Rumor: Celtics targeting Chuck Hayes

[The Walker Wiggle]

Rumor from the Sporting News' Sean Deveney.

Celtics are obviously looking for a low-cost, banger to put at center. Top target, I am told: Houston's Chuck Hayes. Would be a good fit.

I'm immediately on board. I don't care if he's shorter than Pierce.

[Rondo2287]

Same here, despite the height, he can rebound and defend with the best of them

[Greenbean]

LOVE Hayes.

We'd get some fo the grit back that left at the trade deadline last year.

[Celtics4ever]

He looked fat as heck when I saw him this summer.  I think this would be a bad idea.  He can board but can he defend true post players at his height?   I don't think so.  Might as well keep BBD.

[Roy H.]

Yeah, Hayes is a guy I like a lot, too.

[Who]

Not convinced C.Hayes is a realistic target if all Boston has is the mini-MLE.

I think the Houston Rockets will offer a comparable deal to 3yrs $9mil and that C.Hayes' loyalty to the organization will keep him there once that offer is made.

[Roy H.]

He looked fat as heck when I saw him this summer.  I think this would be a bad idea.  He can board but can he defend true post players at his height?   I don't think so.  Might as well keep BBD.

Well, he only allowed 0.74 points per possession on post ups last season, so I'd say yes.  He's a very good post defender, even though it defies logic.

[Who]

Not excited about Hayes.

I like his defense a lot as a PF but I don't think much of him as a center.

[Celts Fan 92]

On the fence about this one while he can rebound nd defend good in the post I'm worried about his lack of height nd length

[Roy H.]

Not excited about Hayes.

I like his defense a lot as a PF but I don't think much of him as a center.

I can't say that I'm excited about Hayes as our starting center, either...  but what other options would be exciting?  Hayes is a good player, and he might be our best option, even if it's less than ideal.

I think Kwame Brown is probably out of our price range, and I'm not a huge fan regardless.  All the other affordable centers seem to be varying degrees of flotsam and jetsam. 

Also, regarding play at center, Hayes spent over 80% of his minutes there last year.  Again, I understand the concern, but at least he's played the position at a moderately high level.

[Eja117]

First thought my brain generated....."I like. I like"

[manl_lui]

too much rumor!, my head is spinning, Danny is trying to do something big by the start of the season

[Who]

Also, regarding play at center, Hayes spent over 80% of his minutes there last year.  Again, I understand the concern, but at least he's played the position at a moderately high level.

I strongly disagree with this.

Chuck Hayes inability to play the center position effectively hurt Houston throughout the season. His inability to provide a deterrent at the basket allowed the opposition to create high percentage shots at the rim all season long.

Houston being forced to play Hayes out of position, where he is far less effective, was one of the main reasons they fielded a below average defense last season.

[Roy H.]

Also, regarding play at center, Hayes spent over 80% of his minutes there last year.  Again, I understand the concern, but at least he's played the position at a moderately high level.

I strongly disagree with this.

Chuck Hayes inability to play the center position effectively hurt Houston throughout the season. His inability to provide a deterrent at the basket allowed the opposition to create high percentage shots at the rim all season long.

Houston being forced to play Hayes out of position, where he is far less effective, was one of the main reasons they fielded a below average defense last season.

For whatever it's worth, Houston's defense was significantly better when Hayes was on the floor.  His individual defense was very good, and the team defense was better with him than it was without him. 

[snively]

Not excited about Hayes.

I like his defense a lot as a PF but I don't think much of him as a center.

I can't say that I'm excited about Hayes as our starting center, either...  but what other options would be exciting?  Hayes is a good player, and he might be our best option, even if it's less than ideal.

I think Kwame Brown is probably out of our price range, and I'm not a huge fan regardless.  All the other affordable centers seem to be varying degrees of flotsam and jetsam. 

Also, regarding play at center, Hayes spent over 80% of his minutes there last year.  Again, I understand the concern, but at least he's played the position at a moderately high level.

I actually wouldn't have much concern about Hayes playing center for the C's.  It was a problem when he was sharing a frontcourt with Luis Scola, but with KG would be a completely different story. I think Hayes meshes very well with both JO and KG.

I also think Hayes would do wonders for Rondo.  Great rebounder and outlet passer.  Knows how to get a break started.