NOt sure if this is posted before Linky:http://www.***************/article_19066.shtml Last Updated: Oct 23rd, 2006 - 11:45:25 Rockets: Considering a Marquette Connection? By Bill Ingram for *************** Oct 23, 2006, 11:42 HOOPSWORLD has learned that the Orlando Magic have had a discussion with the Houston Rockets regarding former Marquette point guard Travis Diener. The word is that the Rockets are one of the two teams currently showing interest in Diener, who is not likely to land a spot in Orlando’s rotation despite some solid play in preseason. Why Diener? A couple of reasons. First of all, he’ll come highly recommended from one of his former running mates: Steve Novak. Second, he’s a tremendous shooter, and the Rockets have made it clear that their theme for the 2006-07 season will be to shoot early and often from downtown to try and keep some of the defensive pressure off of Yao Ming in the post. As a sophomore Diener helped Marquette reach the Final Four in 2002-03, but his personal accomplishments didn’t stop there. As a freshman he set the record for three-pointers made by a freshman (47) and also led the NCAA’s in three-point field goal percentage (44%). As a junior Diener became the first player in Conference USA’s history to lead the league in both points and assists. During his senior year he led Marquette in scoring with 19.7 points per game to go along with 7.0 assists and 1.35 steals. He graduated as the school’s career leader in three-pointers made (284), second all-time in assists (617), and third in scoring (1,691). In other words, the kid knows how to find open teammates, he can knock down threes with the best of them, and he would seem to be a great complement to the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady offense. He is also an excellent defender, which would make Jeff Van Gundy happy. Or at least less sad. Diener was given a shot by the Magic, who don’t seem to have an actual roster spot for him. He played better than 30 minutes in each of their first three preseason games and put up the same kinds of stats that he did while playing for Marquette. Against the Charlotte Bobcats he scored 10 points and dished out six assists, he then put 14 points and nine assists on the board against Chris Paul and the Hornets, and against the Spurs he compiled 23 points and seven assists – all three games were wins for the Magic. In those three games Diener shot 52% overall, 64% from three, and didn’t miss a free throw in 10 attempts. There is a catch, of course. The Magic are looking for a big man in return if they are going to deal Diener, and the name that has reportedly come up in discussions with the Rockets is Dikembe Mutombo. For that reason alone it is hard to see the Rockets making this move. They’re already playing small ball at the four. If Yao Ming goes down with an injury – heaven forbid – the team would have no good options at the five. If they were to deal Mutombo for Diener they would almost certainly have to sign a free agent center as insurance. Maybe someone like Kelvin Cato, who is currently unsigned and might be worth the vet’s minimum. Diener is an attractive player; there is no doubt about that. He and Steve Novak could certainly keep defenses busy trying to cover the perimeter. But does it makes sense to bring in another small body while sending out the most reliable – and only - back-up five on the team? Not without an additional move. Not very reliable?
hoopsworld = never happened, never will. if they report it's like the abortion of an idea before it was ever thought.
The rule is not to post any material from Hoopsworld because they are trash and talk from their ass. Why would we trade our only backup center for a PG when we have Alston, VSpan, Head, Lucas, and Tmac.
Do you know that you could be in deep trouble posting article from Hoopsworld? Hoopsworld's rumor = NEVER HAPPEN. It would be a miracle if the rumor is true. I will kiss the donkey ass if it is true.
Bill Ingram is a shameless fool. didnt he perdict spree had signed with us a while back?moutombo still creates that intamidation factor. in my opinion he is in the top ten defensive Centers in the league.
