I really think he will make a bigger impact than Gay would have. He is prolly the best fit with Yao n Tmac in terms of the best role players.
What exactly did you want the interview to have in it? I think what he'll really help with is passing into the post. He could be a huge asset there.
He's a mature, solid NBA player that will really help our team. We traded for smarts and basketball IQ rather than raw potential. To me, Swift and Rudy have never stood out as high IQ players at all, and in order to get a championship, we need mature players who know their roll. I still thing we could of got the 24 pick though =P
nice PR move and I hope Shane doesnt think we dont want him here.. reading more about him and watching his interviews I cant help but like the guy. I wish him the best of luck in Houston. J
I don't get why people say this about Gay. Swift yes. But I don't think that's a fair knock on game. Is it because he's athletic? Is it because he's from Uconn and not Duke?
THANK JULIO. Your work is very appreciated. I'm really starting to come around to this trade... Battier seems happy with his role and he looks determined.
This guy went to Duke, and he could only come up with Super Duper? So when is he going to be head of the NBAPA?
I'm really warming up to the idea of him playing the 4. i know he said he would guard the tougher perimeter player but that was before we got snyder to do that. i'm sure throughout the game we will play on the perimeter as well. the fact that he can shoot the ball, rebound, and pass (into the post) make him an ideal 4 playing between yao and tmac.
A VERY underrated aspect Jeff! We saw how well Horry did that with Hakeem. How many times last year did Yao get great post position only to see Howard, Alston/Bogans not be able to make the right pass? I think Battier (6'8") will be able to do that and the same with a 6'10" Novak. Those are players that will augments YAO's game. They will get him the ball at the right moment in the post and they will hit the outside 3pt shot. The key is to AUGMENT your STARS with the role players.
Thanks for the video, Julio. Battier sounds like a future coach. Maybe he can be a good influence on Snyder. I'm happy to see Battier on the team; I just wish we hadn't given up so much to get him.
Yes, Battier is going to bring a heck of a lot to the Rocks. Passing the ball into the post and just intelligent passing, moving very well without the ball, taking the tough defensive assignments, and doing a solid job. That's as well as having a good mid-range shot, being able to hit the three, and lots of other skills, with the ability to play several positions one of the big ones. Does anyone know if he's a good outlet passer? I like how we're adding players that fill needs. We needed someone like Battier, and actually got the real thing. We needed a young, long 2 guard with upside that could drive and finish. Snyder fits the bill, and has other skills as well. Sure, we have lots of other holes, but considering we have/had holes at almost every position, except the starting 3 and 5, we've done well, and still have our MLE and our big TE. Now we get to see what the front office does with those.
Wait a minute. Alston did an EXCELLENT job of getting the ball in to Yao, both on entry passes and by catching Yao coming across the lane. THAT was the reason the Rockets traded for Rafer in the first place, and he did not disappoint. Now, if he could just hit his open jumpers consistently . . . Yes. Shane is good at just about everything. Not spectacular, but good.
With Battier joining the team, I'm going to shut up once and for all about how important feeding the post is. During 51-31, Tracy was the only effective post passer we had (along with maybe JB). With Rafer, Tracy & Shane, there are 3 in the starting lineup! Life should be good for Yao next season.
