Leadership roles that is. Let's see if it takes. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1318352 Rudy T lays out roles for Rockets' team leaders Francis, Mobley take specific talks to heart By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle There was nothing new to say, but Rudy Tomjanovich said it anyway. He talked about playing with effort and pride, about defensive intensity and focused ball movement. The usual themes. Tomjanovich spoke of the remainder of the season and what could still be gained. The hope was that the season's last dozen games would allow the Rockets to instill a mindset, a consistency to their approach that they could bring with them to the start of another, better season. But he had said it all before. So with his brief talk through, he spoke again, but this time individually addressing Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, his captains and leading scorers. Their talks in San Francisco last week were not the first. But after three consecutive losses, including a "humiliating" 30-point trouncing by the Seattle SuperSonics, Tomjanovich decided it was time for the Rockets' leaders to lead. "It was a father-and-son thing," Francis said. "I think it was time for it. He was just reinforcing that he still believes in my leadership running the team. "He didn't want me to think that since I haven't been scoring as much I can still help the team by moving the ball and playing better defense. "The best analogy he gave me was when you think of the Lakers, who do you think of? Kobe (Bryant) and Shaq (O'Neal). When you think of the old Pistons, who do you think of? Isiah (Thomas) and Joe Dumars. When you think of the Rockets, who do you think of? Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis," Francis said. "You can't shy away from that now, because that's the way it's going to be for years to come. We have to take the initiative to be leaders. That made more sense than anything." Mobley said he thought Tomjanovich's decision to speak individually with him and Francis was a sign of respect, and that he and Francis needed to help establish an approach to the remainder of the season. Eventually, Tomjanovich said, the same themes he addressed with the team as a whole needed to be unspoken and understood. Players would have to push one another rather than to wait for him to preach again. The Rockets have tried to emphasize better defensive intensity and sharper ball movement with varying results. They have made progress in two games since their last practice and lectures Saturday in San Francisco, recording a victory over the Warriors and a defeat against the Utah Jazz. But Tomjanovich hoped to develop an attitude that will last. "First of all, I want us to be winners," he said. "We have to find a way to win. We do have an identity as far as an offensive style of play. When I was at the Olympics, all the guys were talking about, `Hey, am I going to get to run that play or get into that play?' (It's about) the spacing to exploit some of the things our guys do. "We've been preaching that (defense and ball movement) like a broken record," Tomjanovich said. "It's got to be a part of talk when the coaches aren't there. It's got to be a part of the way we think and the way we approach basketball. It's got to be a part of our life. "It takes awhile. Our championship team (in 1993-94), the year before when we were on that losing streak, we just didn't have the foundation. People were running on us, scoring a lot of points on the break. Then we finally got it. We won, and what we did as a staff was we showed it wasn't just putting the ball in the basket." The Rockets' defensive mentality has steadily slipped since the consecutive championships. They rank 28th in opposing field goal percentage, 29th in assists. "I can't say we win whenever we're moving the ball, but we pass the ball whenever we win," Francis said. "It's a mindset he wants us to have," Mobley said. "We wanted to come out and play `D.' We need to execute our plays, play team defense and rebound." To develop that, Mobley said he and Francis must establish that priority. It might be more than a little late for this season, but if an attitude adjustment can come from a dozen games, the rest of this season might say something about next season. "Coach makes it our responsibility to continue to play strong," Mobley said. "It's hard because we're all young. But as long as (Steve and I) keep showing we still believe, we can all show we're believing. "We have to do that. He can see that. When he can see that, it gives us a better understanding about basketball. We make sure to go out there and work on talking to each other, taking good shots, playing good `D.' " Tomjanovich described Mobley's list as a "mentality," the kind of attitude he has spoken about all season. But in the end, it might have to be as simple as following the leaders.
Good read, HOT. As Feigen said, there's nothing new that Rudy stressed. I guess it's just a process of re-teaching and reminding. Go Rockets ... ... next season.
It should have been said right after the long losing streak. It will sit in their heads for about 2 games, then it'll be the same dumb plays again.
- Steve Francis refering to his leadership responsibility I just wanted to point this part out for all those who feel Francis will bolt at the first opportunity.
Some people take longer then others to learn, and some have it right away. Andre Miller is a leader right from the get go, Steve and Cat need to learn how to lead. DD
You Andre Miller pimp! As Marge exclaimed to Homer about his desire to live "under the sea" I exclaim to you about your desire to have Miller as a Rocket: "It's not gonna happen!" <font size="1">he he he - couldn't resist</font>
OK this is a great read and hopefully changes will be evident, but in Stevie's defense it is hard to be a great "Leader" who leads his team to 50 wins if your supporting cast isn't up to par. Dont get me wrong I love our guys and really dont want much to change, but if we have consecutive plays after good D when we PASS the ball and find the open man, Terrence Morris, and he clangs it it's very hard for the TEAM to get in sync if we have guys missing wide open mid range jumpers on a consistent basis. You cant have any assists if your teammates miss more shots than they make?? This is just my opinion, and I may b wrong but I feel they have done a good job leading what they have to lead. There is a large margin for improvement, but still ....what ya think
For goodness sakes, what does Andre Miller do that makes some of you think he's such a great leader. Is it just because he gets 3 more assists per game? He's leading alright. Leading his team to the second worst record in the far less superior eastern conference. Well, last season Steve Francis led the Rockets to a 45-37 record in the far superior western Conference. I don't know where you guys are coming from sometimes.
