Rudy T: Rockets need to put Yao Ming hoopla behind them

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1634571

 

Rockets summary

from Chron:

One last cut

The Rockets have at least one more roster cut to make. But they face much more than one decision.

If Juaquin Hawkins' success in the preseason has made Tito Maddox a point guard, at least for now, the Rockets would have four on the roster with Maddox, Tierre Brown, Moochie Norris and Steve Francis. They are unlikely to carry that many, especially with the playing time typically assumed by Francis and Norris.

The decision in the backcourt had been complicated by Norris' finger surgery, although he is expected to be able to play by the opener Wednesday.

With the release of the more offensive-inclined Oscar Torres on Thursday, the Rockets would seem to have two guard/forward defensive specialists in Pete Mickeal and Hawkins. Mickeal played well in his only preseason stint, but has been unable to return to the court because of a sore right foot that revealed blood clots. Mickeal will not be able to practice before the rosters must be set Monday.

But with the injuries to Kenny Thomas and Terence Morris, and the suspension of Maurice Taylor for the first five games, the Rockets might be inclined to keep one more forward than they had planned, depending on the results of Thomas' medical exam Monday.

How's it going?

Yao Ming continued to meet executives Friday. After meeting Chinese President Jiang Zemin and former President George Bush on Thursday, he had his first conversation with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander on Friday.

"I just asked him how everything was," Alexander said, "just general things. `Any problems? Is everything OK?'

Alexander said he was still enthralled with the scene Thursday at Yao's first game at Compaq Center.

"It was unbelievable," Alexander said. "People we're chanting and singing. It was a special warmth. I'm a big sports fan. I've been to hundreds and hundreds of games. I've never seen anything like that in my entire life."

Asked what it meant to see his team back on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Alexander said: "Almost everything, besides winning. I like to see my team the focus of the world."

Promotions

For years, Keith Jones and Dennis Lindsey did work that made their modest titles seem almost silly. Friday, the Rockets changed the titles with promotions to vice president.

Lindsey, Rockets director of player personnel, was made vice president of basketball operations/player personnel, and Jones, who was trainer and player liaison was made vice president of basketball operations/athletic trainer.

Both had been working increasingly with other clubs, agents and players, while doing other management work that had little to do with player evaluations or athletic training.

"We're just trying to give people what they deserve," said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, who last week made George Postolos the team president and chief executive officer. "If they deserve a promotion and a higher spot in the organization we do it when it's appropriate.

"Keith has done a great job over the years as a trainer and a liaison with the players. Dennis is an integral part of the player personnel staff."

-- JONATHAN FEIGEN

 

Where and when can I watch this TV program?

 

Thanks, Jeff.

Is it a live program or taped? Does Ming have to get up before 4 am Houston time to prepare it?

 

Les asked Ming to do it. I read an article yesterday about it. Many media wanted to ask Ming on their show.