Rudy T not yet cleared for return (By JONATHAN FEIGEN)

March 20, 2003, 12:53AM

Rudy T not yet cleared for return
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Rudy Tomjanovich's hopes to rejoin the Rockets on Friday in Oakland -- in time to coach the team that night against the Golden State Warriors -- remained on hold Wednesday while he continued to recover from Monday's bladder biopsy.

Tomjanovich still hoped to rejoin the team during its five-game road trip. But doctors, concerned with the stress of travel and coaching, have not yet cleared him to return to work, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.

"He really wants to get back to the team," Dawson said. "Right now, he has to listen to the doctors. They're concerned with the stress, being this is a very stressful profession. Whether you're there or not, watching the game is tough.

"It will always be that way with us. We've spent half our lives with the Rockets. Ten years after we're not working with the Rockets, it will still be that way."

Dawson said Tomjanovich was much stronger Wednesday and that he had passed along to Tomjanovich best wishes from scores of coaches and other officials throughout the NBA.

"I've told him everyone -- GMs, coaches, agents," Dawson said. "They ought to change the name of the show to `Everybody Loves Rudy.' I can't even keep up with all of them.

"He was a little embarrassed. He hates stuff about himself. This is all about him right now. On top of all this, people from all over the city have called, worrying about him, wishing him well, saying he is in their prayers and thoughts. It's really been uplifting.

"This is really a great league. It really is. Usually, we try to beat each other's brains out. The rest of the time, it's a real brotherhood. Sometimes I'm in awe of it."

 

March 20, 2003, 1:15AM

Rockets summary

Start delayed

The start of the Rockets' game against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday was delayed 45 minutes to allow President Bush's address to be broadcast in the Rose Garden.

Both teams warmed up, then returned to their locker rooms during the speech. But Rockets center Kelvin Cato said he expected both teams to be able to play as usual, even after hearing such important news.

"It's out of our control," Cato said. "I hoped first of all that we didn't ever go to war. I want peace everywhere. If it's necessary, it's necessary. With the basketball, you just have to stay focused and go play."

No coincidence

The Rockets' phenomenal record -- 19-4 -- when Yao Ming blocks at least three shots might be too good just to be a function of the benefit of three blocks.

The statistic might be an indication of Yao's aggressiveness defensively and how that hinders an opposing offense beyond the shots he actually blocks.

"When you have shot blockers in the game, people are aware of it," Rockets assistant coach Larry Smith said. "You don't have to block shots. If they know you are there, guys are going to alter their shots a little bit. They're going to think twice about challenging him. That's why it's so important to have guys that can block shots.

"That's with any shot blocker, not just Yao. Guys are not going to take it in there as strong."

Pippen on shelf

The Trail Blazers placed Scottie Pippen on the injured list Wednesday after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his swollen left knee Tuesday.

The Blazers targeted their April 8 game against the Rockets in Houston for Pippen's return.

"It was best to clean it up now and hope he can get back with five or six games left in the season," Portland coach Maurice Cheeks said. "Hopefully, that's the right decision.

"I'm not worried that's it's a season-ending injury. Scottie should be able to come back in 2 1/2 weeks hopefully. Three weeks at the most."

Pippen, 37, had missed the Blazers' previous four games, with Damon Stoudamire starting in his place. Pippen has averaged 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and a team-high 4.5 assists this season. But he seemed to solidify the Blazers' offense since moving to point guard after Portland got off to a 3-6 start.

Since Pippen moved to point guard, the Blazers have gone 39-16. Their average scoring increased from 85.3 points per game to 96.2 points. Their shooting percentage increased from 42.9 percent to 45.8 percent.

"If Scottie can get back for the last five or six games, that will allow him to get some time on the court and get some rhythm before the playoffs start," Cheeks said. "Everyone needs some time just to get back in the rhythm of running up and down the floor and get reacquainted with your teammates and not just come in cold turkey, because I don't think you can respond like that."

-- JONATHAN FEIGEN