Let's face it, both Pat Riley and JVG HATE playing rookies, and both of them are defensive coaches. For example, if Dirk Nowitzki was a second year rookie under JVG, he won't get much of chance to play either. Eventually, Roxs will trade Nowitzki.
It was sad to see that the Jazz rookie from Serbia who is a year or two younger than Boki is already what we had hoped Boki would become. We just have such bad luck with Euros.
For whatever reason, Boki has tough time even in the summer league this year. He probably should have learned his foundamentals and gained his confidence better before playing NBA. With the PT he got at the beginning of the season and did not shine, that basically spell his remaining balance of the season when all these injuries come back. Poor Boki, he was picked by the wrong team. Rocket is not an excellent for player (rookie) development.
Right now, the Rockets have 10 contracts for 2004-05 meaning 2 players will have to be left unprotected in the Charlotte expansion draft. Barring any trade before the Feb 19th deadline, 2 of Boki, Spoon or AGriff will be left unprotected. IMO, the better Weatherspoon plays, the more likely Nachbar will be a Charlottte Bobcat. Unfortunately for Boki, Moochie probably was one of the "unprotecteds" prior to the recent trade.
I say trade him to Phoenix since his old coach from Italy might get an extension. The Rockets need to get something for Boki before his rookie contract expires.
The guy needs a chance. That's probably the biggest JVG fault. He doesn't give the new guys a chance.
Atleast Pike is proven and consistent, has has made a carreer out of doing what he does. Boki could just turn out to be another Eddie Griffin, a rookie with potential that doesnt live up to expectations.
He's an offensive spark, he can shoot the open 3. We can usally count on him to come off the bench and give the team a quick lift. I don't think he is starter material, but he knows his role and pays his dues.
