Live Observations from Tonight's Sonics vs. Rocekts Preseason Game

Hello Rocket Fans,

I went to the game tonight at Key Arena as the Rocket 3rd stringers took on Ray Allen, Rashard and most of the Sonic starters and here are some observations:

Offense - Although the Rocks had no starters, with the exception of possibly Piatkowski, the offense wasn't effective, but there was lots of ball movement. Other than a few iso's for Nachbar (get to that in a minute), there were lots of passes, back-cuts, UCLA screens and high-mid post pick and rolls. All ineffective due to the fact that 3rd string NBA players don't have good hands and clumsy footwork, and Moochie can't create for starters, let alone scrubs. Regardless, the passing was a welcome sight. Let's see if Steve will actually run that offense when it counts.

Defense - Not much to say other than they're lost. What are you gonna do? 'Shard was killing the CBAers.

Player observations:

Nachbar - Sorry Nachbar fans, his time is running out soon. BN gave no resistence to 'Shard at all. I counted 5 times in the first quarter when he did not block him out on a shot. Not any initiated contact. None, Zilch. I'm surprised he stayed in, but JVG kept him there throughout the game. Defensively, he's not only soft, he doesn't try. Not sure what he's thinking. Offensively, there are some flashes of a quick first step and pull up or attack of the rim, but his timing is not there. He was wide open several times on a draw and kick and his shots weren't even close. I think JVG is playing him as much as possible to make sure that we he cuts him, he's gotten a full look.

Moochie - looks as though he's slimmed down. Definitely looks lighter on his feet without that hair. Still can't hit those free throws and isn't very quick even against scrubs.

Mike Wilks - This guy likes to D up - to anyone. Brent Barry, Ray Allen, Shard, doesn't matter. He's a pest. I remember Steve being annoyed with this waterbug during the season last year. I see first hand. These players don't like this guy being a pest. Several times Sonic players were calling out, "Get off! Get off!". He juked Ray out of his shoes during one play when the Sonics were trying to press. Best thing about Wilks - he passes the ball. Doesn't shoot unless it's in the flow of the offense and can get in the lane (can't finish, however).

Piatkowski - This guy was a loaded gun all night. One sniff of daylight and it's a bucket, at least tonight. His stroke doesn't have big arc, but it's a quick trigger. He was at his best on kickouts on the break spot ups. Had no offscreen game, nor did he ever shoot a midranged shot within the half court offense. He also isn't a total ball hog. EP keeps the offense going when the shot clock is young, like any solid veteran would (Cuttino are you listening?)

Everyone else was pretty non-descript, other than there P. Cornell who takes the title of poor man's Joel Prizbilla. I don't think there is a bigger white stiff in the NBA.

As for my man, JVG - Man, this guy is micromanager! He's on these guys on mostly everyplay. His advice is interesting (I was courtside). Examples:

"Eric, 3 full steps on left elbow spacing, the post 5 needs more room and you'll have a better look at the cup"

"Mike (wilks)! smother Ray's right hand on the press. I want to see one forced turnover, but only from the backcourt"

"No turnovers within' 3 minutes" - He said this after every quarter.

I didn't catch every bark, but it's clear he has these guys on small, short term goals - breaking the game apart and making it smaller and more easily consumable. Ironically, he never yelled at Nachbar, even tho BN was just horrific. It's kind of like being really nice to your girlfriend before you're going to break up with her ;-)

Those are my quick observations - it was enjoyable to see JVG get in these guys grill like Rudy never seemed to do. Hopefully, it sticks.