Where exactly did this come from? This seems to be another myth that has started up this year, that JVG does not give rookie's a chance. Why? Because Nachbar never saw the court? In seeing him on one of the worst teams in the league after the trade, and his playing time and performance, it's pretty obvious why he never played. Because Barrett was demoted in the rotation? Andre had a decent stretch, but he is far from adequate. He's a quick guard, but has trouble running the offense as demonstrated by the past two games. Barrett is not ready to handle back up minutes, and they should not be rewarded to them. And then here's the topper... Because of GAINES?! I saw a poster in another thread say JVG never gave this guy a chance because he wanted him to defend more than offense. Are you kidding? The only thing Gaines did well was hustle, he had no offense and limited defensive skills. This is another player who is no where ready to make any kind of contribution. I just don't understand why some people feel that JVG doesn't give rookie's a chance. We don't have any rookie's that are worth giving playing time. We're not rebuilding, we don't have time to give to a player to see what happens. The organization, city, and fans all expect the Rockets to win, and win big. We don't have time to experiment. Now can we end this ridiculous myth of Van Gundy not liking rookies?
Please name me some rookies and sophmores that blossomed under JVG during his career and I will buy into your theory.
Thank you Longtime Fan. I was considering starting a thread like this because I was seeing this statement being posted over and over and over again about how JVG won't play rookies. Let us examine the rookies that the GM has given him through the course of his career: Of course Van Gundy didn't play these guys - kind of hard to play a bunch of 2nd round picks that don't make an NBA Roster, which is what most of these guys are. The highest pick he was ever given was Frederic Weis, who was taken at 17 overall, I believe. I have asked this question to people who propagate the "JVG hates rookies" myth and not received an answer, but I will ask it again: GummiClutch, would you play this man? Also re: Nachbar - JVG gave him a LOT more PT than a Rudy, who had no qualms about playing or even starting rookies.
The question is... Does he play them? NO Not would he play them... End of story Im not in the mood to bash JVG today after the James trade. It is evident from all of our trades the type of player that JVG prefers. All I have to say is he STARTED Rod Strickland for God's sakes!!! I am curious to see what he does with our 2006 draft pick and whether or not that pick will get the playing time you believe he will. I hope as much as you do that these accusations are false.
I agree with Gummi.. we need to develop young talent because 1. they come cheaper (rookie contracts) 2. to fill in for older vets/players that might move on or get injured J
I'm glad you joined us. You were the person I was referring to when I mentioned Gaines. Your knowledge of Gaines' game and what JVG wants is outstanding.
You're not in the mood to argue, because your argument has been punked and you have nothing to reply with. And the argument is not "did he play rookies" This is what YOU wrote yesterday in the Gary Payton thread: http://bbs2.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91816 You base this on evidence of his not giving playing time to guys who were not skilled, who weren't even on an NBA roster in many cases? Do you need me to explain why this is ridiculous to you?
Well, it looks like JVG just traded away our first round pick for Moochie Norris and Vin Baker, so I guess he wont be proving you right anytime soon Maybe I should change my thesis from "JVG doesnt play rookies" to "JVG steers clear of rookies"or "JVG prefers not to develope young talent"
Besides not playing rookies, he gets rid of whatever rookies he has or has potential to get. What's happened with all our picks here and all the picks New York had when he was coach there? He's had some but he's traded as many, I'm sure. He doesn't like the rooks.
It is not a question of rookies. He doesn't like players that suck, like most coaches. If a player who happens to be a rookie can help the team, he will let him play, see Barret earlier this season. He was not the GM in NY nor is he in Houston, but this trade today was to free up Yao re-signing money (if the transcript of his radio interview was to be believed), and the one last year (Rice) was to keep the Rox from paying the luxury tax.
Why do we need to free up "Yao re-signing money"? We do have his bird rights, after all. Call it "reducing salary" or "avoiding luxury tax" if you want, those are fine, but to say that we needed to trade anyone in order to sign Yao is just incorrect as far as salary cap rules are constructed.
I already heard the his-rookies-have-sucked argument. I'm saying he doesn't even value the potential for being good that come with things like draft picks. He's wouldn't let a pick be a trade-buster. He'd rather take his chances with a known-quanitity but limited vet than to gamble on taking a rookie.
Fine, semantics, I'm just repeating what JVG himself said. http://bbs2.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91900&perpage=30&pagenumber=1 (Thanks to Texas Stoke for the transcription btw)
