-Just in case you could not find this anywhere, here are some great interviews from yesterday. http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Rockets_Media_Day_2002_Video_C-54188-34.html Rockets Media Day 2002 Video Clips Sept. 30 - The Rockets held their annual Media Day session before heading off to Austin, TX to begin training camp on Oct. 1. Rockets.com was on hand at Media Day to bring you the following video highlights from the day's events. Mo Is Back Maurice Taylor talks about returning to action after missing all of last season due to injury. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Franchise and Cat Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley crack up during a photo shoot. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glen Rice The Rockets sharpshooter on how he feels physically entering his second season with the team. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trivia Buff Steve Francis records a few trivia questions for an upcoming promotion. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kenny Thomas The Rockets forward speaks about the difference between playing the '3' and '4" positions. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moochie Norris The Mooch talks about the new season ahead. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelvin Cato The Rockets big man talks about the addition of Yao Ming and his offseason work load. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve Francis The Franchise talks to the throng of reporters about his new leadership role. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Throw Me The Ball Moochie Norris wonders why his new teammate isn't moving. 56k | 300k -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Part Of Something Big Moochie Norris signs his new billboard that will be going up in the coming days. 56k | 300k
First 12 games looks pretty tough: (8 up, 4 down is my prediction) http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Lets_Get_Ready_To_Rumble-53976-34.html 2002-03 Season Preview Let's Get Ready To Rumble The arrival of No. 1 draft picks Yao Ming and Bostjan Nachbar along with the return of Maurice Taylor and Glen Rice from injuries, gives Rockets fans plenty of reason for optimism. With All-Star Steve Francis ready to put the migraine problems of last season behind him, a year of experience under the belt of last season's prized rookie, Eddie Griffin, and a determined Cuttino Mobley anxious to elevate his game to another level, the Rockets appear poised to erase last season from their memory banks. The early season schedule presents a nice opportunity, with four of their first six games at Compaq Center, for the Rockets to jump out of the gates quickly. Join us as we take an inside look at the first 12 games of the new season. Rockets @ Indiana October 30, 2002 Conseco Fieldhouse Inside Scoop Ah yes, opening night. After months of anticipation the season is upon us, which means we can finally put an end to all the "What ifs," "Whys" and "Hows" of the offseason. The eyes of the basketball world will be directed at Conseco Fieldhouse for a first glimpse of Chinese sensation Yao Ming when the Rockets tip off their season against the Indiana Pacers. A late arrival to training camp after participating in the Asian Games, Yao will likely see limited minutes in this opening night affair. With Maurice Taylor serving the first of his five-game suspension, Houston will need big efforts from Eddie Griffin and Kenny Thomas to slow down Indiana All-Star Jermaine O'Neal. Last Season's Results The Rockets dropped a couple of two-point decisions to the Pacers, including a 108-106 overtime loss at Conseco Fieldhouse. Houston, which was without starters Steve Francis, Glen Rice and Kelvin Cato for the contest, forced the overtime session when Moochie Norris banked in a long three-pointer with less than a second remaining in regulation. Four Pacers - Reggie Miller (25), O'Neal (23), Al Harrington (23) and Jalen Rose (20) - eclipsed the 20-point mark for Indiana while Oscar Torres paced the Rockets with 24 points. Rockets @ Denver November 1, 2002 Pepsi Center Inside Scoop This will be a must win for the Rockets, who will be facing a Denver Nuggets team that is in serious rebuilding mode. If Houston is able to pull out a victory over Indiana on opening night, the Rockets will have an excellent chance of returning home to tip off a four-game homestand with a 2-0 mark. The Nuggets had a nice draft, stockpiling a number of promising rookies but the youngsters won't provide much immediate help, especially in the early portion of the season. This is a game that Houston needs to jump on Denver early and cruise to the easy victory. Look for a big night from Steve Francis as the Nuggets are noticably thin at the point guard position. Last Season's Results The Rockets and Nuggets split the four-game series, with each team winning both games on its home court. Houston should be able to avoid a repeat of last season's tilts at Pepsi Center, as the Rockets lost the two games in Denver's new arena by a combined 58 points. Rockets forward Eddie Griffin had a career-high 25 points in Houston's 98-86 win over Denver at Compaq Center on Jan. 12. Toronto vs. Houston November 2, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop There is doubt whether