if Chuck is up to that task. If he can cut, pass, and offensive rebound effectively, then he'll find his place in the rotation.</p>

BTW, I reviewed some of Adelman's past teams to see if he ever used a big with a very limited offensive role. In the 01/02 season (Sac won 61 games that year), Scot Pollard fit that profile.</p>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="0" class="smallText">
<tbody>
<tr class="rowHead">
<td>Per 48 Minutes</td>
<td align="right">Ag</td>
<td align="right">G</td>
<td align="right">MP</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">FGA</td>
<td align="right">FG%</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">FTA</td>
<td align="right">FT%</td>
<td align="right">TS%</td>
<td align="right">ORB</td>
<td align="right">DRB</td>
<td align="right">TRB</td>
<td align="right">AST</td>
<td align="right">STL</td>
<td align="right">BLK</td>
<td align="right">TOV</td>
<td align="right">PF</td>
<td align="right">PTS</td>
<td align="right">PER</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Pollard</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
<td align="right">48.0</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">9.1</td>
<td align="right">.550</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">4.2</td>
<td align="right">.693</td>
<td align="right">.590</td>
<td align="right">4.8</td>
<td align="right">9.6</td>
<td align="right">14.4</td>
<td align="right">1.4</td>
<td align="right">1.8</td>
<td align="right">1.9</td>
<td align="right">1.7</td>
<td align="right">5.2</td>
<td align="right">13.0</td>
<td align="right">15.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chuck Hayes</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">48.0</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">9.4</td>
<td align="right">.573</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">.618</td>
<td align="right">.587</td>
<td align="right">5.7</td>
<td align="right">8.9</td>
<td align="right">14.6</td>
<td align="right">1.3</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">1.8</td>
<td align="right">7.9</td>
<td align="right">12.3</td>
<td align="right">13.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

 

If anything, Juwan Howard is more one-dimensional than Chuck Hayes is.</p>

 

Juwan one dimensional as Chuck? I PRAY ur being sarcastic. Chuck's only real purpose was to rebound the basketball. He was at times a solid defender, butundersized and outmatched most nights. Overrall ur telling me that Chuck Hayes is a better player than Juwan Howard? Ur gonna compare a solid veteran to a utility guy who wouldn't start on ANY team in the NBAother than a JVG coached team. I definatley can't comprehend that. I don't even think Chuck should get the minutes he got last year this year. Personally, I honestly believe Jackie Butler will outshine him this year.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rock4life)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Juwan one dimensional as Chuck? I PRAY ur being sarcastic. Chuck's only real purpose was to rebound the basketball. He was at times a solid defender, butundersized and outmatched most nights. Overrall ur telling me that Chuck Hayes is a better player than Juwan Howard? Ur gonna compare a solid veteran to a utility guy who wouldn't start on ANY team in the NBAother than a JVG coached team. I definatley can't comprehend that. I don't even think Chuck should get the minutes he got last year this year. Personally, I honestly believe Jackie Butler will outshine him this year.</p>

</div></p>

Sounds like you're warming up to the trade for Scola/Butler. That's nice.</p>

BTW, do you think that Juwan Howard would have started for any team other than the Rockets last season?</p>

</p>

</p>

 

Juwan pretty much does nothing but shoot midrange jumpers.</p>

He's not known to be a good defender. Hayes is a much better help defender than Juwan is, and he is a better overall defender as well. Juwan rarely contests shots, and you will notice Hayes contests almost every shot. Hayes may be undersized, but power counts for a lot. If you don't have position, you are forced to shoot uncomfortable shots. Hayes is very strong, and he forces players out of their comfort zone. He is also a much better rebounder and a much better finisher than Howard.</p>

The only time where height counts is for contesting and blocking shots. Tell me. How many shots does Juwan block? Besides shooting midrange jumpers, what does Juwan contribute?</p>

I'd hardly consider Hayes outmatched every night. Do you even watch the games? Even the Jazz fans think that Hayes is very underrated and did a damn good job on Okur.</p>

</p>

Also, it doesn't seem like you understand or play basketball much. If you are posting up, I would much rather have a taller guy guard me, than a stronger guy and by tall I mean like 3 inches taller (not Yao Ming tall).</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (foo82)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Juwan pretty much does nothing but shoot midrange jumpers.</p>

He's not known to be a good defender. Hayes is a much better help defender than Juwan is, and he is a better overall defender as well. Juwan rarely contests shots, and you will notice Hayes contests almost every shot. Hayes may be undersized, but power counts for a lot. If you don't have position, you are forced to shoot uncomfortable shots. Hayes is very strong, and he forces players out of their comfort zone. He is also a much better rebounder and a much better finisher than Howard.</p>

