I know this is slow week but maybe Rudy T and CD could pick him up as back up to our two back up center Cato and Collier. Maybe Nate can do what Mark Jackson did and surprise the whole world. Let know me what you guy think about this one.
Here is a little more info on Huffman. http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2001/s/2001/0625/1218584.html The best foreign-based player bound for the NBA is actually an American, not Gasol. Nate Huffman, the former Central Michigan center, is back in the States this week to audition for the Warriors -- with the Sonics, Suns and Heat also said to be lining up workouts. Huffman is arguably the top player in Europe after leading Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv to the Suproleague title, and -- as with Marc Jackson last season -- has considerably more polish than all the draft-eligible youngsters because of his time spent overseas. It won't be easy getting him home, though, because Maccabi is offering no less than a tax-free million to keep Huffman there. Huffman insists that he won't come to the NBA for the league minimum; he's insisting on a salary-cap exception. Seems like he couldn't be any worse than Cato, but he's not going to play in the NBA for cheap.
Apparently the Pacers are interested in Huffman also. http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/teams/pacers/ "The Pacers are considering a number of options to fill their holes at center. One of them is 7-0 Nate Huffman, a 1997 Central Michigan graduate who has starred over the past two seasons in Israel. Huffman has gained about 40 pounds since he left college, and has established himself as one of the top center prospects in Europe. Huffman, 26, averaged 16.7 points and 8 rebounds while playing for the Tel Aviv team last season. He played in Spain in '98 and in the CBA before that. Huffman has the offensive skills to play in the NBA, but many question his defensive ability. He's become a heroic figure in Israel, however, and has drawn interest from several NBA teams. Some Israeli reporters have stated Huffman told them he would sign with the Pacers, but Pacers president Donnie Walsh said earlier this week that a deal is not close. Walsh acknowledged he is considering signing Huffman, but is weighing other possibilities as well. Huffman at least gives a hint of the caliber of player the Pacers are going to sign to replace Zan Tabak (and perhaps Sam Perkins) if they are unable to trade for an established center. He's a solid player who can help, but isn't likely to change a team's direction by himself."
Hi I`m from Israel and I've seen Huffman playing dozens of times. u might recall that last year ,Huffman practices in a Rockets camp and Rudy T and CD liked what they saw. Huffman is a great offensive treat ,very athletic ,soft hand ,he can also shoot the treys and as far as the offensive end ,I will prefer him over Cato any given day. main problem is the defense ,he isn't much a of a blocker ,and he gonna have major problems against centers like Shaq ,Mutombo ,Mourning and the rest. in Israel we loved him and we still hope he`ll comeback for a 3rd year. but make no mistaek ,he belongs to the NBA ,and I would love to see him in Houston. Dan Lederman