or not Hakeem Olajuwon will be healthy enough to play this season. If he is and he's back in a Raptors uniform, it will make for an interesting sidebar with Olajuwon returning to the place he became one of the greatest centers in NBA history to face rookie sensation Yao Ming. The Rockets will need a group effort in slowing down Toronto superstar Vince Carter, who averaged 36.0 points against Houston last season. Cuttino Mobley has a history of big performances against Toronto and a similar one will be needed from the Rockets guard in this contest. Last Season's Results The Rockets and Raptors each were victorious on their home court last season, with the Rockets taking an emotional 112-109 win at Compaq Center in Olajuwon's first trip to Houston since being traded in the offseason. Steve Francis went off for 35 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the win, while Carter poured in 43 points for the Raptors. Moochie Norris, filling in for the injured Francis, had a career-high 28 points and nine assists in Houston's 109-103 loss at Toronto. Seattle vs. Houston November 5, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop Seattle will be thin at the power positions this season and the Rockets will look to exploit that weakness by pounding the ball inside to forwards Eddie Griffin and Kenny Thomas and centers Yao Ming and Kelvin Cato. The Sonics addressed their biggest offseason concern by re-signing Houstonian Rashard Lewis to a long-term deal and with Gary Payton, Desmond Mason and Brent Barry to go along with Lewis, Seattle appears to be a perimeter-oriented team. Houston will offer its own gunners in Glen Rice, Cuttino Mobley and Bostjan Nachbar to combat the outside game of the Sonics. Last Season's Results The Rockets and Sonics split the season series, with each team winning both games on its home court. Mobley was the man for Houston last season, averaging 23.5 points in the four meetings. The point guard duel of Steve Francis and Payton took center stage in last year's series, with Francis averaging 20.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists, while Payton posted 23.3 points, 5.5 and 9.5 assists, including a triple-double in Houston's 100-98 win at Compaq Center on Apr. 2. Golden State vs. Houston November 9, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop Warriors first-round pick Mike Dunleavy should step right in and form a formidable trio with Antawn Jamison and Jason Richardson, one of the game's most exciting players. With the addition of Dunleavy, Golden State should improve on last year's 21-win season, but this is a game the Rockets must win if they have aspirations of making a playoff march this season. Guard play will be the key for the Rockets in this matchup as both Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley have enjoyed plenty of success against the Warriors in the past, especially Mobley who always seems to get jacked when facing Richardson. Last Season's Results The Rockets took three of the four meetings with the Warriors, with the lone Golden State win coming at Compaq Center on March 8. Kenny Thomas posted a career-high 31 points against the Warriors in Houston's 116-104 win at Golden State on Mar. 24. Mobley averaged 21.8 points in the four-game series. Portland vs. Houston November 12, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop The timing of Maurice Taylor's return from a five-game suspension couldn't come at a better time for the Rockets, who will need his big body against the Blazers' strong frontline. Portland adds center Arvydas Sabonis to a frontcourt that already includes bruisers Rasheed Wallace and Dale Davis. The game will also represent the opportunity for Houston fans to provide their normal well-wishes to one of their favorite visitors, former Rockets forward Scottie Pippen. A win over one the Western Conference's elite teams would be a big boost for Houston before the Rockets hit the road for two tough matchups against Phoenix and the L.A. Lakers. Last Season's Results After winning the first meeting, 94-87, in Portland, the Rockets dropped three straight to the Blazers over the remainder of the season. The win over Portland was also Houston's last victory before the Rockets went on a 15-game losing skid bridging November and December. Rockets @ Phoenix November 15, 2002 America West Arena Inside Scoop The Suns did little tinkering with their roster in the offseason beside adding high schooler Amare Stoudemire and Casey Jacobsen in the draft. Phoenix's main weakness will be in the pivot, and with Yao Ming beginning to get accustomed to his new team and the NBA game in general, this may be a nice spot for the Rockets rookie to have his first breakout game of the season. Last Season's Results The Rockets and Suns had a strange series last season, with each team sweeping the other on its home court. In Houston's first trip to Phoenix, a Moochie Norris three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Rockets a 103-100 victory. Houston then completed the desert sweep with a 104-97 win in Phoenix on Mar. 2 behind 24 points from Cuttino Mobley. Mobley had a big series against the Suns, averaging 25.5 points in the four games. Rockets @ LA Lakers November 17, 2002 STAPLES Center Inside Scoop Shaquille O'Neal gets his first opportunity to get physical with Yao