http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3245421 The Rockets knew what they wanted. They wanted a power forward, a big body with good hands to rebound the ball. They wanted an inside presence to take pressure off Yao Ming. They wanted a long-armed defender with enough muscle to guard big men in the paint. They had to settle for Illinois guard Luther Head. After failing to move up after months of trying and a night of heavy discussions with eight teams, the Rockets watched all the players they had targeted come off the board before they could exercise their first first-round pick since 2002, when they took Yao Ming and Bostjan Nachbar. They tried to sound excited, but the disappointment showed. "On the phone, we were both sounding the same," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "He sounded like he'd been sedated. He asked if Jeff Van Gundy had plans to leave anytime soon. It didn't sound like he was expecting much playing time before his rookie contract expires. I sounded pretty sedated, too. Actually, I was sedated. Rudy left me all the liquor from his office, and I had to down half of it before I could pick up the phone and call this guy. What's his name again?" "On the bright side," said Dawson, "The last time we got the guy we wanted, it was Nachbar."
Umm, so they didn't like the Luther Head pick? If they wanted a PF, why didn't they go after Simien or Taft?
We've secretely replaced the Chronicle's article with a conjured-up one, let's see if anyone will notice...
Will Saletan Preggers! by Lisa Huberman June 28, 2005, 12:00 PM PT Will Saletan, beau Jeff Van Gundy and baby will make three. The winsome twosome, who hooked up last year, announced they are expecting their first child next summer. Jeff's publicist confirmed the good news Wednesday and said the couple were "pleased" to go public with news of baby-to-be. No word of any wedding plans. Speculation about a possible engagement between the Slate national correspondent and the Rockets head coach has fueled the tabs for months. Especially since he's been sporting a "friendship" ring given to him by Van Gundy. And any attempts to keep their relationship private--such as arriving separately at the NBA draft last night--has only stoked more interest in the writing babe and the baggy-eyed coach. The frenzy is only likely to increase as Saletan begins to pooch out. Before Van Gundy entered the scene, Saletan had also been linked to assistant coach Patrick Ewing, ex-commentator Calvin Murphy, and enigmatic player Moochie Norris. Saletan's had plenty of time on his hands for baby making, among other things to be sure, since taking a professional hiatus earlier this year. Time well spent, it seems.
hilarious, Will. I'm with you; the spin on the pick is kind of annoying. I'm not saying I don't want to hear positive stuff, but you don't have the hype him like the best thing since.
OMG, that is fantastic. Calvin, Ewing, and Moochie -- it sounds like what's behind doors #1, #2, and #3 in one of those hell jokes.
Personally I think the Rockets were going guard/SF all the way...but I have a feeling they wanted Hodge or maybe even Jack and were confident one of them would be there. I'm skeptical of Head...but I also have seen him play very little, and have not seen him in workouts. As usual, I will have to trust what CD and company have seen.
I had the same feeling. Througout the past season JVG mentioned a few times that game stats showed it was poor backcourt defence that eventually lead to Yao's foul troubles.
Will's a gal? i just thought he was gay, but then wouldn't he and Jeff just adopt? oh, and aren't they going to have to get "married" in boston? do the C's know about this?
<b>Will, you are hands down the best writer on this BBS.</b> I was almost on the floor rolling in laughter at your piece, especially after going to read the real article. You sardonic wit totally cracks me up ...
It is funny that CD and the Rockets kept saying that Head was the guy they wanted!!! But, they hype about his is just annoying. I don't buy the hype. It's just the best they could do.
You're surprised to hear over-weight, balding, middle aged men rejoicing that they got head the other night? ... sorry, but i couldn't resist
Natural Light does taste just like Bud Light. Coors Light tastes like Keystone Light. Miller Lite doesn't have a cheap version so they mix all in together.
