I agree with a number of posters who made the point (in the "Maymon at center" thread) that there's too much emphasis at having a 7-footer in the lane at all cost.
However, I think the comments on going small may be underestimating how much damage even a marginal big (whether he's 6-7 or 7-1) can inflict if he's allowed to catch the ball 3-6 feet from the bucket and make any kind of legit move.
When you make a catch that deep, many guys can convert (even the ones we think are stiffs). Even if they don't score immediately, they often force inside rotation, draw fouls and demand double-downs. All of that stuff turns organized defense into chaos.
The other problem big, physical guys cause smaller opponents is on the weak side glass. The athletic 6-8 Syracuse-style forwards who are monsters on the weak side board are able to get extra possessions, draw fouls, etc.
Like most of the other posters, I think we're likely to see Maymon, Butler, Fulce and Lazar pick up the most minutes in the paint. It will help us with match-ups on offense (as has been posted). But, I also think those guys seem like the ones most capable of preventing opposing bigs from rooting themselves in the paint or dominating the weak side glass and turning our defense into chaos.
It'll be interesting how much help we can get from Otule. If he's strong enough to keep guys from rooting themselves in great position and dominating the weak-side glass, he'll get playing time. If he's too weak to do that without fouling, he won't be much help.
Right now, Yous will get killed. Otule - who wasn't good enough to see the floor last year on a team desperate for bigs - was catching the ball where ever he wanted on the video I saw. Can you imagine the postition he'll give up against a 6-8 thug from Cinci or Syracuse?
To some extent, the ability of our guards to prevent easy entry passes and help cover weak side glass will also make a case for DJO and DB.
