i think people keep forgetting this wasn't really an injury. He didn't sprain or tear anything. He went in to get some bone spurs cleaned up, so if anything he should be hurting less when he gets back to 100%. There shouldnt be any problem when it comes to his speed or vertical. Of course initially he'll be slower, BUT that's due to the strength and range of motion he lost while keeping the foot in a boot/cast. He has to build the flexibility and strength back up, which may not be until after a few weeks of playing.
And this is why we need Battier. He would have been on Roy that last shot instead of T-Mac falling asleep on him. Granted that shot shouldn't have counted but Battier would have made it much more difficult for Roy to even catch the ball much less shoot it that quickly.
Can't wait till he gets back. We could have used him on that last play to Brandon Roy, Roy would have not seen the basket with Shanes hand in his face.
I think I mentioned it in the game thread, but I think I have underestimated the impact Battier has on this team. When we got Artest, I figured that it was just a bonus that we didn't have to give up Battier and nothing more. Now I'm beginning to believe that he is an integral part of this team. The Rockets have been outhustled, out rebounded, and the defense has failed to show up for quarters at a time. I think Battier does all the things on the court that allow the Rockets to be a good rebounding and defending team and they are really missing him. Just the fact that he boxes out his guy on every play and doesn't allow them to pick up offensive rebounds probably turns around the last two games.
And Ray wouldn't have gone off like he did or Roy wouldn't have got the shot off as easy as he did with Batman on the court.
2 weeks Battier-less? That sucks, but I think we can move along, He brings good defense and hustle, but that is easy to replace IMO. It's hard to replace a guy like Yao or T-Mac though .
