The Sporting News (Rockets Article) Team Chemistry

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Team chemistry much improved from last season
October 27, 2001
Michael Murphy


With the onset of the regular season, the Rockets face a season of uncertainty. After years of loaded teams built around the marvelous veteran talents of Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and -- however briefly -- Scottie Pippen, the Rockets are now adrift without a roster rich in veteran experience.

But Rudy Tomjanovich has one very big factor working for him -- he and his staff have managed to put together a locker room that is free of the petty jealousies, rivalries and resentments that have ripped apart other, far more-talented, teams.

It may sound corny (or inaccurate) to suggest that merely getting along is enough to make a significant difference on the court -- witness the Lakers' ability to win despite the ego-driven rift between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. But that team had talent so staggering, especially between the two feuding stars, and calm leadership from the likes of Horace Grant and Ron Harper that they were able to overcome the conflict -- sort of like the old Oakland A's.

The Rockets, however, do not have the luxury of such wall-to-wall talent. Even when they did, pettiness still managed to undermine things. Remember the Barkley-Pippen blowup? Or the less publicized friction between Drexler and Barkley? Personalities and egos had as much to do with the Rockets' loss in the 1997 Western Conference finals than did the Utah Jazz.

Last season was exactly the opposite. Even with Olajuwon stressing over his role on the team, the core of togetherness is what allowed the Rockets to stun the league by winning 45 games.

About the only conflict they've endured has centered on Kelvin Cato, and that is mostly because his teammates demand the same level of effort from the enigmatic center that they are putting out every night. If your superstar, in this case Steve Francis, is busting his backside every game, then the same can be demanded of Cato.

That's why the trade with Denver for Kevin Willis was such a key. During his previous stint with the Rockets, Willis proved to be a solid professional, earning Tomjanovich's respect with his uncomplaining approach to business.

Because of his approach, Willis will easily fit into the locker room -- and the fact that he can score and rebound consistently at either center or power forward makes him a perfect fit on the court as well.

CAMP BATTLE

The addition of Willis re-opens the battle at center. Officially, Willis was brought in to provide veteran leadership and perhaps to mentor Cato on center play (and professionalism).

But Willis has proved to be a perfect fit in the Rockets' dive-to-the-basket system of big-man play. And Willis' ability to rebound the ball is far too valuable to leave on the bench for very long. Despite his advanced age (39), Willis is a weight-room and nutrition fiend whose body is harder than most 20-somethings.

But the addition of the veteran 7-footer may also re-open the issue of starting power forward. Willis remains one of the top shooting big men in the league, able to use the jump hook in post-up situations and shoot the 17-footer with ease. It is that perimeter-shooting ability that will be a key at center, forcing opposing big men to chase him outside, clearing the lane for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Moochie Norris.

Tomjanovich may opt for a tall lineup with Willis and Cato in tandem. That would give the Rockets the necessary size to combat the Western Conference's top power forwards (7-0 Tim Duncan, 6-11 Rasheed Wallace, 6-10 Chris Webber, 7-1 Dirk Nowitzki, 6-9 Elton Brand, 6-9 Karl Malone, 6-11 Vin Baker and 6-9 Antonio McDyess, when he's healthy).

Such a lineup would work because Cato, whose primary strength is defense --especially shot blocking -- would cover up the defensive deficiencies Willis has. Anybody who gets by Willis would have to contend with Cato inside, and the Rockets could flip-flop positions on offense, depending on the matchups, to maximize Willis' scoring ability (and minimize Cato's relatively impotent offensive game).