Daryl Morey on 610

Sorry, no Daryl Morey but can offer you Gersson Rosas:

Spoiler

Thanks for hooking up again, where are you?

Local this week. Where are you at every week? A lot of off-site action huh?

Definitely. We've been talking about it, tough loss in Philly and made even worse by the fact that Memphis and NO both won last night. 3 back, 7 to go, it's a longshot but with the way the guys are playing, no one is giving up yet.

No doubt. Group got a lot of resolve from players to coaches. The focus is still there. Last night, we had a bit of a perfect storm. Close to running on empty, playing a good team in Philly who is making a run for the playoffs, and you give it all you got but sometimes not enough, especially coming off b2b. We havent made it easy on ourselves so we're in a hole and NO and Memphis arent cooperating. We got to take care of the business at hand, SA tomorrow. NO still plays Memphis here a couple of times so hopefully one of those teams stumble and allow us to get back in the mix.

Gersson Rosas joining us. Hypothetical here, Rockets have paid Yao a lot of money these past few years to rehab from injury. Obvious a big investment and unfortunately he hasnt been able to play and contribute. A lot of folks wondering about next year and I know its still too early to tell what the game plan is at this point but from hypothetical standpoint, if Yao said he dont want to go anywhere, and he said he would try to play again, and if he said he wants it to be in Houston, and if its not a big number or number that doesnt hamstring the club financially, can you envision something like that happening where he might be back and not cost a ton of money, and if so, a lot of people think its time to move on and not keep clinging to the hope that he might be a force again. Where are you on that?

Yeah, it's a question that is understandable for fans to be asking. When you are as close to it as we are, you see the good and bad. Specifically, all teams go through this but fortunately for us, Yao is a special individual and he will make the best decision for him. He is a loyal individual. At the same time, our team, our owner and what we're about is very consistent. Once we have as much info as we can have, I think we'll make the right decision for us, Yao, and the organization just like Yao will make the best decision for him. I know it's frustrating for the fans and frustrating for all of us. Injuries are an ugly part of the game but he's a guy like no other is dedicated and determined and does all the things you want him to do. For us, the hole in the middle, those guys dont come through the trade or FA. You're lucky if you get them in the draft like we did with Yao. You gotta use every resource and every opportunity to see if that might be an option for you but I think there is a lot of good will in terms of what Yao has done for this organization and at the same time, what the organization has done/supported him. At the end of the day, I think it will be a good decision for both sides, whatever that may be. For right now, our focus right now is getting Yao in a great place physically, wherever that may be, and he is doing everything in his power to do that. He is a special guy, special talent that you cant replace. We owe that to our organization and our team to do everything we can to make it work and only time will tell.

Gersson Rosas our guest. SA tomorrow. Looking forward to that matchup. SA struggling. Gotta feel good about your chances than you did maybe a month ago.

Definitely but its the hated Spurs. When you need them to win ballgames against the Memphis' of the world, they cave in and lose. With our luck, they'll be full health tomorrow to face us at home. Regardless, our guys, was good to be home. Good for our guys to be in their own beds and a chance to get refreshed. These guys are highly motivated. This is a big game, big division rival. You put yourself in a situation where the games mean something at the end of the season, and to have those games at home is an added benefit. We've complained about the schedule the whole year and its been hard but now we got a stretch where we control our destiny in terms of giving ourself a chance at home. Start with SA. Our guys are focused. A lot of guys working hard. Off day today but a lot of guys in here doing extra work, doing their individual stuff, doing game prep. This group is exciting. If you're a fan, you dont wanna miss what's going on here at Toyota Center right now whether it's a Chuck Hayes or Kyle Lowry triple double. Special things are happening. When you got a competitive group as our guys, you dont wanna miss whats happening Friday night or the rest of the homestand.

It aint over til its over. We're still very interested and I think Rockets fans are as w ell until they're mathematically eliminated. It still could happen so definitely still worth the attention. A pleasure as always. Lets do it again.

Most definitely. Looking forward to all our fans here this weekend.

Enjoy the final four.

Thanks guys.

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Short recap(not of everything though)

Not over but will take a miracle

Regarding Kings game, basically said what he said about a previous Minnesota game(If your in a close game with Sacramento, you already lost. Our guys thought they could turn it on, get a lead and win the game. Reality is the NBA is tough every night. Our guys were happy to be close and were hoping for a burst in the 2nd half. Urgency wasnt there.)

