David Wesley Press Conference David Wesley Press Conference 12-28-04 David Wesley on his feelings of being traded to the Rockets? “I look forward to taking that next step, to getting to Cleveland, to getting with the team and figuring out what plays I’m going to run, what’s going to happen next. I’m excited, a new start, a new beginning, and I guess I don’t have to say that coming from 2-24 (Hornets record) wasn’t fun. It’s nice to be on a team that has that chance to win, and hopefully I can get that job done.” On meeting Rockets in Cleveland and not being in Milwaukee tonight? “Right, from my understanding, everyone has not reported and done their physicals, and it would have been a tough thing to do anyway. I’m just now getting done with my physical.” On what it says to have a team like the Rockets make a trade for you? “It means a lot. In this league, you always want to be wanted. I’m wanted by a team that is in a pretty good situation. I know I have my work cut out for me. There’s going to be a lot of open shots, and that’s what they’re expecting me to do, is knock down open shots with (Tracy) McGrady and Yao (Ming) getting double teamed a lot. There is going to be a lot of opportunities. I talked to Coach (Jeff) Van Gundy yesterday and he told me what he expected of me defensively, and shooting the ball, and some point guard duties were necessary. I was up all night playing games in my head. I’m looking forward to getting started.” On backcourt duties now with you as point and Bob Sura as the two and Tracy McGrady as the three? “No, I’m a shooting guard. Sura’s the one. I’ll give him different looks…pin down guy, catch and shoot guy, and when Sura goes out, I may end up playing some point guard.” On defensively mixing and matching assignments? “I don’t know exactly. Just the other night I guarded LeBron (James) all night. I’ve had a few people mention the fact that I’ve been down there guarding him the whole game, pushing him off the block and doing a decent job. That was the thing that sold them (Rockets) on me.” On facing LeBron James again? “It’s funny to see a guy twice in about three days, but I just go out there and do what I do. I’ve been out there awhile and there’s going to be no surprises. They’ve watched me play, especially over the last week-and-a-half just to see if they want me here. Here I am.” On what it is going to be like playing with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady? “I get to be on (national) TV. We were never on TV with the Hornets. As far as talent goes and popularity, these are probably the best two players I’ve played with in my career. It’ll be fun to sit and watch them work and wait for things to come my way, especially in that situation we were just in. You tend to do things you don’t usually do.” On impression of Jeff Van Gundy? “I’ve been waiting to see for myself. Some coaches get bad reps for whatever reason and I know he likes things his way. He’s real clear about what he likes out on the floor. He’s very direct. I’ve heard that you won’t wonder what he thinks of your play or you, he’ll tell you directly. I can handle that. Let me know what’s going on and let me know if I can fix it. A lot of practice, hard practice and long days.” On his initial reaction of being traded? “My initial reaction was ‘Wow.’ Being with a team just over seven years and not really expecting it, no prior knowledge of it. It’s the first time I’ve ever been traded. It’s the middle of the season, new city and situation. It’s been a crazy 24 hours.” _____________________________________________________ Seems genuinely happy about coming here. I was impressed to see that the Hornets used him to cover Lebron.
Well there you go.... Wesley will play the 2 spot with Sura at the one. I am sure Wesley will be the PG when Barry is in the backcourt with him. I am surprised that Wesley at 6'1" guarded Lebron at 6'8"+. Perhaps that IS what sold the Rockets on Wesley. If Wesley despite his size can at least be decent guarding larger SGs then I can see in the Rockets minds why they were more willing to let JJ go. I dont like the fact that Tmac by size virtue has to guard the opposing teams best 2/3 each night. But perhaps Wesley will be able to hold his own more than I thought. I guess the proof will be in the play.
LeBron James went off for 22, 14, and 9 in that game, so if Wesley guarded him he didn't exactly shut 'Bron down.
Well Lebron averages about 25 points per game. The assist and rebounding part you cannot reall control a whole lot. Remember that the Hornets are one of the worst defensive team in the NBA including the essential 'team defense'. Lebron also commited 5 turnovers in that game although it may not have come as a result of Wesley guarding him (Wesley had 2 steals in that game). Anyway look for tmac to take lebron as his primary defender.
