http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/11/25/hangtime.blog/index.html Budinger blends in with the top picks Chase Budinger wasn't supposed to be there as late as he was on draft night. The first round passed and he was still on the board, stunned and surprised as anyone that he'd lasted that long. "Heck if know," Budinger said when asked how in the world he lasted until the 44th pick, by Detroit in the second round? "I was expected go in the first round. I thought I was going to go in the first round. It was a shock to me." Not nearly as shocking as Houston trading for him later. "I had no idea Houston was interested," Budinger said. "I had an interview with them and it seemed like the wanted no part of me. That's just how I felt after the interview. I walked out of there thinking, 'man, they must hate me.' It was just me in a room with everybody, with the coaches and the general manager, and it just seemed like they didn't want me at all. I was really surprised when they traded for me." In a rookie class where the point guards have garnered most of the early attention, and rightfully so, Budinger sticks out not only because of his rise from that draft night drama but also because of his steady contribution for a Rockets team that has been on the surprises of the league. Budinger ranks 12th among all rookies in scoring (8.7 points) while shooting a healthy .354 from behind the 3-point line (hey, I know this is my man Drew Packham's domain but I figured he wouldn't mind me sneaking in with a little rookie info here at Hang Time). Budinger's been a crucial contributor for Rick Adelman's team as they've battled injuries and other player-related drama throughout the first month of the season -- as DP pointed out: "In the six games the Arizona product has scored in double digits, the Rockets are 6-0. In the seven games in which he has not scored in double digits, the Rockets are 2-5." "Chase has been a really solid player for us and somewhat of a surprise for a second round pick," Adelman said. "But really, he's been solid for us ever since we got him in summer league. He runs the floor every time, shoots the open shot well, he's a smart player and coming off the bench he gives us energy. Overall, he's been a real plus for us." Budinger swears this is only the beginning. He's still trying to get comfortable with his role, with the adjustment from major college ball (Arizona) to the NBA and life in a new city. "I feel it's still a learning process for me," he said. "Ever since training camp I've just been trying to learn as much as I can, especially on the defensive end. The coaches have done everything they can to help me. And so have the veterans like Shane [Battier], Trevor [Ariza], Chuck [Hayes] and [Tracy] McGrady. They've all been helping me to learn little things, just giving me tips out there that might help me. And that's benefited me out there on the court." It's funny. That draft night snub might eventually turn out to be the best thing that could have happened to Budinger. "It's really been a blessing for me, an opportunity for me," he said. "I'm just trying to make the most of it. I'm trying to go out there every night and play hard and do whatever I can to help us win."
oh noes! trouble brewing see how Chase call all the other guys by their first name but didnt call Tracy by his first name but his last name??? its all in the details people
nba.com rookie rankings this week http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/11/24/rookie.rankings/index.html 10. Chase Budinger, Houston Rockets G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT% 13 18.7 8.7 3.2 1.4 0.5 0.2 .421 .354 .667 Last Week: NR | Drafted: 44 Just how important is Budinger to the Rockets' success? In the six games the Arizona product has scored in double digits, the Rockets are 6-0. In the seven games in which he has not scored in double digits, the Rockets are 2-5. (Budinger also missed the Rockets' Nov. 4 game against the Lakers in which -- you guessed it -- Houston lost.)
If T-mac doesn't come back this season (which means he won't be back forever), will we eventually see Cbud move into the starting SG position? With either Ariza or Battier moving to the bench.
Shane and upside don't belong in the same sentence, he met his and is already on his way down..... on another note, can't wait to start Budinger next year and pair him up with John Wall in the backcourt.....via trade -rocketblaze
I miss this game and he gets a goose egg. Hopefully this doesn't hurt him from getting intro the rookie game.