Couldnt count on the D this year.

Obviously not what they wanted(to be out of the playoffs) but think they have things to build on

Have or in top 5 position to spend money once CBA situation is figured out, 4-6(?) draft picks in next 3 drafts

 

No problem^^ Full recap below:

Rockets fall to Hornets, back to back losses. ... Marc and John here, good morning. How's its going today?
　
Good morning, how are you doing?
　
Doing well. Tough one last night. These 2 games--Sac and NO--and I guess one led to the other. Rockets played hard last night but execution down the stretch difficult. Thoughts on the way it all went down?
　
Very disappointing. Started strong. Our D isnt where it needs to be in terms of stopping a team so our O has to maintain. They tightened the screws. Actually got a few open looks, ones we wanted, but didnt put them down. Unfortunately, our D hasnt been able to keep us in games this year.
　
What about Sacramento? Thoughts on that one? Fell behind and made late charge.
　
We pushed the guys over the last 3 weeks. Both from a physically and mentally fatigue. Also, a bunch of our guys are nursing injuries that have come up during that stretch. I think unfortunately human nature took over. I think our guys, subconsiously, were hoping they could win an easy one. Whenever you go into a game with that in the back of your mind, it's danger. I think we were keeping it close and they thought they could turn it on. The NBA is too random and even the worst team in a close game can win the game through getting a few breaks.
　
I've had losses make me sick before but not literally.
　
Yeah. That was tough. We fumbled a real chance there with other contenders dropping games there. Obviously not over yet but need a miracle. Its disappointing after the run we made to be in the situation we're in.
　
Funny, we talked about it before you made the run, 25 games to go, I thought 18-7 would get it done, and that's still doable, 15-7 in last 22 games. You mentioned putting pressure on the guys, they've responded. I think we all have to agree no matter what happens, its been an incredible run. Probably something you didnt expect.
　
A lot of great things to build on during the run and overall in the season. We're pretty much an elite offense. Top 5 for the year, best offense during this stretch. D overall been subpar with personnel changes. Easier to improve something that is subpar like that than it is to up something that is closer to the average. A lot of focus on the D, keep the O. A lot of young players. Lowry's play, Dragic with a year in our structure, Patterson coming on, Budinger and Lee too. A lot of great things to build on. Again, not over but would take a miracle but havent given up hope.
　
Its not over yet but we know where it stands. Each year is seperate. You remember each team for certain things. How do you remember this team? This team has it's place, wont be in the postseason more than likely but a team that was enjoyable and fun to watch.
　
Yeah. Playing the style of play, at least on O, that we want to play. We got a lot of fighters that I agree with you are fun to watch. Lowry and Scola and Hayes development. We are actually a much better team than its appears and I dont want to overstate that because at the end of the day we're not where we want to be but this year, we played a....you always play a harder schedule in the SW but even adjusting from that, we played a harder mix. We have not gotten...there is a factor every year of about 3 games for every team that just goes one way or the other based on whether the balls go in or out. This year that didnt swing our way unfortunately. There is a lot to build on. With some personnel changes, we feel good about where we're going in the future.
　
Lowry, after Brooks got traded, he upped his game even more. Clearly roles were defined for the final stretch. He has handled this leadership role well.
　
Yeah, biggest factor in the room. Kyle getting 40 minutes vs 30 or high 20s, thats the biggest factor. And his development. Talking about the breaks, when we were down 2 in a key moment yesterday with 30-40 secs left, Kyle said I'm gonna win this game. He got to the line, a layup, and it rolls off. Those are the breaks and why you dont wanna be in close games. Goes to show though Kyle's tenacity of Hey I'm going to go get this basket and frankly he did but cant believe it rolled off.
　
What has Martin showed you in his time here that you might not have expected?
　
Another great thing to build on, one of the big questions there was injury. We're not always right but we felt through the study that his injuries were ones that were one off and sorta disguised a guy that could be healthier. He's shown that so getting through the year a big positive for him. The comfort level grew throughout the year of how we used him to the point of, he is what he is --a top 10 offensive player in the league and something we havent had here in awhile and something we're excited to have going forward.
　
Give us snapshot of Budinger.
　
Big thing for him has been his continued development on D. Obviously not elite but has made progress through the year. Ability to attack the basket wasnt something that was part of his game in college. We thought it could be and that has progressed that you see it a couple times a game.
　
You have to get better on D, we know that. Got a lot of fine young players with great offensive skills, some with good D as well but you have to give something up to get something. Hard part of your job. Also, guys who arent known as good defenders, what is the improvement potential here, and I guess it varies from player to player, but how do you evaluate that? What goes into being a good defender going forward from a young player to a player with a few years under your belt.
　
