I can see why lots of people are still skeptical, but really, you've got to give JVG credit here. Like the other poster said, he's truly a player's coach. Some people hate him because they think he's too negative and all that, but I find it particularly interesting that some coaches who are supposedly "great" locker room guys find it difficult to bring their players in line (case in point: George Karl re: Kenyon Martin and even Carmelo), while others get along well and don't have a clue how to win a basketball game (Doc Rivers comes to mind). JVG's players all love him. Every one of them. You almost get the sense that they truly believe that he would lay down his life for them and for the team, and they're willing to do anything to please him. They *want* him to yell at them because they have utmost respect for his knowledge of the game and his passion for it. And I can't stress enough how perfectly JVG handled the Bonzi situation....imagine if this had been George Karl.
i always find it amuzing that if someone says something good about coach, then all of a sudden it someone just giving lip service but when someone says something negative its always "see, everyone knows he's a moron". possibly, just possibly bonzi does appreciate jvg as a coach.
A lot of signs show that Bonzi deep down is not a knuckle head that he apears to be. I speculate it's just that he has been in a bad environment for too long. The last two months' show could be the result of the law of inertia on him brought on from his past. But clearly, the current Houston team has such an upright chemistry going that the down-hill-slide are very likely being reversed! Absolutely no coincidence! This is very well pointed out. Rafer would always look bad when you have only one clear scoring option on the court. Both Bonzi and Rafer will look much better if they can keep up the progress. Rafer is at his best when he is the 3rd or 4th scoring option on the court. This is well said. You can see from his on court play and off court talking that he's actually a smart man. I don't know in what kind of environment he developed his stupidness. But the current Rockets team is definitely the right placet that can get out his good heart and professionalism. (There must be a betting way to say the last sentence. Someone help？ ) I don't know if this team will win it all or not. Yet they definitely have an amazing chemistry and unbelievable kindness that is among the best of all NBA team IMHO. This makes the TEAM very enjoyable. What do you guys think?
prediction: Bonzi wells added to the rotation with T Mac in a somewhat healthy state means excellent playoff basketball. If it comes to pass that in fact this team has what it takes to go futher then most of us could imagine, Bonzi Wells will sign a contract here. Bonzi wells is not chopped chicken liver, and the idea of teams having to consider Yao, T mac and Bonzi is staggering. the third option we have covented for so long. This interview did it for me. He has had his "come to jeezus " moment now. JVG directly influenced him in the right direction, and Bonzi has apparently reawakened that inner piece that must be there to trancend our human self centeredness in exchange for giving it up for the team. His point about "coach has shown me some things this past week" means JVG has deliberatly gone out of his way to smooth the way for Bonzi to be a team leader in his way. The baseline slam in particular showed me a lot. I think I hit my head on the ceiling. There are not enough good things I can say about the mature but relentless way jvg has handled this. He is showing his coaching smarts. But never letting an individual rise above the team. This is rockets basketball at it's best for me. If this holds together through the season we may just have our jaws dropping come May. Every veteran in the league worth their salt eventually realizes that The Ring is The Thing. Welcome to the Houston Rockets Bouncin Ball of Booty!
my man Bonz was great! I really like the fact that he put a lot of effort last game and he shot a good percentage (50%). It's very interesting that he said all the good things about "coach" and I believe this is a good sign for the team because it seems like JVG and the Bonz made up! now I haven't read any posts yet, but I am wondering if all the Bonz-haters have anything to say now that he is back and playing great
Still sceptical. One good interview doesnt erase the past history he went through. Beside, I have got an impression that the interview was more "re-heresed" than what he truly thinks about his current predicament. But I am amazed by the power of contract effect on JVG as much as Bonzi. Had this been last year, I bet Bonzi would have been canned from the beginning. Obviously last years experience taught JVG a humility or two, and imperative need to win to keep his job, is making him to put aside the differences and work best for the team.
^ well i dont know about all that. But JVG has shown a history of getting along very well with players that have been labeled as a bad apple. But the most important thing here is that bonzi wants to play and if he brings it hard then there will be no problems. come to play hard, come to win and i think thats what jvg cares about most
I don't want to rain on the parade, but this talk about Bonzi becoming a leader on this team and signing a long-term contract is wishful thinking. In the past, even during his Jail-blazer days, Bonzi has been a decent interview. He knows the right things to say in front of the camera and you cannot take him at his word. He is a sharp guy with serious attitude issues. It's possible he and JVG have completely made up and will get along great the rest of the season. It's also very possible the Bonzi everyone knows and loves will act out again and be banned from the team. To each his own opinion. I'm just saying the current euphoria is overblown because the plane could still crash.
I've always thought Bonzi was a punk, but thbis interview, you can tell when an athelete is faking an interview, he seems sincere and like he's really bought into JVG's system. seems like a nice dude
While it may be debatable whether his praise of JVG is genuine or rehearsed, Bonzi's expressed excitement of playing with Yao is unmistakable. I didn't get to listen to the whole interview, but from reading Clutch's recap, Bonzi stressed that playing as a Rocket along side with Yao is hugely desirable, quite possibly the most desirable, as he singled it out: "[Yao] was one of the reasons for me to come down here, because I've never really played with a really dominant center. Yao is so mobile, he has an excellent touch and he has a great feel for the game for a big man. You can't say enough about him." http://www.clutchfans.net/news/1378/bonzi_optimistic_after_win_over_clippers/
This is a huge, huge attraction for free agents. It's what brought Tracy here. And as Yao has stepped it up, the attraction grows. Who wouldn't want to play with the best center in the game? Great longterm plus for the Rocks.
Bonzi is automatic when he is in the low post, he will either get a 12 foot rainbow to drop or a layup inside. As long as he can keep his dribble (he lost the ball like 2 or 3 times), but that will come with time. Yao + (healthy tmac) + wells = championship
I think its great teh Bonzi is back and playing well but all these compliments I think has more to do with Bonzi trying to save his image as a trouble maker so he can break the bank on his next contract.....He is just trying to say all the right things.....
Well, this is called professionalism. Whether he actually thinks so is not important as long as he does what he says. You don't have to be best friends with your teammates to play well together.
And to think... people actually compared him to Ron Artest. We all know damn well Ron Artest can't handle an interview like Bonzi. Who knew Bonzi is actually quite a sharp character?! If he's sincere and plays hard with a healty TMAC and Yao - we'll definately make noise in the Playoffs.
