Practice was over. That’s when a workout perhaps more significant began. Rockets forward Carl Landry was ready for his first full practice with the team since he was shot March 17. But Monday’s late-season practice was not much of a test, so Landry, six teammates and director of player programs Shawn Respert went through a series of intense four-on-four games that provided Landry’s biggest step toward returning to the rotation. Though the highlights of the scrimmages were a Chuck Hayes dunk over Dikembe Mutombo, Mutombo’s game-winning lefthanded hook and the loud, mock-angry trash talk they exchanged, the more important development was Landry’s improvement, enough that he could be back on the floor as early as tonight against the Orlando Magic. “I’m just trying to get back in the flow of things,” Landry, 25, said. “It feels good to get back out there. This is my first time.” A decision about clearing Landry to play will be based on how well he comes through the increased workload Sunday and Monday. “It’s important to get him on the floor, not only for our team but also for himself where he can get some confidence playing again before we start the playoffs,” Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. “The quicker we get him back, the better it is for him. I think he’s trying to push himself.” Monday’s workout was a step in that direction, with another possible tonight. “I know I’ll be back sometime this week,” Landry said. “I think it was more of a mental thing, getting back out there, playing defense, getting rebounds. I know that I’m healing up and I’m going to be fine. I’m progressing every day. It was good to be back on the court with my teammates.” http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6361881.html
if chuck hayes could dunk would we even need landry, lol? i kid, it'd be amazing to have carl back for the orlando game.
This is great news. He is a key to our energy late in the 2nd half. I've been missing his spark over the last weeks he's been out.
Finally my man Mandry will be back. I guess with his return I will return to the board as well. I'm in my last semester at Ball State and just haven't had much time to post.
Although Chuck has been great, We NEED Landry to play like a semi-star if we are going to win this year....
Landry had been playing like a 100% pure superstar before his shank got injuried. I hope he will be 100% when he is back but... I deeply doubt he will still be the gum jumper as he used to be.
It will be nice if Landry does play tonight against the Magic. The second unit will be back to what it was before the shooting and we all know what game they played against the Hornets.
I put a 20% chance on seeing Landry playing tonight, does anyone think they would up the odds?? If Scola and Hayes get into foul trouble then I would double the odds. Boy I can't wait to see Landry back out on that floor.
It's good that he is close to coming back to playing but why risk it with the playoffs on the horizon. Maybe let him play a few minutes here and there so he doesn't get rusty but don't overwhelm it too soon.
Man, oh man... it's gonna be good to have Landry back. Hopefully he can be really 100% and clicking by playoff time, that would be perfect. It's been said plenty, but I really think Landry is gonna turn into a star in this league before too long. There might be too much talent at PF between him and Scola in a few years... wonder how that's gonna work itself out?
Everyone knows that Practice Chuck Hayes and game time Chuck Hayes are two different players when it comes to offense.
That's the first I've heard that. Let me guess, Chucky is the 20/10 man of practice sessions. I heard last week he sent Yao ming home crying after a double fist slam in Yao's face!
