Two articles (and choice quotes below): Injury updates (and others) -- http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6880248.html (Keith Jones on Lowry) "He was getting a little frustrated. (Sunday) was better so we're back on course. I'm going to say at least another week, but he is doing better." (Kevin Martin on fitting in with the offense) “There's going to be an adjustment. Aaron (Brooks) is pushing the ball up great. I can't ask for anything more from him. It's just a matter of getting used to the system.” (Jared Jeffries on self-confidence) “I'll definitely play better than I did, fine-tune things, won't make as many mistakes,” Jeffries said. “I was definitely nervous, didn't want to come out and play terrible. I'll get better.” Extra Practice --http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6880350.html (about extra practice) "... they took the unusual step of practicing the day after back-to-back games largely to begin getting their additions acclimated, going through two hours, often in five-on-five scrimmages." (Kevin Martin on practice) “That was a much-needed practice,” Martin said. “With the way the past four days have been, we definitely needed some practice time just to get the new guys familiar with some things. (Budinger on the changes) “It's like starting over.”
I like this quote; “I know I have to get myself in better conditioning,” Martin said. “In Sacramento, we stood around. Here we push the ball. As a scorer, you like a team that can push the ball. I need to put a little extra effort into the treadmill. No more standing with your hands on your hips please.
After watching the first two games, it was clear that the on-court chemistry was lacking, and in general, not everyone was on the same page on offense or defense. It's good to here that the Rockets know they need to change and fine-tune some things, even if it's like "starting over" as Chase said.
Eventually the refs stop calling them if it gets to lopsided and that can hinder a team if they are looking to only draw fouls. DD
I like what I have seen so far from Martin and Jeffries... especially Martin. They know they didn't do good, are upset that they didn't do good, and are actually proactively doing something about it. Also, Martin has been all class and has nothing but good things to say. Even if T-Mac does great in NY (which I honestly hope he does), so far Martin has been a breath of fresh air for an atmosphere that had been stagnated by drama for far too long.
Jeffries might just be more than the penalty for stealing draft picks from the Knicks. He could be quite useful. Martin will break his slump. He showed signs in the fourth against New Orleans. Unlike some (very few, fortunately), I don't think 2 bad games invalidate years of efficient scoring. His shots have been very open, too, for the most part. He will knock a lot of those down.
Is that why David West had 13 FTA and the Rockets had 14? If you're suggesting the Rockets shouldn't play them together because they'll draw too many fouls, forcing the refs to stop calling them, I'ma to have to stop you because... uhh... (insert something) is the best of all time. OF ALL TIME.
No team is "looking to only draw fouls," but looking for contact and getting into the bonus early is a highly successful strategy. It's no coincidence that Morey has gone after guys like Lowry and Martin. That type of player not only draws fouls, benefiting the team in a number of ways, but they're also able to more consistently finish in traffic because of their ability to absorb contact, whether they get the call on a given play or not.
Yes it is true, but just like in Utah, where they continually foul and the refs stop calling all of them, the opposite effect can happen if one team is getting tons of calls the refs stop calling it. Heck, watch Lowry this year, he jumps into people, sometimes it works great, other times the refs just let it go....and in those game he seriously struggles. I love the draw fouls strategy, but some refs just don't call them, that is what I am saying. DD
Fortunately, it's not the only thing Lowry and Martin can do, but it's a very nice-to-have if it is getting called. Against New Orleans, it wasn't (except against us).
Speaking of drawing fouls, does anybody think this starting 5 would have chemistry?: Lowry Martin Maggette Yao Bosh
Jeffries doesn't seem like a really bad player. Over payed---yes, but the only concern I have is his volleyball techniques. Him hitting in the air and not getting the ball. I have seen games of him in NY with the same problem. Please get this man some glue to put on his hands! It worked for that kid in Little Giants.
People don't want Jeffries not because they think he is a bad player, but that he is so overpaid it ends up hurting the team as they can't use that money to better improve the team. As a player, Jeffries is not half bad. With his contract however, he becomes a "bad" player.
Hopefully Rick will trust Jared enough to let him play the "Webber/Vlade" Role in our offense. Washington actually had him initiating the offense from the PF spot while Arenas/Stackhouse/Hughes manned the PG/SG and SF spots. His assists weren't high but he's shown that he's a pretty decent passer.
