I think it’s interesting to look back. When Hayes burst on the scene as a rookie in 2006, several of us noticed his defensive talents and nose for the ball. But he was undoubtedly an offensive liability, unable to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to him by the presence of Yao and McGrady. This continued the next few years.
When Adelman arrived, this offensive futility landed Hayes out of the rotation with the emergence of Scola and Landry. It was only the injury to Yao during The Streak that brought Hayes back. Adelman’s acceptance of the defensive stalwart was almost begrudging.
Now he’s the leader of this team and maybe even the face of its outfit. You will look back one day on Chuck Hayes’ tenure and remember it like you do of Mario Elie or similarly revered Rockets icons. You hope that Chuck Hayes retires a Rocket.
What I find fascinating though is his evolution to ‘enforcer.’ Hayes had always been brilliant defensively and a brute force, but he was the quiet type who let his play do the talking. But things have seemed to change.
I’ve talked in the past of the need for an ‘edge.’ Many of you, perhaps even most, have disagreed. I think there’s a psychological component to basketball for which ‘hard play’ cannot compensate; intimidation and brashness is requisite.
That’s why I’ve been so excited the past few weeks. In separate games, Hayes confronted Roy Hibbert and Kevin Garnett, setting the tone for his team and his mates responded in resounding fashion. Psychology and emotion cannot be understated in team sports. Don’t you naturally play harder after a near-altercation on the court? Hard play does not necessarily beget harder play but confrontation almost always does in the case of tough players. And this team is filled with tough players.
Here’s to hoping the Rockets can re-sign Mr. Hayes for the duration of his prime.
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