I didn't hear the interview live nor seen it posted but the podcast is up. Seems like a pretty good interview, thinks we will still make playoffs just not championship contender, loves Landry, talks about Tmac.
He's right. But it's going to go to Kevin Durant, who very simply does not help his team win. In fact, there may not be a player who contributes more to his team losing than Kevin Durant. ROY, for the most part, is a joke.
Did JVG have any opnion on Scola's defense? If he thinks Scola is the ROY, I guess he likes his defense.
Recap JVG on Rockets without Yao Ming: Thinks Rockets will still make the playoffs. Thinks record will be around the same as last year. Thinks that without Yao, they might not be able to win it all. But before the injury he thinks they were one of six teams that could win the championship. On Dikembe Mutumbo: Says Dikembe played well last year. Produced at a very high rate defensively and on rebounds. Thinks that he will hold up again this year. Thinks the reason why Dikembe is such a good competitor at his age is because of his positive energy on the bench. He is a great teammate. Thinks that Deke plays to the utmost of his ability every single game. On Championship Contention: Doesn't think that it's reasonable for people to expect the Rockets to win the championship. Thinks that without Yao, it's hard to win 15 playoff games without their best player. On Phoenix with Shaq: Unsure if getting Shaq will help Phoenix. Thinks they play differently. Doesn't know exactly how it pans out. However, thinks that it helps the Rockets because the pace of the game is slower, and less shooting on the floor. Makes Phoenix easier to guard. With Yao out and opening up the lane/paint: The basket is open this year. Yao actually creates space for people to drive. On Scola: Thinks he is the rookie of the year. Thinks Carl Landry was a great pick as well. Loves his energy and tenacity. On expectations: Thinks that the Rockets can get past the first round but second and third round will be very tough. Especially with rookies. On Tracy McGrady's mental toughness (is he weak?): Disagrees strongly. Thinks that he carried the team in Game 7, but bad decisions made both by players and coaching staff lost that game. Last year Rox played .600 ball without Yao and thinks that they can do that again. Thinks the only thing that can get in the way of McGrady is himself. Thinks that TMac gets bored with the regular season, and has regrets that his injuries has taken some things out of his game, made him less dominant of a player. However, he thinks that McGrady is still a very dominant player, and that the TMac and Yao combo is very potent. On whether TMac takes too many outside shots: Says for people to watch perimeter players in this league. Players usually drive when they're younger, but later on in their career take more jumpshots, i.e. Michael Jordan. Only notable exception is Allen Iverson. This is because of loss of athleticism and wear and tear of the NBA season. Thinks that TMac is sometimes streaky, but does better when he is attacking the basket and driving. Thinks it is unrealistic to have him attack the basket as often as he did a.l.a earlier in his career. On Lakers and Pau Gasol: Thinks Lakers is the most talented team. Thinks that the trade was ridiculous, not a trade but a steal. Has the best frontline now and has the best closer in Kobe. Doesn't think that David Stern should have nullified that trade. But thinks that it was selfish for the Memphis owner to have asked for that trade just to eliminate payroll. (Hurts the Memphis fans, etc.)
JVG knows what he is talking about. Durant is just jacking up a ton of shots, but he will get voted ROY no matter what.
nice comments about TMac, exactly the same points I have been using to defend him on this forum. It's great that JVG, who is as close to the players as you can get, validates and agrees with me on the following points: 1. Unrealistic to ask TMac to attack the basket all the time, first because of his age and athletic ability. Second, come to think of it, we don't complain the same about Yao not making power moves towards the basket when he is 7 6" and prefers to take jump shots all the time too. 2. He has been a leader and took the Rockets to the playoffs last year without Yao. We had our first 50 win season the first year he was here. 3. He carried us in game 7 last year, we lost that series because Gundy allowed Boozer to tire Yao out on defense which led to many TOs caused by Okur and numerous offensive rebounds in the last few mins. 4. TMac Yao combo is potent! I am sure their win/loss record when both are on the court is very impressive.
With Yao out, Scola's play will only be magnified, good or bad. If he keeps it up, he will get all the exposure he wants. Announcers/media types will want to pick someone out of the group that will/did carry the team to the playoffs. Makes a much better story than the whole team stepping up.
I am a huge fan of JVG since his NYs days fighting desperately against Bulls. Most amazing thing happened this year is Coach RA actually use the same start line as coach JVG. These two totally different coachs have the same vision on players. Now JVG said Scola are ROY handdown. Who will not play ROY in his rocky year? Both Coach RA and JVG are great coach who haven't won a WC yet. But JVG is always my favorate.
I think Scola will have a real shot on ROY Because Yao is out now. Scola played the role of go-to-guy in other situation. He also step-up big when the teams need him such as last summer he lead Argentina when other major players skipped the games. He is a winner.
I know this is crazy, but is it possible that Morey bring in JVG as an assistant coach? RA + JVG easily the best coaching tendum in the league. If it works out that might just get us over the hump
i was thinking about this also but i can't see jvg playing second fiddle to radelman, or anyone for that matter... that would be sweet though..
While a fantasy thought, the real question could have been Tom Thibidoux (sp?) and Adelman, tho Elston Turner appears to be doing a bang up job.
Where was the interview where JVG said that there should be a new rule that if a team can make a shot from the halfcourt line that this would mean automatic overtime?