Ming. After a few offseason barbs in which the Lakers center promised to welcome the Rockets rookie to the NBA with a little extra muscle, the two finally get to square off. Yao Ming has never faced anyone like he'll see in O'Neal but likewise Shaq likely hasn't seen another center like the 7-6 Yao Ming. With the ability to block Shaq's shot on one end and drop in an array of perimeter jumpers on the other, the Rockets center should present a unique opposition for O'Neal. It should make for quite an entertaining matchup. Last Season's Results The three-time NBA champs swept the season series, including two contests at STAPLES Center by an average of 20 points per game. Houston has now dropped five straight games to the Lakers in L.A. and seven straight overall. Eddie Griffin had the first breakout game of his rookie season with 25 points and 13 boards in Houston's 107-101 loss to the Lakers at Compaq Center on Mar. 20. O'Neal averaged 27.3 points and 13.7 rebounds in three outings against the Rockets. Cleveland vs. Houston November 19, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop Much like the Nuggets the Cavs will be another team likely to struggle, especially in the early portion of the season as Cleveland tries to adapt to several offseason player movements. The Cavs lost their top three scorers from last season - Lamond Murray, Andre Miller and Wesley Person, so they will certainly go through a transition period while several of their newcomers get adjusted. The loss of Miller at the point was huge for Steve Francis, who should put on a dominating performance in this contest. Last Season's Results Cleveland took both meetings with Houston last season, including a 107-102 decision at Compaq Center. That loss snapped a five-game home win streak by the Rockets over the Cavs. Cuttino Mobley found Cleveland's defense much to his liking, as The Cat averaged 31.0 points in the two contests. Francis had 25 points and 10 assists in his only meeting with Cleveland last season. Houston @ Dallas November 21, 2002 AmericanAirlines Arena Inside Scoop The Rockets head north on I-45 for a quick one-game road trip to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. Houston will be looking for an encore to its last trip to AmericanAirlines Arena, a 98-95 overtime victory on Apr. 11 of last season. Keep your eye on the point guard battle between Steve Francis and Steve Nash, as these two All-Stars held the key to their team's outcome in last year's battles. In Houston's two wins Francis got the better of Nash statistically while in the Rockets' two losses Nash outplayed Francis. Last Season's Results The Rockets played the Mavs tough last season, splitting the season series at two games apiece. Houston turned in perhaps its most impressive win of the season with a 124-87 pounding of Dallas at Compaq Center behind 33 points from Steve Francis. Besides the Apr. 11 win in Dallas the Rockets also played the Mavs to the wire in their other trip to American Airlines Arena before dropping a 95-91 decision. Washington vs. Rockets November 22, 2002 Compaq Center Inside Scoop After taking on the Mavs in Dallas the previous night, the Rockets return home to host Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards. This will mark Houston's second back-to-back of the season but an energized crowd for the return of his Airness should pump life into the young Rockets squad. With a few offseason moves including the addition of All-Star Jerry Stackhouse, the Wizards should be improved but this is a game the Rockets must take, especially with their longest road swing of the season, a five-game West Coast trip, looming. Last Season's Results Each team was victorious on the other's home court last season, with the Wizards coming out on top in their only Compaq Center appearance. The now departed Richard Hamilton upstaged Jordan with 26 points to lead Washington in the 85-82 win. Jordan finished with 18 points. Cuttino Mobley led the way for Houston in the two contests with 28.0 points per game. Houston @ LA Clippers November 24, 2002 STAPLES Center Inside Scoop With a favorable schedule to this point, the Rockets hope to be in pretty good shape record-wise heading into the five-game road trip that begins with a Sunday afternoon tilt in L.A. against the Clippers. L.A. is set to make its first playoff run in years after the acquisitions of point guard Andre Miller and bangers Melvin Ely and Chris Wilcox in the draft, so this will be a formidable matchup between two playoff hopefuls. Steve Francis had success against the Clippers last season, averaging 24.3 points, but it will be interesting to see how he fares against Miller in his new digs. Last Season's Results After defeating the Clippers in the second game of the season, a 98-92 OT conquest, the Rockets dropped three straight to L.A. Elton Brand posted a double-double in all four meetings, averaging 23.3 points and 12.5 rebounds. Francis and Cuttino Mobley took advantage of the Clippers suspect backcourt, combining for an average of 43.5 points per game in the series.
lol, Cato with some Alexanderitis, saying that Kenny Thomas could be the "next superstar" in this league.
http://www.nba.com/preview2002/hou.html# Might as well just throw in everything new that I see from nba.com in this thread: Here is their preview of the Rockets.