The only time where height counts is for contesting and blocking shots. Tell me. How many shots does Juwan block? Besides shooting midrange jumpers, what does Juwan contribute?</p>

I'd hardly consider Hayes outmatched every night. Do you even watch the games? Even the Jazz fans think that Hayes is very underrated and did a damn good job on Okur.</p>

</p>

Also, it doesn't seem like you understand or play basketball much. If you are posting up, I would much rather have a taller guy guard me, than a stronger guy and by tall I mean like 3 inches taller (not Yao Ming tall).</p>

</div></p>

Ur wrong....Chuck Hayes is a utility player. Plays with alot of energy, makes hustle plays, and does the dirtywork. But that's about it. The way ur comparing the two is from a biased point of view. Offensivley, Hayes has absolutley no game whatsoever. Zero, Zip, Nada. The only way he scores is if he's WIDE open under the rim. If anybody is remotley close he's toast. If he gets fouled, he's gonna brick the free throws. Now if you wanna compare him to Juwan offensivley it isn't even close. I'm sure you understand that. Defensivley at this point, Chuck gets the nod. Juwan's not as young as Chuck and doesnt bring his energy. But the gap isn't NEARLY as big as the offensive gap between both players. Juwan can occaisonally play some good D. He also can rebound when he wants too. Juwan's role on the team was much bigger than Chuck's, so I'm no sure why you'd even try to compare the two. I think it's pretty much obvious who the overrall better player is.</p>

</p>

NOTE: How can you brag on Chuck's defense without mentioning how foul-prone he's consistently been?</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (durvasa)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Sounds like you're warming up to the trade for Scola/Butler. That's nice.</p>

BTW, do you think that Juwan Howard would have started for any team other than the Rockets last season?</p>

</div></p>

Actually, I'm pretty sure Juwan would've started on Minnesota had he wanted to play there. I think any young team looking for veteran leadership would love to have him starting for them. Although I stick by the fact that we still need a veteran powerfoward starting, Scola played very impressivley in the Olympics</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rock4life)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (foo82)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Juwan pretty much does nothing but shoot midrange jumpers.</p>

He's not known to be a good defender. Hayes is a much better help defender than Juwan is, and he is a better overall defender as well. Juwan rarely contests shots, and you will notice Hayes contests almost every shot. Hayes may be undersized, but power counts for a lot. If you don't have position, you are forced to shoot uncomfortable shots. Hayes is very strong, and he forces players out of their comfort zone. He is also a much better rebounder and a much better finisher than Howard.</p>

The only time where height counts is for contesting and blocking shots. Tell me. How many shots does Juwan block? Besides shooting midrange jumpers, what does Juwan contribute?</p>

I'd hardly consider Hayes outmatched every night. Do you even watch the games? Even the Jazz fans think that Hayes is very underrated and did a damn good job on Okur.</p>

</p>

Also, it doesn't seem like you understand or play basketball much. If you are posting up, I would much rather have a taller guy guard me, than a stronger guy and by tall I mean like 3 inches taller (not Yao Ming tall).</p>

</div></p>

Ur wrong....Chuck Hayes is a utility player. Plays with alot of energy, makes hustle plays, and does the dirtywork. But that's about it. The way ur comparing the two is from a biased point of view. Offensivley, Hayes has absolutley no game whatsoever. Zero, Zip, Nada. The only way he scores is if he's WIDE open under the rim. If anybody is remotley close he's toast. If he gets fouled, he's gonna brick the free throws. Now if you wanna compare him to Juwan offensivley it isn't even close. I'm sure you understand that. Defensivley at this point, Chuck gets the nod. Juwan's not as young as Chuck and doesnt bring his energy. But the gap isn't NEARLY as big as the offensive gap between both players. Juwan can occaisonally play some good D. He also can rebound when he wants too. Juwan's role on the team was much bigger than Chuck's, so I'm no sure why you'd even try to compare the two. I think it's pretty much obvious who the overrall better player is.</p>

</p>

NOTE: How can you brag on Chuck's defense without mentioning how foul-prone he's consistently been?</p>

</div></p>

I would hardly consider Hayes WIDE OPEN. He constantly plays off the cut to the basket and is very consistent in his finishing abilities. Despite what you think, he is one of the better finishers on the team. It's hard to be wide open underneath because it will be giving him free reign for offensive boards. Hayes moves constantly and and gets open looks off the screens he sets for Tmac by cutting. Offense does not mean just shooting. It also consists of getting offensive boards, which Hayes is adept at doing. Physical players tend to be more foul-proned. It is because that Hayes contests everything is why his fouls are up there.</p>

You were arguing on who is one-dimensional. Let me ask you this, besides shooting mid-range jumpshots, what else does Juwan do well?</p>

