http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6527750.html If posted, Lock it up LAS VEGAS — The difference could not have been clearer, and it took only consideration of two shots — misses — to see how much things had changed for the better. The first miss came in the first game of the NBA summer league. Chase Budinger got loose at the rim with so much time to consider his shot, he could have been reading a long birdie putt. When he opted for a layup, he blew it, and was mortified. A game later, he missed again. Once. Far more relaxed and confident in his second game than in his first, he took 10 shots, made nine and had 25 points to lead the Rockets past the Mavericks. In the first three summer league games, the second-round pick from Arizona made 19 of 30 shots, averaged 15.7 points and looked increasingly comfortable on both ends of the court. Things had gone so well he had decided the blown layup was a good thing. “A lot of the teammates and coaches were pretty supportive,” Budinger, 6-7, said, laughing. “I didn't get too much insult. Everybody has those types of plays. I got it over with my very first game. Now I can move on. It was one of those plays I didn't want to miss. It was too easy. “The first game, I had first-game jitters. I was more confident (in the second game), knew what to expect, came out and played my game. The biggest thing I'm trying to do is get comfortable with the rules and get better defensively. That's the biggest thing I want to improve on, the defensive end.” Equipped with a solid shot with 3-point range, good ball-handling and well-documented athleticism, Budinger has been considered more likely to contribute offensively. Questions about his ability to defend let him slip to the 14th pick of the second round, with Budinger going later in the draft than he expected. A proven scorer A first-team All-Pac-10 pick after averaging 18 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists as an Arizona junior, he has long been considered a sure pro whenever he was ready, only to have his draft stock fall. At first, his confidence was shaken. But as with his play in Las Vegas, he went from stunned to determined. “I do want to show all these teams that passed up on me that they messed up,” Budinger said. “I have a little chip on my shoulder coming into these games. I'm just trying to do the most that I can. I try to go into every game with a chip on my shoulder. “That night and the next day, I was pretty shocked. I had all these expectations that everybody was feeding me and my agent (Kevin Bradbury). It stung for a little bit. “They didn't say officially they would take me, but I was one or two, one of three guys. It happens. You can't do anything about it. But after a while I found that Houston was a great fit for me. I can fit in very well there.” The Rockets agree, but Budinger is playing in the summer league without a contract and could come into training camp with a non-guaranteed deal. A good fit on offense As much as summer league is for most players a mix between opportunities to develop and showcase skills, Budinger could understandably believe he will get a chance to make the roster, making his growth a key to carving out a niche with the retooled Rockets. But he did believe the Rockets' offense, with a renewed emphasis on movement, would suit him well enough to help his chances. “I feel that once everybody gets on the same page, once you run it with a certain team for so long, it just becomes natural,” he said. “That's why the Rockets do so well with it. “There's lots of pin-downs, lots of isos in the post, back-cutting, a lot of things that can help me produce.” Three summer league games have demonstrated that much. “When you make that first shot, it gives you a lot of confidence,” Budinger said after his 9-of-10 shooting day. “Then you make the next one, and the next one. I felt very comfortable out there.” In Budinger's case, he grew more confident after missing one. jonathan.feigen@chron.com
DD weren't you the one that was hating on Budinger when he got drafted? I told you he was going to be good....
I like the way he looks so far. I think he can get better. He seems to have the athleticism to play D. The only question is does he have the desire?
Good article and post Mav-Hater. I think Budinger can be a special player for us if he can improve his defense. He can shoot the ball from anywhere, and is very athletic. He would fit perfectly into the offense, as DaDakota said. It is good to know that he is confident, because confidence can take you far. I'm looking forward to seeing Budinger in Rocket red at Toyota Center.
I thought Chase was a huge sleeper in the draft. Before the last years NCAA season, he was already ranked in the top ten college players. He was the only draft pick we got I was excited about. (Although I really wanted DaJuan Summers when he fell to the 2nd round.)
Yeah, but that was more my frustration with Morey not making a big splash.....but since the news about Yao being out was released, it changed everything, IMO. Now, I get what he was doing....and agree with it. Lesson learned. DD
I would be confident too if I could throw the rock like that. The Rockets would be crazy not to sign him.
I feel ya DD. It felt like my typical casino visits. I was hoping to hit the jackpot, only to come back only a few bucks richer.
If nothing else, at least The Chronicle is helping the Rockets increase their trade assets by pumping up 2nd round draftees.
Chase has got a slick shot and can take it to the rim, if he can become a good defender he will stick with the team. I think he will because he does possess the athleticism to do it from what I've seen.
