It was awesome today -- they let me watch almost the entire practice. No scrimmage today though. Just lots and lots of drills. Mo did work out. Rice did not. Just like last season it seemed like -- he was working with the exercise ball and doing the exercise bike. I'll write more later (I've really got to run because practice started shortly before I got there and I stayed so long to watch it) but easily the best moment was shooting drills on one side of the court. Nachbar and Francis were competing ... From about 14 feet out - just short of top of the key -- they ran a drill where the player would go back and forth between the two sides of the floor, shooting at each side. Nachbar drained 11 of 12 from there. Then he moved to 17-to-18 feet out, from the baseline to the wing (or 45 degrees out .... between free throw line and baseline). Sprinting from one point to the other, he'd take the feed and throw it up quick. He made all 14 (he may have grazed the rim on one of those shots) So now everyone in the place is watching and Francis (who practices very hard) is saying he's going to make 15 in a row to beat Boki. He missed his first and the whole place erupted in to laughter. He missed a few more but then he got in a groove and started draining them. Boki then went around the world from NBA three-point range - 2 shots in each spot -- and made all 10. Everyone was watching him. I was looking and they were watching from all areas of the gym. His next go around he made 8-13 from around the world NBA three, so he can miss, but his stroke is amazing. Francis got going from NBA three also. I get a very good work ethic feel in practice from Francis. He loves to compete - I think that's obvious. I think Boki and Yao are going to bring out even more from him this season.
Holy bleep. Rudy's obviously been telling us the truth about Nachbar's shot. If you can shoot like that, you've got to get minutes. At various times this season he and Yao are just gonna make people sick with their shooting. Can't wait. Thanks Clutch!
Couple other things - I spoke with someone about the Bateer rumor. He kind of shook it off -- thinking that was more Detroit wanting to move him then Houston wanting to get him. That Bateer-to-Houston thing has been floating around for a while, but didn't sound like there was anything to it because the Rockets have too many guaranteed contracts. You don't want to move Cato because of the uncertainty with Ming and Collier is unmoveable. You won't go with 4 players that can only play center. Also, sounded like there will be a Chronicle article on Cato tonight.
Thanks Clutch. Excellent to have a man on the inside. I think Nachbar is going to surprise a lot of people this year once he gets aclimated.
Thanks for the great news about Nachbar! Man, this guy can really light it up! I can't wait to see how it translates in a game situation. I hope Francis is duly impressed and decides to give Boki the rock so he can get some assists. B
<blockQUOTE><hr>Originally posted by Clutch From about 14 feet out - just short of top of the key -- they ran a drill where the player would go back and forth between the two sides of the floor, shooting at each side. <hr></blockquote> My favorite drill was turnaround Js at each elbow, back and forth. btw: are you talking free throw line or Top of the Key? Top of the key is 20'
Man, we couldn't ask for much more! The vets push the rook who pushes the vets! From the sound of it, Rice is really going to have to earn his spot. I know it's just drills, so I'll hold further judgement until we see Boki in real action.
TheFreak, are you sure it isn't called the "Croatian Shooting Drill?" We don't teach fundamentals in the States.
With Boki, Ming, and Rice healthy, our shooting % should get much better!! we might go from bottom 5 to top 5 in field goal %
Although it is encouraging that Nachbar can drain the open shot, I'll still hold off on getting too excited until he does it in a game situation with a man in his face. Still love to see a guy with a sweet touch though.
They said that when he came to work out with the rockets before he was drafted he made 24 out of 25 three pointers. This guy can shoot and he's tall and mobile. Now that's a package. I would say a Matt Bullard who can move and pass and who doesn't get scared.
The "Kentucky Drill" we run our kids through is a full court layup drill, but then again, we're in Iowa.
This team is going to be stupid when they start clicking. And with shooters, slashers and big men and a bench, this team is actually going to be able to finish games strong. Thanks for the info Clutch!
No you may not! Not until you see him in game action. Langhi got similar pub if I recall and the only thing he shot in games were airballs. I'm not doubting Nachbar's skills, I'm just reserving judgement for game time.
Yeah, and Houston could dethrone the lakers this year too right? By the way Clutch, where is Kenny Thomas (he wasn't mentioned as part of any of the practice teams).
It looks like the SF will not be such a problem after all. Rice may have to be carefull with the minutes, but he looks in shape from what Clutch said the first day. The Snackbar looks like he's gonna make it. If only TMo would figure out this shooting thing we are all go at SF.
Oh, and BTW, I don't want to get on Clutch's bad side, but I am starting to feel a bit uncomfortable about him and Nachbar.