Things that Hayes does well that you can't deny:</p>

Defense, rebounds, hustle plays.</p>

Things that Juwan does</p>

Mid-range jump shots</p>

</p>

So tell me who is more one-dimensional?</p>

</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (foo82)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rock4life)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (foo82)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Juwan pretty much does nothing but shoot midrange jumpers.</p>

He's not known to be a good defender. Hayes is a much better help defender than Juwan is, and he is a better overall defender as well. Juwan rarely contests shots, and you will notice Hayes contests almost every shot. Hayes may be undersized, but power counts for a lot. If you don't have position, you are forced to shoot uncomfortable shots. Hayes is very strong, and he forces players out of their comfort zone. He is also a much better rebounder and a much better finisher than Howard.</p>

The only time where height counts is for contesting and blocking shots. Tell me. How many shots does Juwan block? Besides shooting midrange jumpers, what does Juwan contribute?</p>

I'd hardly consider Hayes outmatched every night. Do you even watch the games? Even the Jazz fans think that Hayes is very underrated and did a damn good job on Okur.</p>

</p>

Also, it doesn't seem like you understand or play basketball much. If you are posting up, I would much rather have a taller guy guard me, than a stronger guy and by tall I mean like 3 inches taller (not Yao Ming tall).</p>

</div></p>

Ur wrong....Chuck Hayes is a utility player. Plays with alot of energy, makes hustle plays, and does the dirtywork. But that's about it. The way ur comparing the two is from a biased point of view. Offensivley, Hayes has absolutley no game whatsoever. Zero, Zip, Nada. The only way he scores is if he's WIDE open under the rim. If anybody is remotley close he's toast. If he gets fouled, he's gonna brick the free throws. Now if you wanna compare him to Juwan offensivley it isn't even close. I'm sure you understand that. Defensivley at this point, Chuck gets the nod. Juwan's not as young as Chuck and doesnt bring his energy. But the gap isn't NEARLY as big as the offensive gap between both players. Juwan can occaisonally play some good D. He also can rebound when he wants too. Juwan's role on the team was much bigger than Chuck's, so I'm no sure why you'd even try to compare the two. I think it's pretty much obvious who the overrall better player is.</p>

</p>

NOTE: How can you brag on Chuck's defense without mentioning how foul-prone he's consistently been?</p>

</div></p>

I would hardly consider Hayes WIDE OPEN. He constantly plays off the cut to the basket and is very consistent in his finishing abilities. Despite what you think, he is one of the better finishers on the team. It's hard to be wide open underneath because it will be giving him free reign for offensive boards. Hayes moves constantly and and gets open looks off the screens he sets for Tmac by cutting. Offense does not mean just shooting. It also consists of getting offensive boards, which Hayes is adept at doing. Physical players tend to be more foul-proned. It is because that Hayes contests everything is why his fouls are up there.</p>

You were arguing on who is one-dimensional. Let me ask you this, besides shooting mid-range jumpshots, what else does Juwan do well?</p>

Things that Hayes does well that you can't deny:</p>

Defense, rebounds, hustle plays.</p>

Things that Juwan does</p>

Mid-range jump shots</p>

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So tell me who is more one-dimensional?</p>

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Juwan did alot of things well, in a bigger role for us than Chuck had. We all know he had midrange game, but he also had a nice jump hook. If you watched him play, he was never a bad defender. I don't quite know where you got that from. In the games against San Antonio, he guarded Duncan pretty well. In his time here he had some nice defensive games. His foot speed wasnt as good as Chuck's, but Juwan had veteran tricks that he used against opponents that occaisonally worked. He also had some nice rebounding games. Especially in the playoffs against Utah. At this point in there careers Juwan is overrall the better player. Chuck Hayes could NEVER fill in for Yao and step up like Juwan did for us during thosestretches. It seems you forgot how well Juwan played when we had injuries to our main players. While we're here, let me ask you.............</p>

Do you think Chuck Hayes could give us 14pts & 6rebs in a starting role without Yao Ming or Tracy Mcgrady?</p>

 

[quote name='Rock4life']</p>

[quote name='foo82']</p>

[quote name='Rock4life']</p>

[quote name='foo82']</p>

Juwan pretty much does nothing but shoot midrange jumpers.</p>

He's not known to be a good defender. Hayes is a much better help defender than Juwan is, and he is a better overall defender as well. Juwan rarely contests shots, and you will notice Hayes contests almost every shot. Hayes may be undersized, but power counts for a lot. If you don't have position, you are forced to shoot uncomfortable shots. Hayes is very strong, and he forces players out of their comfort zone. He is also a much better rebounder and a much better finisher than Howard.</p>