DCKid, Leading is more then a winning record, it is about LEADERSHIP, and some players and people have it and others don't. Steve is a great INDIVIDUAL talent, but he is not yet a leader. The same can be said for Cuttino. Another good example is Vince Carter, he is not a leader either. Leaders get the team ready to play, and make sure the committment is there every single game, on defense, on offense and in teamplay. This is Steve Francis' team, and until he starts stepping up and taking responsibility they will go nowhere. DaDakota
Why are you so hung up on Andre Miller DD? And how has he led his team this year? If he is the next Jesus Christ of point guards (no offense Tony Parker) then why do the Cavaliers have a 25-46 record???? Just because he dishes out 3 more assists doesnt make him a leader. The Cavs have sucked, do suck, and will always suck, end of story.
Okay, my question is not really about Steve being a leader. My question is what makes you think that Andre Miller is such a GREAT leader? I seriously doubt you're so much of a Cavs fans that you closely watch their games and see Andre Miller giving pep talks in the huddle. And I doubt that you've read any articles where Andre Miller made some quotes that just undoubtedly demonstrated his leadership ability. <B>Leaders get the team ready to play, and make sure the committment is there every single game, on defense, on offense and in teamplay. </B> Where's the proof that Andre Miller is doing this in Cleveland? There isn't any. They've sucked every single season he's been in the league. <B>This is Steve Francis' team, and until he starts stepping up and taking responsibility they will go nowhere. </B> Well according to you Andre Miller was a leader from the first time he stepped on a court in the NBA. Yet they're going nowhere a lot faster than the Rockets.
dayum!! If I didn't know better, I'd say grummett is a bi-uid. that's about as pithy a jab as one can get, and on target, too. grummett-esque.
Since Steve led his team to 45 wins, I guess is safe to say Baron is more of a leader than both since he will lead his team into the playoffs again this yr. He kept the team around .500 without their leading scorer and now Mash is back, look at the results. I really don't think you can make someone be a leader if they don't want to be one. Some people are leaders and some are followers, the problem is just like in Toronto is that our best player might be a follower. We'll just have to wait and see if he is the one like Neo
Okay, the fact the western conference is a lot tougher than the eastern conference is no surprise. And it could be brought so often that I propose we starting using an acronym. EWI (East West Imbalance). That way when you say something like "Baron led his team too the playoffs more than Steve", I can just say, "yeah, but you're not taking into consideration the EWI." That will save some time.
DCKid brings up a good point: Why do some of you think Andre Miller (who I'm a BIG fan of, BTW) is a superior leader compared to Steve? The biggest difference between the Cavs and Rocks is that the Rocks seem to have better chemistry. The difference in talent level between the teams is negligible. And the Cavs play in the less talented conference. Waiting for an answer.
ooh ooh how about the WUS factor: West Undeniably Stronger So, what exactly is the WUS factor. This site explains it all: <a href="http://members.aol.com/pippenwus/pippnwus.htm">Pippen Wus Homeboy Page</a> gotta love that wallpaper. #33 comes out West and WUSes up the joing in two different cities. Is Vince Carter now the new best example of the WUS factor?
The biggest issue for steve and Cat on D Is to trust his fellow players to hold their man not be caught looking all the d*mn time. Trust them to get a rebound and just shoot off the shot . . for the outlet. they need to jump in some people's grill sometime maybe but 1st thing is HANDLING THE BUSINESS OF BEING A BACKCOURT PLAY THEIR ROLE before trying to help someone else with theirs We have all play at least one pick up game with Mr GymRoom AllStar U know him If you throw him the rock [EVEN ON An INBOUNDS] your chances of seeing it back is slim and none on defense. . he double's everyone's man. . .then his man hits the shot he wants to scream that no one rotated You didn't make the cut to the basket that was the bread and butter play of his Jr high school team . . . .that you were not on . . he wants to screw his face up like you was just suppose to know The teammate that jumps on YOUR BACK for a rebound CONSTANTLY!!! NOW ADD Mr GymRoom All star's bestest bud from Jr High The team that went to an impressive 8-8 season Then it's a two on five man game You other three are there to rebound get the ball and give it back to them when their ig'nant asses pick up there dribble and cannot give it to their buddy you just suppose to play D too . . but as i mentioned they don't think you can really play d. .just expect you to stand by your man and If you have the . . .GALL to actually take a shot even a put back . .they look all sour and mumble should have reset it backout. Well . . Cuttino and Steve sometimes looks like those guys Rocket River
I have nothing to say about Miller, but I feel this article does reinforce the fact that Rudy DOES emphasize team-defense and ball movement, and it's the players who are failing to do it. You can critique the offensive system Rudy puts on the floor. You can criticize Rudy for perhaps not getting on his players more. But I don't think you can make the claim that Rudy is telling Steve/Cuttino to hoard the ball and drive through double-teams, as it seems some people have stated in the past (if not in those words.) The lack of ball movement exhibited by the Rockets is NOT a feature of Rudy's offensive system. It is the failure of Steve/Cuttino/Mooch and whoever to execute what Rudy wants. So Rudy bashers are of course entitled to their opinions, but I feel they cannot say that the stagnation of the offense do to too much one-on-one play is principally the fault of the system. I know this is an old bone of contention, so I won't mind if people feel they'd rather let sleeping dogs lie, but I just wanted to say my piece.
