May 17, 2003, 11:22PM Tomjanovich eager to get feeling again By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Derek Fisher cried. Right there in a closeup nationally televised from Los Angeles to Rudy Tomjanovich's living room, Fisher, with three championship rings and a rich, seven-year contract in his pocket, felt the emotions rise within him and lost control. And Tomjanovich loved it. This is not to say that Tomjanovich took any particular joy in Fisher's pain or the end of the Lakers' dynasty. He, in fact, considered the delight many found in watching the Lakers' demise somewhat distasteful. But Tomjanovich, just back from a European scouting trip and checking out the playoffs on television, watched Fisher cry and was reminded again of the passion and dedication that still drives him. He might not have related Fisher's feelings Thursday night to the emotions that keep him and so many others coming back. He merely respected Fisher. But Tomjanovich had that afternoon undergone what he and his doctors hope was his final treatment for his bladder cancer. Tomjanovich did not celebrate. He really didn't feel ready to accept congratulations. In six weeks, he will undergo another biopsy to see if the six sessions of medication had removed the abnormal tumors from his bladder's lining. If his condition is as doctors expect, Tomjanovich will coach the Rockets again next season. At least that is his expectation. So he prepares for the draft, free agency and next season, and assumes little else. "Today I'm feeling good," Tomjanovich said Friday. "I had a good day at work. We did some real good stuff, crunched numbers, watched some tape. It was a positive day. I'm just trying to put good days together." Because Tomjanovich never had symptoms, he cannot say how well the treatments have worked. He feels better because he has taken care of himself so well. But a great deal must be on hold until after he gets his biopsy results this summer. "This (Thursday's completion of his treatments) is just a step," Tomjanovich said. "It's scheduled for six treatments, six weeks off, then another biopsy. That's the big day. Then a decision is made what course to take. "This isn't something I feel. I feel wonderful. I always had a pretty good diet. I improved it more. I really feel fantastic. I feel great. As far as energy and alertness, I've really been in a good mental state as far as not getting down. "It hurts when we're not in (the playoffs), especially this year with how close it was and all the things that happened. I've leveled off and have been having good meetings at work, doing tape work, stat work, some evaluating, going over numbers, debating basketball situations, trying to find ways to improve this team." Part of that was his scouting trip to Barcelona, Spain, to watch everyone from young draft-eligible players to veteran, potential free agents. He and his staff have been meeting for weeks to consider options. Though he would not say if they have reached decisions, never mind what they are, expect the Rockets to attempt to supplement the roster with established veterans, especially in the backcourt, rather than collect as many young talents as they have in recent seasons. But more than anything, Tomjanovich went back to work. He could relate to Phil Jackson, his health crisis and his feelings of rejuvenation. "It's a tough business," Tomjanovich said. "It takes its toll." And he could see the emotions on Fisher's face and look upon them with admiration. Tomjanovich probably would not allow himself to think this way yet, not until his next test results come in. But watching Fisher's emotions, he probably also missed them. Around the league
I was just goin to post this. We will know Rudy's status 6 weeks from Thursday. If he's healthy, he stays, if not, he's gone. Personally I think EVERYONE (including Rudy) is better of with Rudy moving upstairs. Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Paul Silas are great coaches for this team and I'd be excited to get any of them.
Looks like the Chronicle just validated what Doc has been saying about loading the team up with veterans.
this doesn't seem right to fans of the rocket organization. weather or not we want rudy back next season, i think every fan wants him to get better. i want JVG to be the coach next season. but that cant happen if rudy gets better. its a catch 22. there is no way that i would want someone ro remain sick, i just want van gundy to be in charge.
I agree. And those guys would probably want to coach our team! It's to improve us! But it's all Les's decision.
I'm pretty sure any coach would love to have a crack at a team on the verge of the playoffs, with two proven all-stars, and a desent supporting cast. Who wouldn't love to be the mastermind behind the success of Yao Ming. You can see what Jordon did to Phil Jackson. It reminds me what Rudy did when he became the coach of the Rockets. We were already pretty good, we just needed a little change.
I think it is a GIVEN that the Rockets will add a veteran PG to the team. Either by adding one and moving Francis to the SG spot or by adding a backup veteran PG for Francis. Either way, a veteran PG to get minutes over Moochie will probably happen. Personally I feel the Rockets will add TWO veteran guards to the backcourt, a PG and a SG. I could see them adding people like Jon Berry or Kenny Anderson.
New Jack are you sure Doc said that " loading the team up with veterans". Please check this out I am most curious about this . Doc Rocket:- Did you say loading up with veterans?
Great another lottery year? Perhaps this year he will give one of his BS speeches about how this team will be a passing unit come preseason. He can add this to his first two BS goals: A running/fast break team (promised 2 years ago), and a motion offense (promised last year). Sooner or later he has to learn how to walk the talk, instead of talking the walk.
That'll happen never. Rudy's had the same offense for 12 years. What makes anyone think he's gonna magically change it overnight? Particularly with the joke of a coaching staff he's surrounded himself with. What concerns me is this. If it takes another 6 weeks to determine if he's healthy enough to return(even though I think he should get run no matter what), that'll mean most if not all of the qualified replacements out there will have taken jobs with other teams. That won't leave the Rockets in a very good position if his health doesn't improve.
So the Rockets are looking to acquire a 1 AND a 2? And Steve's not considered tradable by the team? They're looking for a starting (veteran) PG and a back-up (veteran, too, presumably) SG?
Grrreeaattt, another lottery bound year. Ever notice that for the past few years, the Rockets have brought in major players during the offseason - Barkeley, Pippen, Anderson, Taylor, Francis, Griffen, Rice, Yao - and each year the team's continue to underachieve? It doesn't matter who the Rockets bring in, we are bound for another lottery bound season. Enjoy!!
let's just make rudy president of basketball operations or some other "upper" jobs and just offer the coaching job to paul silas, jeff van gundy, or larry brown. witht hose caliber coaches, we could see the rockets not only in the playoffs, but maybe in the finals.
Doc, How could you possibly know if Rudy's coming back? I mean, his biopsy is in over 6 weeks...If it doesn't turn out great, then whether he WANTED to come back or not, he wouldn't, right? I'm just asking because it's odd that you'd guarantee it for us. It sounds to me like this whole thing with Rudy is just some sort of plot. I don't know why or for what, but if it's already GUARANTEED that he's coming back, then this is all just a big farce, isn't it?
I think Doc's point is that coaches who are going to be dismissed already have been dismissed. Rudy is functioning still as the head coach and will until, and if, the prognosis of his health changes. When and how did Rudy become head coach? Who did he replace?
Well, he never said those exact words but he has mentioned a few times that the team is looking at a lot of veteran players to bring in. I took that as meaning there will be several veteran players on the team next season, but I could be wrong, it could be just one or two.
Is it too early to start the "What 2004 Lottery Player Do We Pick?" thread? giddyup - I believe Rudy replaced a fired Don Cheaney.