On D, it's a lot of comfort level and knowing what to anticipate whats coming. Knowing the tricks the vets use, how to handle curls, where the help is coming from, and knowing personnel --which way a guy goes or likes to go, which shoulder he likes to turn over in the post. That all comes with time. Our coaching staff works hard preparing guys but over time, D generally improves with time. On your front of improving, you do have to give up something, that is true. But we do have...depends on how things shake out with the offseason, a lot of uncertainty there, but we will...we have top 5 flexibility in terms of ability to spend money. Wont know how that will look until it shakes out but we are going in in a top 5 position there. And then we have 4-6 draft picks over the next 3 drafts. 3 very good picks in this draft. Those dont have to be used on players that are picked but can be used to upgrade personnel as well.
　
Real quick, we're playing a game of what country is Morey in today. I've been impressed with Dragic. You've been all over the world. It's not as if you havent been emphasizing international players but are you putting more emphasis on some of the talent abroad?
　
I think we put more emphasis than most teams but not sure its more than in the past. We believe the international game is one that translates to the NBA and one we can use strategically. The Spurs were ahead of the game 10-15 years ago, and had a big edge and I think there is still an edge to be had there but wont be as big as they had because they were out front on that but is something we focus on. Right now in Norfolk, Virgina.
　
The ABCD or...?
　
The Portsmouth Invitational. Senior college tournament that happens after the season.
　
Second tier players?
　
Yeah but we've had success with Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes. Other teams with Landry Fields. Every year there are 1-2 guys that surprise and we're here hopefully to unearth them and also with our minor league team --even if there not NBA ready right away, we're hoping to find them, put them on the minor league team, and a few years later are maybe call-ups that help the Rockets.
　
Hope you feel better. Thanks for the time and best of luck in the final games.
　
Thanks for having me on. Hope to see everyone at the arena.
　
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Appreciate the time. Hectic days. Insight into the dynamics involved in coming to the decision you made?
　
Tough couple days. Spoke with Adelman when the season ended until yesterday. Talked through, even if it wasnt going to work out, wanted to get as much feedback as to how we could move forward. We decided to part ways.
　
Does he want to coach?
　
Absolutely. He has an interest in coaching and coaching here but didnt work out here. He will be selective and he has that right.
　
Technically, a dismissal?
　
I dont know. People can say what they want. We had a lot of convos together. We decided it wasnt fit going forward.
　
Differential in philosphy and the future?
　
Different view on certain things. Ive agreed to keep it private. A lot that goes into being a coach. Hardest job in the org. He did it well. End of the day, we tried to see if it could work out and wasnt the case.
　
Finalst for the Laker job?
　
I really dont know. Cant comment.
　
Potential candidates --you'll talk with Les--fan base wants someone similar. Is there a short list?
　
We'll have a wide process. Different than last time. Similar we were letting go of a good coach. Last time we had f oundation with Yao/Tracy. Different now. Trying to build a foundation now. Last time felt like we needed a steady hand who was in many situations before. This time we'll have wider process.
　
17-8 after ASB. Case to be made for some form of status Quo. How serious are the assistants for the job?
　
Wide process. I'll talk to both of the next couple days. Talking to them about HC spot and depending how it goes, would like to keep some continuity as you pointed out. We tried last time but Adelman had his assistants that he wanted to bring in.
　
Can you handle talk show question?
　
I can take anything. My contention that with current roster, if you drop in a Yao Ming or any URFA like Chandler or Jordan or Dalembert, if you drop a D presence in, how good is this team?
　
Very good. That is our key need. We need shotblocking center. No disrespect to Hayes who did unbelievable job. That gets us into definite playoff team. Without current improvement of current team, that gets us in but not a top team.
　
What else position do you need an upgrade in?
　
We're not being picky there. Opportunistic things there. We're trying to get better. Hard to upgrade most of our spots. Position wont be a factor. Its "Is this guy an upgrade"?
　
Looking at the roster and guys there, anyone that is untouchable?
　
No. I hate the environment this creates. Stability is good but we need to be upfront and we need to be agressive and continue to improve. I like every player on the team. Every rotation guy. Looking back, they were proud of that run and should be. We're not...I talked to more than half the team yesterday and I told them what I'm telling you, which is we arent looking to move any. We like all of them. They are strong pieces. Its only if its opportunistic will we look to move them.
　
Can fans expect next year to be another 43 win season?
　
Our focus is to do better than that. We had fewest losing seasons since 1980 or so, Les told me. He only asks us to win. We're hoping to win more than last year, and hope are core from a year from now are closer to being a championship contender.
　
My co-host rent Carl Landry's place.
　
Carl lives somewhere else. He got shot in that area.
　
On the issue of FA, if it turns out you have a guy who can make a difference on D, how well positioned are you to go after some of those guys?
　
Unknown and I cant talk about it. People can read between the lines.
　
I understand now. ... So Daryl, you're busy. Got the fan base listening. They're anxious. Message to them about future?
　
Working towards a championship. Every year is improvement. We gotta, I personally enjoyed the year and seeing these guys grow up, and style of play which is exciting, that's what we're building towards. I'll give Mr Alexander more credit than myself. Looking for people to have faith in the process.
　
Appreciate the time.
　
Appreciate you having me on.

