I'm back in Houston now so I'm going to start posting the stories on the board as I roll them out. I will also have the Day 2 recap up also. Maybe this has already been posted, but Bonzi did practice today ("Little over half the practice"), as did Chuck Hayes. http://www.clutchfans.net/news/1367/t-mac_dishes_high_praise_to_novak/
I was very happy when the Rockets chose him in the 2nd round. I really thought that was the best player the Rockets could have chosen... He fits the bill ( meaning shooting ) when it comes to Yao and Tracy. Literally speaking he will get 100's of looks just because of Yao and Tracy. 90%+ from the freethow close to 50% from the 3.. I mean damn that is better than 80 percent better if not more than the shooting guards in this league. I really hope he can play some D so that he can play the minutes.
Wow that's a very flattering appraisal coming from a superstar like TMac. How did Novak ever drop to the 2nd round? He's perfect for our team as he'll get a ton of open looks playing with Tmac and Yao. He'll definitely open up the paint for Tmac's penetrations and Yao's post-up moves with his outside shot. The only problem is he might not get to play much since JVG doesn't really play rooks. I pray Novak has some D so JVG will let him step on the court.
You're the man, Clutch! Thanks for all the info so far. Honestly, even if Novak could should the ball, I never thought a Vet like TMAC, nor a pessimistic coach like JVG to really give him such props. Seriously. He must be shooting lights-out! And this coverage is spectacular. I can't wait to read you next article(s)!!! THANKS!
As if I wasn't excited enough about this new roster. I can't wait to see them play. Nice work once again Clutch.
This has been the longest offseason of my life. I cant wait till Oct 10 to atleast see some bball with our new players.
this is where battier can step in and take novak under his wing. shane is obviously not the fastest, most athletic player but he is still considered one of the best defensive swingmen in the game.
Very interesting report - thanks! Did you get a feel for whether Novak's minutes would come at the 3 or the 4?
Yes it's wonderful news, but it will be more wonderful if he can get on the court. The only time I can see him getting on the court is garbage time and when the Rockets need a game winning 3.
Here are the other questions I asked Novak ... nothing ground-breaking, but worth passing along what he said. He's a very nice guy ... very approachable. http://www.clutchfans.net/news/1368/interview_with_steve_novak/
He shot like 45% from beyond the arc. I remember seeing some clips of his first game. He went like 6 for 8 from 3pt range. He was shooting like around 60% after the first couple of games. After the first couple of games he cooled off a bit as defenses started keying in on him. They still went undefeated though, so that was good. He did rack up personal fouls like crazy though.
Also a lot of it had to do with the fact that he played big minutes during a 5 games in 6 days stretch. Any shooter would lose their legs under those conditions.
Excellent stuff Clutch!!! Keep emcoming... Glad to hear Novak is getting some praise. Hopefully he can come in and play some defense so he can contribute to the team immediatly with his excellent shooting ability. To be honest I kind of forgot about him this past couple of weeks with Bonzi signing.. Plus good to hear Bonzi and Hayes practiced today! Cant wait till the season starts.
Actually Shane is pretty athletic. He was a lot more athletic coming out of college than Novak is now.
Once this guy gets a little experience under his belt, can somebody tell me one thing that Juwan does that would be better than what he does???? Please don't say Juwan is a better defender. There simply is no way.
Which is something that would NEVER happen with Yao and/or Tracy (or Bonzi) on the court. That's something to think about
