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Monday March 12, 2007 10:44 AM


The Ideal Fit


Hayes is the perfect fit alongside Yao in the Rockets' starting lineup


Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Chuck Hayes doesn't believe there is much of a difference between having him in the starting lineup or coming off the bench in the Rockets' rotation.

He could, in fact, only think of one variation when asked about his new role earlier this week.

"I get to hear my name introduced before the game," Hayes said of being inserted back into the starting lineup. "That's about it."

He might be selling his impact as a starter a little short.

Since Yao Ming returned from a 32-game layoff, Hayes is back in the starting lineup and his role as a relentless rebounder and defender is once again helping the Rockets gel their rotation together.

The 6-foot-6 power forward is getting the extra playing time because he is an ideal fit alongside Yao.

He finds open space when the big man is drawing double and triple teams. He gets loose for offensive rebounds. And, of course, he draws tough defensive assignments against the opponent's big man to keep Yao out of foul trouble.

Hayes' ability to do those things has simplified Jeff Van Gundy's front-court rotation, with veterans Juwan Howard and Dikembe Mutombo coming off the bench.

Hayes is expected to make his fifth consecutive start Monday night when the Rockets visit the Phoenix Suns.

"I've been fitting with Yao," Hayes said. "But I don't think my role changes that much whether I'm in the starting lineup or not. I've just got to put in productive minutes."

How good of a fit has has Hayes been as a starter?

The Rockets are 17-8 this season when Hayes is in the starting lineup with Yao, including 3-1 since the center and forward returned to the starting lineup against Cleveland on March 5.

Despite having limited range, Hayes has managed to be an important cog in that lineup. He finds openings under the bucket when teams have their full attention on Yao and he continues to run the pick-and-roll with Tracy McGrady to near perfection.

The forward has averaged 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in the past four games.

"As long as he gives great energy and realizes as a smaller power forward that he's got to play with quickness, tenacity and force that covers for Yao, he's going to help us," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "He's done well so far."

Van Gundy, although noting that he always has the option to change his mind, said he didn't forsee altering the starting lineup again over the remainder of the season because he likes how the rotation fits together.

With Yao and Hayes together and Howard and Mutombo sharing time off the bench, the current rotation ensures that the Rockets always have a low-post scoring threat and a quality defender with a knack for rebounding on the floor. Van Gundy also likes Hayes' ability to defend smaller players off the pick-and-roll because his feet are quick enough to stay with fleet-footed guards.

Hayes said the extra minutes of playing with Yao haven't been a problem.

"I'm used to it," Hayes said. "It's not that much of an issue of maintaining my energy. I just need to keep doing what I do. "

Hayes figures that's the same thing whether he's in the starting lineup or not.

"It really doesn't matter to me whether I start or not," Hayes said. "Minutes are minutes. I've just got to hustle and provide energy."