The only time where height counts is for contesting and blocking shots. Tell me. How many shots does Juwan block? Besides shooting midrange jumpers, what does Juwan contribute?</p>

I'd hardly consider Hayes outmatched every night. Do you even watch the games? Even the Jazz fans think that Hayes is very underrated and did a damn good job on Okur.</p>

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Also, it doesn't seem like you understand or play basketball much. If you are posting up, I would much rather have a taller guy guard me, than a stronger guy and by tall I mean like 3 inches taller (not Yao Ming tall).</p>

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Ur wrong....Chuck Hayes is a utility player. Plays with alot of energy, makes hustle plays, and does the dirtywork. But that's about it. The way ur comparing the two is from a biased point of view. Offensivley, Hayes has absolutley no game whatsoever. Zero, Zip, Nada. The only way he scores is if he's WIDE open under the rim. If anybody is remotley close he's toast. If he gets fouled, he's gonna brick the free throws. Now if you wanna compare him to Juwan offensivley it isn't even close. I'm sure you understand that. Defensivley at this point, Chuck gets the nod. Juwan's not as young as Chuck and doesnt bring his energy. But the gap isn't NEARLY as big as the offensive gap between both players. Juwan can occaisonally play some good D. He also can rebound when he wants too. Juwan's role on the team was much bigger than Chuck's, so I'm no sure why you'd even try to compare the two. I think it's pretty much obvious who the overrall better player is.</p>

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NOTE: How can you brag on Chuck's defense without mentioning how foul-prone he's consistently been?</p>

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I would hardly consider Hayes WIDE OPEN. He constantly plays off the cut to the basket and is very consistent in his finishing abilities. Despite what you think, he is one of the better finishers on the team. It's hard to be wide open underneath because it will be giving him free reign for offensive boards. Hayes moves constantly and and gets open looks off the screens he sets for Tmac by cutting. Offense does not mean just shooting. It also consists of getting offensive boards, which Hayes is adept at doing. Physical players tend to be more foul-proned. It is because that Hayes contests everything is why his fouls are up there.</p>

You were arguing on who is one-dimensional. Let me ask you this, besides shooting mid-range jumpshots, what else does Juwan do well?</p>

Things that Hayes does well that you can't deny:</p>

Defense, rebounds, hustle plays.</p>

Things that Juwan does</p>

Mid-range jump shots</p>

</p>

So tell me who is more one-dimensional?</p>

</p>

[/QUOTE]</p>

Juwan did alot of things well, in a bigger role for us than Chuck had. We all know he had midrange game, but he also had a nice jump hook. If you watched him play, he was never a bad defender. I don't quite know where you got that from. In the games against San Antonio, he guarded Duncan pretty well. In his time here he had some nice defensive games. His foot speed wasnt as good as Chuck's, but Juwan had veteran tricks that he used against opponents that occaisonally worked. He also had some nice rebounding games. Especially in the playoffs against Utah. At this point in there careers Juwan is overrall the better player. Chuck Hayes could NEVER fill in for Yao and step up like Juwan did for us during thosestretches. It seems you forgot how well Juwan played when we had injuries to our main players. While we're here, let me ask you.............</p>

Do you think Chuck Hayes could give us 14pts & 6rebs in a starting role without Yao Ming or Tracy Mcgrady?</p>

[/QUOTE]</p>

You mentioned his jump hook. His jump hook is mediocre at best. It's pretty much the only post up move he has. It isn't very consistent which is why he doesnt use it often. You haven't even mentioned why Juwan wouldnt be considered one-dimensional. He doesn't really excel at anything. You mentioned his defense isn't all that bad.....but it isn't all that great either. At best, he's a mediocre defender. You even use phrases like "occasionally work" and "some nice games" which shows that even you admit he is not consistently good defender. Your arugment at "this point in their careers" is completely ridiculous and not even related to the argument at hand. Hayes is only in his second "real" year. As for stepping in for Yao? Where the hell did you pull that from. Hayes was never meant to step in for Yao, but compliment him. Juwan's role was to provide scoring off the bench (which he failed miserably at during the playoffs, which is contributing factor to why we lost), just like Hayes role is to fight for loose rebounds (so Yao doesn't have to), play defense in the post to match up against stronger opponents, and all-around hustle.</p>

As for this statement.</p>

"Do you think Chuck Hayes could give us 14pts & 6rebs in a starting role without Yao Ming or Tracy Mcgrady?"</p>

It is completely irrelavent. This isn't any other team. This is Yao's and Tmac's. I have been arguing for ages that Hayes is a better fit with Yao and Tmac, and I have also stated multiple times that Hayes would not fit as well in starting role on any other team. It is because we have two HUGE offensive forces that we actually benefit from having Hayes out on the court in Rockets uniform.</p>

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