I agree in the sense that height alone doesn’t make a player more capable of guarding a 7 footer. This is why I don’t think the Hawks should pass up a guy like DeJuan Blair in the draft for a guy like BJ Mullens just because of height. Physicality and positioning are a lot more important than height when it comes to playing defense. I’d rather see another undersized but tough, gritty and talented player on this team than a 7 foot stiff. Many NBA GMs have lost their jobs after overpaying for size instead of skill (the new coach of Florida International University for example).

It was pretty amazing though how dominant Yao was in the post tonight. When they actually make it a point to feed him the ball he is unstoppable. I’ve always wondered why they don’t just take the Duncan-centered Spurs offensive scheme and implement it in Houston. It always seems like every time I see the Rockets play there are way too many possessions where the perimeter players jack up contested shots while Yao doesn’t touch the ball, especially when Tracy McGrady is healthy.

Pass me that pipe. Those dreams are something else! Naw, I think ‘Sheed’s talent is something we all want. And while he hasn’t made a lot of noise in a while, I don’t see Sund (or Woody) going for that. On paper, he fits, particularly at the 5. But if you start him, then it’s bench for Marvin or Josh. We both know who would take that “demotion” better…

Niremetal,

Houston is pounding the crap out of Portland. And the reason isn’t just Yao. You know what it is. The dastardly defense led by none other than Artest and Battier. That is what will win them the series (and perhaps more), aside from a healthy and productive Yao.

Houston is big. You know just HOW big when they start Artest at the 2 spot.

As for us not needing a bigger big man, I’ll let sleeping dogs lie on here for the moment. But you know I’m good for a game of e-mail tennis.

So basically his only goal was to win 5 more games over last year?
Nice

Yao just dropped 9 points in 3 minutes on 7′2 Joel Przybilla, the 3rd tallest player in the NBA (after Yao and Z). Clearly, when Yao is on his game, NO one in the NBA can guard him, no matter how tall they are. And really, other than Yao and Dirk, there are no 7-footers in the league who are deadly forces on offense; maybe you can argue for Shaq and Z, but they are both on their last legs. Add in the people who are 6′11, and you can put Bosh, Duncan, Garnett, and Howard on that list. But Shaq aside, would you really rather have Joel Przybilla guard any of the players listed above than Al Horford?

I suppose it would be nice to have a true 7-footer in the wings for when we play a team like Milwaukee (Bogut) or Portland (Oden) who has a potentially dangerous 7-footer. But outside of that, what benefit would we really get out of having Diop or Hibbert guard them instead of Horford? (I’m obviously assuming we couldn’t get a potentially elite 7-footer like Oden or even Bogut)

The real benefit, of course, is that having a starting-quality 7′+ or even 6′11 guy would allow us to slide Horford over to the 4, where he could do significantly more damage on the offensive end. But I really think the idea that we’d be a much better defensive team if we swapped out Marvin or Josh for a second-tier big man is a bunch of hooey.

Thanks for everything. I really appreciate it. I’m doing my best with what I know to get through these rough times. It can only get better, right? Here’s to me making it back down with the “big dogs” at the pretzel stand. If you all will let me! haha!

Anyway, does it feel like Christmas eve to anyone? I’m pretty anxious. I want to go and look at the tree to see what Santa has left in my stocking. I hope it is a game 1 victory. One game at a time, Hawks fans!

Lets put the heat on ice sunday night fellas!!!

Go Hawks!!!!

Although, I’d rather keep Bibby for cheap and add Marion and Sheed(I know, only in my dreams) But we’d defenetly make it to the finals….

Oooh Gordon, Marion AND Sheed(Now i’m crazy lol)