Saw the video of Kenny Thomas, he looked like he didnt even want to talk at all. I dont blame him for not answering the contract extention question but it seemed like he had an attitude that he was already traded and couldnt speak about it.
Cato sounded surprisingly positive to me. He said all the right things and did not seem to have a bad attitude like Kenny Thomas in his interview.
I think KT was a little camera shy that's why he was looking away. He is very straightforward and direct. I don't blame the guy for wanting his, Steve got it and so did Moochie and Cat. Hell, how do think he feels about Cato. MT has his, Rice is extremely well paid. All the attention is diverting away from him, especially Yao Ming mania. Now they are trying to move him out of a position he worked hard at and did well in. I think he will play some three and adjust and it may prove beneficial to him. He just needs to go out and continue to kick ass and take names. He will get his too...
poor Kenny... he really was the workhorse last season he was the reason I didn't hang my head as a Rockets fan... cuz he was bringin it every night
I just watched the Kenny video again - did anybody notice that in the end, he seemed to slip and he said "this whole team has to come together and play as a team in order for THEM to win", then quickly corrected himself and said "in order for us to win"... STRANGE!!!!!!!
Yea, before I posted I watched it too. That and his comment about the Rockets doing what ever they wanted to do. He is probably a little frustrated by the process and the fact everyone around got theirs. I wouldn't rule him out just yet. If he can fit in and impress the coaches why would you trade him now? Only reason I can think of is Mo Pete or some lopsided trade in our favor.
I don't read it like Kenny had an attitude or was disappointed or felt dejected or anything. I read it like Kenny is used to this stuff and he is ready for the challenge. His interview is the attitude that makes him Kenny. I read that as surpreme self-confidence with an edge of being surprised, yet used to, non-believers. Cato's non-challant, I'm not going to draw attention to myself this media day like last year, is completely irrelevant material. He just didn't want another "the hallucination" editorial. How can anyone read Cato as another other than primed to not give up any editorial material. And how can a player llike Kenny saying "Don't ask me that" about contract negotiations with a smirk on his face be read any other way than..."Don't ask me that, it's for my agent and Les, it can only harm me to answer in anything less than a Bull Durham quote." and that is exactly what Kenny gave by talking about the Portland game, etc. I read the whole interview as he is exactly where he wants to be conditioning-wise and is ready to roll. Do you really want him to be falsely chipper and dandy and lame-quote like Cato.
I agree, I think he was like "why don't you ask me questions I want to answer" like about his game, how he lost the weight (work out regimen - I mean he said it took three years and he planned it that way), questions more about his performance and outlook not the money issues he has an agent for...
Well, I hope you are right. Kenny would deserve a nice contract more than Cato or Shandn from a moral standpoint, but the interview sure didn't look too good to me. What about the Freudian slip in the end?
Could that slip only mean KT feels left out right now and a little confused about his role and position on the team?
He wants to be a 4, and he knows he can do it and is in peak strength and conditioning to do it. You can definitely read that he did not lose weight to be a 3; rather he lost weight to be the best 4 he could be...and it was planned 3yrs ago for him to get in this type of shape. As for playing the 3 if they ask.... "hopefully I'm in the mix." That is a good response. slip or not at the end, he's showing honesty and self-confidence, and slightly miffed at the questions Feigen is asking him, like Feigen is trying to start a controversy. Is there really any other controversial material for these writers, with this team this year??
Maybe KT was acting that way because he has been misquoted or screwed over by Feighan in the past and was simply being cautious about what he said. I agree, he wants to be at the 4 and has really tried to prepare for it. Hell, in the west you almost need two fours instead of a 3-4!
Kenny Thomas is by far my favorite Rocket. Unfortunately, he is not given the respect he deserves. It is crazy that he didn't get paid this summer. He shouldn't have gotten Steve Francis money, but how can he live with the fact that Taylor Cato and Norris are making more money than him. Name a season that anyone of the three had a better year than Kenny's last. I also think that he is the perfect small forward for the Rockets. He may not have the range, but how many long-range bombers do you need anyway. His medium range and inside game is solid and 7 boards a game is nice for a 3. At 6'7'' 230lbs, the athleticism of a small forward, and the game of a power forward he could be the second best on the team only behind Francis.
