RealGM

Chase Budinger and Chuck Hayes are going to be key contributers for the rockets this year. what are the predictions for these two? can they help the rockets make the playoffs?

imo the only way we make the playoffs is with an all star caliber player on the team. if tmac can play than thats our guy, if not then cant wait for the trade . but ya hayes can definintely be productive enough for the playoffs. out of all the forwards in the league, he should be ranked at 25-35 at defense. on ball, post, and help defense is always on point. if he were 6'9, he'd be a dpoy candidate for a good part of his career. above average rebounder, and with an above average passer (tmac, rafer...not brooks/lowry) he can get some easy layups, but they'll only work in the regular season. im glad we got this guy, his defense is out of this world.

chase can help w/ scoring. able to make his own shot, spot up shooting, long range shooting, slash the basket, dunk, he's an all around scorer. he's perfect as a spark off the bench. his defense isnt great but it isnt bad either, he's an average defender, if not just under average. he isnt useless but it wont be the easiest to score on.

Question: Would any of us be calling Chase Budinger a "slasher" if he wasn't white?

I doubt it.

FOCUS: My concern about Budinger isn't his athletic ability. The guy's a freak and that's undeniable. My concern is much simpler. I'll sum it up:

"He only started caring a few months ago."

I just figured this out, today. And it makes me sad. Because if he'd grown up addicted to making himself better and winning, the guy could be one of the all-time greats. But he didn't - until a paycheck was on the line.

I hope he proves me wrong.

Ribalding wrote:Question: Would any of us be calling Chase Budinger a "slasher" if he wasn't white?

I doubt it.

FOCUS: My concern about Budinger isn't his athletic ability. The guy's a freak and that's undeniable. My concern is much simpler. I'll sum it up:

"He only started caring a few months ago."

I just figured this out, today. And it makes me sad. Because if he'd grown up addicted to making himself better and winning, the guy could be one of the all-time greats. But he didn't - until a paycheck was on the line.

I hope he proves me wrong.

So you're saying he's the White Mac?

Guy986 wrote:
So you're saying he's the White Mac?

Without the speed or the instincts, yes.

I think Chase can really maximize his skills in this offense. And I like the idea that our younger guys can learn defense from either Shane or Chuck, along with our coaches of course. This team will be fun to watch.