Just a couple things I remember: *Went to Chicago draft camp to make connections for possible coaching job. *He'd be willing to put in the hours it takes to be an assistant. If Franchise called him at midnight he'd go to the arena to help him shoot jumpers (I'm sure his wife with triplets loves hearing that.) *Hakeem over Duncan. Hakeem did stuff he'd never seen before. League was tougher then. *Really tight with the Spurs. Said the guys wanted him to fly to Jersey. Happy they won the championship. Popovich was the first person he hugged after they won. *Shooters and fundementals lacking in the NBA.
I was listening, too. He was still on when I had to get out of the car and go to work, so I don't know if I heard all of it. Another thing that he said that stuck out was concerning the Rockets' toughness. He specifically talked about Mo-T. Mario was saying how Mo was 6'9 and had a great body and that he'd like to see him bang down low more. He said that it "pisses him off" to see Mo taking all of those jumpers. Mario also said that he'd love to be in Houston as an asst. and that he just needs to set something up with Van Gundy.
MoT was anythign but soft late last season. MoT doesn't need coaching, he needs a personal trainer to put his body in better shape, specifically toning his body and improving explosiveness.
MoT's jump hook is one of the few unstoppable shots the Rockets have. In all those come back fourth quarters last year, Mo's hook shot was there. I hope we don't trade the guy unless we have an amazing trade offered us. Considering he was still coming back from his injury at the very end of the season, I think it wouldn't be too hard to assume that he can play ever better next year (of course there would have to be no injuries...)
I agree with Sane and HotRocket. As I already posted in another thread, I think MoT has the chance to succeed under JVG. His hook shot was amazing down the stretch, and he was coming off a bad injury year (not to mention very sporadic minutes before KT trade). If and it is a big if MoT can stay in shape, I think he has a great chance of being the instant energizer off the bench. Of course we shall see how he does with his off-season conditioning, and if he can accept and more importantly adopt JVG defensive oriented mindset. I think the coaching change could help MoT by bringing in a more intense coach. Hey, if JVG can't turn MoT around, I would bet that no one can.
Trying to get back on the topic of Mario Elie...here's kind of the context for what Mario said about Mo-T: John, Lance and Mario were talking about Alonzo Mourning and how whatever team he went to, he'd give them a tough, nasty presence. John said that any team could use that, and that the Rockets could definitely use that. Mario agreed, but said that he thought Mo could be that kind of guy. He went on to say how he would like to see Mo get a little meaner and get a "nasty streak". Then he went on to say the "pissed off" comment in reference to Mo's perimeter shooting. Anyway, just thought I'd try to clear up exactly what was said (and maybe steer the talk a little back towards JYD).
It would be super for Mario to get a chance. It would be more superer if JYD could turn MoT into a Zo clone. Impossible! MoT is a classic 6th man type paid star starters money. JYD was a classic 6th man who became a starter and a star.
How is Mario a Traitor to the Rockets???? He is a basketball player looking for a job and the Rockets don't offer him a fair shake. He signs with a team that WANTS him and he wins an NBA Championship with that team. He has incredible ties to both teams and rings with both. I see nothing wrong with the guy give the Spurs love after they gave him love in 99. If he becomes a Rockets Asst, trust me....he will be ALL Rockets!! I TDed all the half-time shows that Mario was on with Lisa two years ago and that guys is still a huge Rockets fan and very very likeable and nice. I have no beef with the guy and if he liked draining 3's on his older team, what is wrong with that. Haven't you ever wanted to show-up your old boss and say "Hey look at me! Look what you gave up!"????
Mario has love for the game few people have. He would make an excellent assistant coach. He never gave up, and he always played with heart. You can't ask more from a guy. I think his personality would go well with JVG's. He not afraid to get in a guys face and chew there ass out if if they screw up or don't put it all on the line.
I caught the tail end of the talk and the one thing I remember was, that if The Junk Yard Dog does not join The Rockets staff he will be somewhere in the NBA.
lol! Exactly!!! I agree with you and Sane and mishii. Mo Taylor is overpaid but his hook shot is unstoppable and automatic. Nobody could stop it. And the opposing teams had to change their defensive strategies to stop him. Only a couple games...he was off and missed like all of them. He's a good player...hopefully JVG can get him to play defense!
A. Gina Gaston would kick his ass. B. Does anyone really want Mario "Mr. Set Shot" Elie teaching the fundamentals of a good jump shot???
Mario had the slowest release in the whole history of the NBA. Two handed set shooters got their shots off in less time than it took Mario to lock and load and fire. However, with D's collapsed around Dream Mario had a super amount of time.
