[Chorn] Rockets get boost of energy

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3549234.html


Dec. 27, 2005, 12:28AM
Rockets get boost of energy
Mutombo brings passion, savvy after missing time with injury


By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The rebounds don't come with the same frequency as they did a decade ago, nor do the blocked shots and accompanying wagging fingers.

And while Dikembe Mutombo was never mistaken for Wilt Chamberlain, the pace at which he currently scores pales in comparison with the years of his prime with the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks.

But the Rockets need Mutombo, if not for anything else, for energy, passion and the example he sets. His enormous smile doesn't hurt, and it serves the Rockets a greater benefit when Mutombo is in uniform, not nattily attired on the bench.

The Rockets discovered his value during the past two games, setbacks that Mutombo watched in street clothes because of a dislocated and cut right middle finger.

The Rockets were lost defensively against the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday and noncommittal against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. They will welcome Mutombo tonight against the Utah Jazz, even if Mutombo plays like a shell of his former self.

"He makes a lot of mistakes, forgets some plays and coverages and stuff like that," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "But why does he have such great respect from his teammates? Here a guy is, he's been

through it a long time, and he still, one, enjoys it but, two, goes all out. If you go all out, your teammates are going to respect you."

Mutombo sets an example in how he handles adversity, Van Gundy said.

"There are a lot of guys on our team who make mistakes; we all make 'em. But my point is when a guy makes mistakes, does he overcome that and garner the respect that he has universally on our team? And the way to do that is by playing all out, which he does."

With Yao Ming unable to play because of an infected toe, Mutombo made his first start of the season on Dec. 18 against the Los Angeles Lakers and just his third since joining the Rockets on Sept. 8, 2004.

He had nine rebounds and three blocked shots in 31 minutes, nearly matching the 33 minutes he had played over the three previous games.

After a two-game hiatus, Mutombo, 39, has declared himself fit to play. With Yao sidelined up to eight weeks after toe surgery, Mutombo could become a fixture in a starting lineup for the first time since he made 56 starts with New York during the 2003-04 season.

"To me, it's more about winning," Mutombo said. "If we can come out and walk away with the win, it'd be good. Starting is not important; winning is more important."

Said Van Gundy: "He could be as (deluded) as anybody. He comes in here, and he re-signs after a great year last year, didn't play particularly well to start the year, then gets thrown in there when Yao goes out, and he's going to play more.

"(He) gets hurt, but as you saw in the Toronto game, takes a technical foul from the bench. He has life to him, has a spirit to him. That's what guys respect in this league. I know that's what I respect about him."

What the Rockets admire about Mutombo is fitness that belies his 15 seasons in the league. The energy and effort Van Gundy lauded has kept Mutombo ready.

"He's physically in shape to be an old head," Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady cracked. "We don't quite know how old he is, but for a guy — lets say in his mid-40s — he's in great shape. Mentally, physically, Deke he's a strong individual."

But Mutombo can only do so much. It will be up to the Rockets to determine how much of an impact Mutombo can make in his return. The good news is they have the option.

"My presence is so important," Mutombo said. "I understand that it's no good to be in the position that we're in with a bunch of guys banged up, but we have to find a way to win some games."


mk.bower@chron.com