[CHRON]Wells reflects on leaving Sacramento+Rocket Notes

I really can't believe this guy is talking about wanting to be in Sacramento while being a member of the Houston Rockets and our guys are working their tails off. I know this was the blunder of the century Bonzi, but keep it private. We don't need any newspaper selling quotes from you unless they are about how you are helping this team.


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/4469482.html


Jan. 14, 2007, 1:17AM
ROCKETS NOTES
Flu has Wells down; return to Arco does not

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle



For a brief moment, Rockets guard Bonzi Wells saw a bright side to being hurt. Returning to Sacramento for the first time since he played for the Kings last season could have been much more awkward if he was able to play.

"If I was playing, it would be (uncomfortable)," said Wells, who is out while rehabbing a sore lower back. "I do watch them on TV. It would be different seeing them up close and personal. But I understand the struggles they're going through. I think about all we went through last year, Mike (Bibby), and all the guys, all my friends.

"We had a great time, a great year last year. I really do miss those guys. But this is my family now. In this league, you understand there's nothing permanent. You move on. I moved on. They did, too."

Wells did not have to move on. He turned down an offer that Kings co-owner Joe Maloof told the Sacramento Bee was worth $38.5 million over five years. But Wells said that because of miscommunication with his former agent he never received that offer.

"I didn't get a chance (to go back)," Wells said. "It was just a miscommunication between my agent and management. I wanted the money and to be there for a long time. It was a miscommunication and I ended up getting the short end of the stick. I think about it every day. I miss being in Sacramento.

"Everything happens for a reason. That reason was bad for me, but now, hopefully we have a chance to make a run for a championship here. Team-wise, I think I'm in a better place."

Battling the flu, Wells did not run as planned before Saturday's game but hopes to practice on Monday in Dallas.

He is hoping to be cleared to play against the Mavericks on Tuesday.

"That's been the plan all along," he said.


March return for Yao

After speaking with team physician Dr. Tom Clanton on Saturday, Rockets trainer Keith Jones said he does not expect Rockets center Yao Ming to play until mid- to late March.

Jones said there has been no change in Yao's condition or prognosis, although he scheduled a CT scan for this week with follow-ups likely every two weeks.

Yao suffered a slight fracture of his right tibia Dec. 23 and is expected to need eight weeks from the time of the fracture to begin on-court workouts in mid-February. Depending on the extent of muscle atrophy and how much conditioning is required, Yao could need another month or more to be ready to play.


Little down time

The Rockets arrived at their hotel in Sacramento, Calif., at about 5 a.m. Saturday after playing at Denver on Friday night.

The Rockets have played well on the second half of back-to-backs on the road, going 5-1 in second games.

"The more guys you have who are great competitors and love the gym (the better). It's hard to make a compelling point that game 38, in Sacramento, Jan. 13, is make or break, but it is," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "If you have guys who have competitive nature and spirit about them, they'll see it like a coach, like 'We have to have this one.'

"I don't diminish physical fatigue in this league, and yet I think there is a much greater chance of mental fatigue."

 

I am not saying he shouldn't feel what he's feeling. He made a mistake that could haunt him for the rest of his life.

I am saying however, that he shouldn't express those feelings in public and basically saying that he shouldn't be on the Rockets if not for his gaffe.

You'll see all the tabloids like ESPN and FOX latch on to the Rockets and send their paparazzi (Jim Gray, David Aldridge, Rich Bucher, Marc Stein) to get more "dirt" on Bonzi which could create a distraction for the team.

Plus, if I am his teammate I don't want to hear him say he's having second thoughts and regrets.

I am more interested to see how he integrates himself. You know he will give you 10+PPG, but I want to see him make an effort to add to the cohesiveness of the group and not be a cancer.

It would really blow to have some lazy Bonzi effort out there and break the rhythm of our guys. I am looking for enthusiam and positive demeanor from him as opposed to points and rebounds.