More great stuff from Lucas and Novak... http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1397 Game Four (Halftime): Houston 39– Cleveland 32 Rockets Jonathan Givony John Lucas It’s starting to sound redundant, but there simply hasn’t been a better player at this summer league than John Lucas. He controlled the flow of the game wonderfully and did quite a bit of scoring when he wasn’t making everyone around him better. Lucas seemed determined to show off his jumper today early in the first half, and used it to score 14 early points in the first 11 minutes. He started off with a simple pull-up jumper from mid-range coming off a screen like he has many times this summer league. He then hit a gorgeous baseline floater from about 8 feet out. The little man ran into a brick wall his next time down, but managed to compose himself, jump backwards and drain a very really jumper with a man right in his face. A pull-up 3 pointer followed before draining a spot-up NBA 3, and just in case anyone wondered whether he was ignoring his teammates just a little too much in this scoring barrage, he threaded the needle with a beautiful bullet pass in traffic to find Judson Wallace, who moved it on immediately to Matt Haryasz. His ball-handling skills were on full display throughout the show he put on, dribbling left, right, backwards, forwards, and every direction in between while controlling the ball masterfully. His size will be a bit of a hindrance for him to make the league as we saw on one occasion where he penetrated too far and was rejected badly, but after seeing him outperform numerous lottery and first round pick guards with a better combination of size and athleticism, someone is going to think they can find a spot for him somewhere on their roster. Steve Novak With how dominant John Lucas was and the way he shared the ball equally amongst all his teammates, it was difficult for anyone else to shine all that brightly. Steve Novak did his typical job today, though, knocking down the looks he got, hitting the glass pretty well and being a good teammate the way he always does. One example of how useful he will be in the NBA came in the 2nd quarter with just 2 seconds left on the shot clock on an in-bounds play. The Rockets put Lucas on the inbounds pass and let Novak run into his man and then sharply backwards to catch and get his shot off just as the clock ran out from about 17 feet out. Novak drained it with the man in his face.
exciting. dont know how and if lucas will fit into our plans, but novak sure seems like he was a great pick.
Thanks for the info I couldnt find. Anyway these guys are really looking great but none have won player of the day and I feel like lucas should have 1 by now.
Looks like Lucas might have a roster spot sewn up after this summer league like Lonny Baxter did last year. I hope everything works out for him. He didn't shoot the ball with confidence last year, but it was obvious that his speed with the ball was top notch. I think he can find a role as a Boykins-esque point-maker off the bench.
keep it up boys...I LOVE IT...I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH PEOPLE NIT PICK NOVAK ABOUT THE COMPETITION....ITS HIS CONFIDENCE THAT GOT ME ALL GIDDDY, CONFIDENCE IS HALF THE BATTLE AT THE NBA LEVEL, OTHER HALF IS WORK ETHIC, THE KID SEEMS TO HAVE BOTH ......I SEE PURE AND UNADULTERATED POTENTIAL JL3??????? KEEP IT UP I AM WITH YOU GUYS
I really like what Lucas did last season in his 20 days as a rocket and I was sad when we didn't resign him. The summer league is further evidence that the guy is a smart player who can overcome his physical shortcomings. He would be a great 3rd point guard on this team for the energy and youth he brings.
It is far too early to draw conclusions, and only so much should be taken from the Summer Leagues, but I'm getting the same vibe about Novak's confidence and work ethic.
John Lucas may play a bigger role than we envisioned. Fox26 sports is reporting Mike James has relayed to them that if he's going to take the MLE he wants the full 5 years.
Another great outing for Carroll. The Rockets need to at least invite this guy to camp to get another look. Pat Carroll Much like he did in the first 2 games, Pat Carroll once again came alive in the 2nd half. He had quite a few shots created for him by John Lucas, and he did not disappoint him for doing so. Knocking down shot after shot from behind the arc and mid-range. Carroll has made himself some money next year with the way he played this week. If it's not at the end of a bench of an NBA team, he will surely have some six figure offers coming from Europe.
Okay so now we understand why Mike is taking so long to sign. Duffy has 3 teams competing with each other and the 1st 1 to flinch loses. Or maybe the Rockets may have upped the TE to 5 years and the only way he can get more money is with a 5 year MLE. I don't see Minny doing that but Cuban may be spiteful enough to that, nah.
The way they made it sound is that he's been offered the MLE from the Rockets but James is saying he's only taking the MLE if it's for 5 years.
I think he is a lock to make the roster. If we want 3 pg's and Mike James signs for the TE then will need to use the MLE on a SG meaning we will fill out the rest of the roster with league minimum players. Where else will we find a better point guard for the minimum.
If that's true then I say it's time to walk away. Players that depend on speed to be at their best break down as they get older. There are only rare exceptions to that. I hope we've learned that lesson.
Novak finished the game with 13 pts and 5 rebounds in 40 minutes. Pat Carroll finished with 15pts 2assits and 2 rebounds Lucas finished with 23pts 5assists and 3 rebounds Rockets beat the Cavs 73 to 58 for those keeping up with stats