 

^^^Interview^^^

Mike Meltster here, how are you?

Mike thanks for having me on.

Les mentioned the game has evolved and thats why you hired McHale. Can you expand on that?

Primarily with this hire we are looking for a leader, a smart basketball guy, and guy who is looking to get better and improve every day. We believe the NBA model will go closer to the NFL, NCAAF model. Its a war of assistants, war of info and overall not just the HC. Its the whole staff that matters. Key to the whole thing is having a HC who understands the game well, works hard, and is smart enough to understand when hes getting good info and bad to implement on the floor.

Les also said the lack of success for Kevin in Minnesota as HC might be a benefit here. Thoughts on that and why it might be different here?

All else equal, you want to have more success than not. If I could make the point differently for him, we wanted a former HC because we wanted someone who has done it and can improve. This will be his third go around. Between stint 1 and 2, he made a dramatic improvement in the shots he got guys and defense they ran. We feel he continues to try to improve and got basketball understanding to continue to improve with the resources we'll provide him.

TImeline on assistants and Finch part of the staff?

No timeline. Trying to get it right. Kevin got some strong guys that we'll look at. Chris through the process we thought was a strong guy who could be on the staff. Kevin talked to him and interviewed him and agreed and thought he could be someone that helps.

How aggressive are you in trying to move up in the draft?

We're always aggressive in trying to move up. It is difficult. Usually is just a couple spots. Obviously sitting at 14, hard to move into top 10 but wont be for lack of trying.

Thanks for your time. Congrats on McHale hire and good luck in future.

Thanks for having me on.

 

Wrong station, right person. Daryl making the rounds, this time on 1560.

On with Nuno and Raheel, how are you?

Good.

Big news out of Houston, McHale your new coach but your postponing the Rockets 3 on 3 media tournament for this?!

(laughing)No, I think we ended up having a basketball workout. Shooting for late August.

Hope Kevin isnt on that team. Not fair.

You've been against Calvin Murphy so I think you can handle Kevin.

Tell us what McHale did in the process that made you say this is the guy?

Not about interviews. We were thorough but the record of how he improved into the 2nd time he coached, how he improved the roster he took over, the background of talking to the players, they improved under his watch, how the players felt they improved under his watch, his overall understanding of the game when watching film, that was more important. Interview, he was great as well.

Improving players a big part of the organization. WIth big guys on your roster, how much improvement can we expect with McHale and his staff now?

We do need to have our young guys improve, both the ones playing and the ones not. Thats one of our routes getting back to being a championship caliber team and think its a key route. Kevin got a unique ability with the bigs to improve them.

What his vision on O?

Think he'll maintain what worked under Rick. Corner and elbow series will be maintained and think uptempo will be a little more on the quick hitter zone vs into a flow. A lot more shots in the 18-20 range vs 15-20 range. Hate to run guys but gotten pulled to something I gotta run to. Sorry guys.


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