Funny how he mentions that JVG has a bad rap, but he wants to see for himself. I am sure we will get LOTS of quality Free Agents with JVG and his bad rap. FIRE JVG. DD
Del Harris or George Karl would be my first choices..either one....then perhaps PJ Carlisimo. And, CD has to go too, I am convinced that the guy has lost it. DD
What case would that be Fegwu? Del has a decent record, probably as good as JVG, and he has a good relationship with Yao. George Karl has always been an innovative coach, and we need a ton of that now. PJ Carlisimo has been a good coach, and I am sure has learned a lot from Popovich as his top assistant these last few years. We need someone who is a better communicator, out of these 3, Del would be the best choice for that role. DD
lol I like Harris..I don't like Carleismo but yeah he'd be good look at the Spurs. And George Karl I really wouldn't mind him either. But I really don't see us firing JVG..:/
He's also always been an arrogant idiot whose teams made choking into an art form. And I don't see what was so 'innovative' about using an illegal zone defense to cover up a lack of size. Del Harris? He has fired in LA (for Kurt Rambis, no less) because the Lakers couldn't get over the hump. Great choice for a team that currently can't even get close to the hump. If Dunleavy were our head coach and we were struggling, it would be, "We should have hired Jeff Van Gundy! He's taken a team to the Finals, and his teams always played great D and overachieved!" Mediocre players, not mediocre coaching, is what's hurting this team. Back to the subject of Wesley, he's very solidly built for a little guy. 6'1", 215lbs. We shouldn't be too worried about SGs posting him up.
Let me preface my rebuttal by stating that every player or coach is only as good as what they did at their last stop. Del is still the same coach that failed to deal with a young Shaq and Kobe. He could not mesh them into championship material. The rap is that he could not handle personalities and is too soft to be relied on for big time results. He could fit in with a young and up coming team like the Bulls and Hornet not a big time our Rockets. Why do you think even Dallas does even consider him as the heir to Don Nelson office? He is not even a top 3 in the coaching ranks of the Mavs in terms of succession. No thanks! I do not believe there is a more hated and "bad rapped" coach now than Georgy boy. Sam Cassel and Payton exposed him in Milwaukee and as a psycho and the word has gotten arround. No GM in the league even have his number anymore in their rollodex [sp?]. He is a bonafide cancer and no serious team will hire him until he pays a visit to Dr Phil to sort himself out. He has serious issues. That said I loved his Seatle Sonic team but ....... No thanks! Yeah the choke job victim. Have you ever stopped to think why he could get a job (head honcho) again experiencing the feel of Sprewell's palms? Yeah he sucks and he lacks good people skills. He is a closed case and even considering him for a head coaching job will set any franchise back by decades. Again no thanks! A prudent and analytical mind will look at the reality on the ground and conclude that JVG is our best bet to turn things around. Personally, I will forever be greatful to him for accepting our offer and doing whetever it takes to make us a championship city once again. I must confess that there are more than enough immature minds around here these days than I care. It is okay for anyone to criticize JVG or any coach as long it is constructive and rational - heck even a few out-of-bound critiques or rather "hating" is okay but it worries me when a majority do it ignorantly. I expected major things for this team this season but it is taking longer than I would have loved. But it does not mean I have to despair because we have the major pieces in place to conquer the world. I used to think that we have the greatest fans around the NBA (every fan does) but from what I have seen this season I am not so sure about that anymore. Great fandom to me is about balance, prudence, rational and patience - these qualities are lacking these day on this BBS (majority members) PS. Now if the players meet and agree that they choose not to be led by JVG anymore that will be fine with me. But until then, onward soldiers.
Dada, what is up with this sh**t. You have totally lost it in your posts lately. Everybody knows you hate JVG, point taken. But those srcubs couldn't even get hired by the Hawks. Del is not even the backup coach for the Mavericks, and you want him here? George Karl? not! PJ Carlisimo! Now I know you have lost your mind. Ease back on the bong hits!! I am not a fan of what JVG has done this year, but those three really suck! There has to be better options if JVG is fired one day.
