[CHRON 10-30-06] Rockets' Novak shooting for more playing time/Rockets Summary

I personally think that Novak should stay in the rotation, but not start. It seems like every time Novak comes in, we get a big lead. That's a pretty good player to have. Games are very hectic in the first few minutes. The Rockets will be playing one way, then when Novak comes off the bench, the defense has to adjust or pay the price. There is nothing wrong with coming off the bench. There are hall of famers who came off the bench most games.

 

I'm still flipped out that Van Gundy talked that way about Novak. Sure, we were seeing incredible shooting from the kid during preseason. It looked, at times, that he was less a liability defensively and as a rebounder than was advertised. But it was preseason. Seems like we just got validation from the coach that Novak may be as good as he appears to be, and that's pretty exciting stuff, when you think about it.

 

Alston has been "lights out" this preseason. Whether he can maintain that remains to be seen.

McGrady can be "lights out" when he is hot. His shooting has been a concern lately. But nobody would bet agains T-Mac's ability to light it up in a given game.

 

Yea, he's not a defensive liability in the paint at all. He'll make a great addition coming off the bench and shooting lights out w/ our second unit.

 

I'm still a JVG skeptic. It's not out of reason to believe that Les Alexander told him he'd better give fans more of Threefer Novak, since Novak is looking more and more like a draw at the gate. JVG is probably sobbing and throwing a tantrum in the bathroom where no one can see him -- kind of like the Japanese camp commander in "Bridge Over the River Kwai."

 

This is certainly high praise from JVG. The all time best 3pt guy for the Rockets is not as good as the rookie. WOW.

That alone should earn him playing time. Get him in there to spread the floor. That keeps the PF off Yao and if they cheat with the guy off the SG (Wells/Snyder) OK drive and score. If they cheat off the PG (Alston) shoot the 3. If they cheat of the SF (OK, noone will leave TMac). Hey, they can always cheat of Novak I wonder how good will it be for Yao to be single covered.

So it's just fine to have him or Battier in there. That's good to have on the bench. Knowing that if he comes in, the other team will look for him. That is respect for a rookie.