http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Sp...TY&pageId=6.1.1 <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Free agent guard Bonzi Wells arrived in Houston this afternoon to meet with Rockets General Manager Carroll Dawson and head coach Jeff Van Gundy. An eight year veteran, Wells says he could sign with Houston within the next 48 hours. “I could. I definitely could. It’s up to the organization. I would want to sign depending on how everything worked out,” Wells told FOX 26’s Mark Berman. Wells knows wherever he goes he would probably be signing a one-year contract. “Hopefully we will have good news for each other. We are going to be talking about the situation and the possibility of me playing here (this) year,” said Wells. “Houston would be a good spot for me to make my home. They have a great team. Hopefully they will give me an opportunity to come here and play my game.” During his career, Wells has averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game. “They already have what they need with Yao and Tracy McGrady. Hopefully I can come and be a good teammate. With Yao and Tracy there that would make my life a whole lot easier because I would have a whole lot of open shots and the lane would be wide open for me with those getting most of the attention.” Wells, who played most in Sacramento last year, acknowledges that Denver and Miami are also possibilities if nothing works out here in Houston. For more on this developing story and Wells’ exclusive interview with FOX 26 Sports’ Mark Berman, join us for Fox 26 News at Nine tonight. </div> Discuss
GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't wanna get too happy, but we need some luck after the lousy offseason moves we've made.
If the Rockets don't do everything in their power to sign this guy, they'll be the dumbest team in sports history behind the Texans.
Well, he adds strong rebounding for a guard. But it's unlikely he'll be a threat from the perimeter, which makes him a poor match for us offensively. Here's his shot chart from last season: Ouch. I don't think he'll fit that well with our team. Hiss best offensive skill is posting up, which might be useful for when Yao or Tracy are resting. But when those two are on the court our guard has to be able to hit 3-pointers, which he can't. But, hey, if we can get him pretty cheap it might be worth it.
A nice signing bonus is needed. L.Alexander and CD better jump at this chance and get it done because it could fly away with Bonzi. Time to regain the confidence of the fans in this front office. Don't you just love when a guy says he would love to play here if they want him: Translation: They have to be the highest bidders. To simply say he could be effective when Yao and Tracy rest is way UNDER rating that value. Rockets have nobody else that can do that. To simply say that as a negative in my mind is crazy. He's not a 40% shooter and that would not be the reason to get him. Think about when just Yao sits and the Rockets still have somebody that can dominate the post and allow TMac to move around. His rebounding comming from the week side will be huge too. Especially if Novak is going to get some time to stand out there at the 3pt line.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, he adds strong rebounding for a guard. But it's unlikely he'll be a threat from the perimeter, which makes him a poor match for us offensively. Here's his shot chart from last season: . Bonzi would be a GREAT fit for the Rockets. He can score, defend, rebound, and he has experience. AND he can pick up the slack if Tmac goes out with a injury. The fact he posts up doesn't matter, because that only makes Yao a spot up shooter which isn't bad at all considering Yao's midrange game. Sorry, but ur little shot chart isn't really relevant.
I think 3 point, or at least deep 2 point shooting is something useful to have in most players on the Rockets just to help spread the floor more, and if Yao is doubled there will be players who can hit outside shots. Bonzi doesn't fit that criteria. I'm sure his other strengths would be valued as a good rebounder, and athletic player. It would be interesting to see Yao go to the top of the key and let Bonzi work it down low.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">Ok we know u consider urself a stats guy. But unfortunatley, statistics don't apply to EVERY equation in basketball. Bonzi would be a GREAT fit for the Rockets. He can score, defend, rebound, and he has experience.</div> My point, if you read it, was that Bonzi is not a good perimeter shooter. So when McGrady and Yao are on the floor, you can't count on him to space the floor. Bonzi's shot chart obviously applies. You say he can score, but he hasn't been an efficient offensive player in years. He has "experience", but that hasn't prevented him from being a notorious hot head and immature player. Other than getting steals and defensive rebounding, he's not a good defender. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> AND he can pick up the slack if Tmac goes out with a injury. The fact he posts up doesn't matter, because that only makes Yao a spot up shooter which isn't bad at all considering Yao's midrange game. Sorry, but ur little shot chart isn't really relevant.</div> Where a player is capable of making shots is obviously extremely important to any coach. To say it's irrelevant is foolish. As I said, my concern is how well Bonzi will fit in at guard alongside McGrady and Yao. He's not a good spot up shooter. He's a player who needs a lot touches closer to the basket to get going offensively. For most of his career, he's been turnover-prone as well. And he's not a good one-on-one perimeter defender, though he gets a good number of steals. This isn't the type of player you generally want in a role player. Then again, Dallas had something similar in Jerry Stackhouse, and they played well throughout the year despite his deficiencies. They also had a lot more talent to make up for those deficiencies, however. I'm just must not that enthusiastic about it. I like his rebounding, and his ability to present matchup problems for the opposition. If we end up signing him, hopefully I'll be wrong and it will work out great.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">My point, if you read it, was that Bonzi is not a good perimeter shooter. So when McGrady and Yao are on the floor, you can't count on him to space the floor. Bonzi's shot chart obviously applies. You say he can score, but he hasn't been an efficient offensive player in years. He has "experience", but that hasn't prevented him from being a notorious hot head and immature player. Other than getting steals and defensive rebounding, he's not a good defender.</div> Other "Notorious" hotheads: 1)Antione Walker 2)Jason Williams 3)Gary Payton 4)Sam Cassell 5)Rasheed Wallace 6)Dennis Rodman (and the list goes on) That "Hothead" excuse for not wanting to win is lame and tired. The Rockets actually NEED a couple hotheadz on a team where nobody gets angry. I don't know what some of you are thinking sometimes. You can't have a whole team of Shane Battier's <div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">As I said, my concern is how well Bonzi will fit in at guard alongside McGrady and Yao. He's not a good spot up shooter. He's a player who needs a lot touches closer to the basket to get going offensively. For most of his career, he's been turnover-prone as well. And he's not a good one-on-one perimeter defender, though he gets a good number of steals. This isn't the type of player you generally want in a role player. Then again, Dallas had something similar in Jerry Stackhouse, and they played well throughout the year despite his deficiencies. They also had a lot more talent to make up for those deficiencies, however.</div> Huh? Did you not see the playoffs last year? Bonzi single-handlely carried Sac and gave them a legit chance to win. Ur focusing too much on stats & percentages and completley ignoring the fact he's a very good defender, rebounder and scorer who can create his own shot. That's the most obvious reason we need him, because when Tmac's tired Bonzi can go to work and Mcgrady turns into a spot up shooter. I don't wanna hear about how he can't hit open shots, because it's hogwash. We have a WHOLE TEAM of shooters now, that's a lame argument. Bonzi's aggressiveness is something this team needs. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm just must not that enthusiastic about it. I like his rebounding, and his ability to present matchup problems for the opposition. If we end up signing him, hopefully I'll be wrong and it will work out great.</div> We'll see...........
Bonzi's offensive contribution comes from the post. I've been calling for JVG to use Yao in the high post a lot more, instead of forcing him to bang down low. Yao can make the 15 footer easily and is amazing passer. The Rockets have never taken advantage of his passing skills within their offense. If the Rockets are healthy and have a disappointing season, I think they should strongly consider replacing JVG with Adelman. Have Adelman come in and teach this team the Princeton style offense with the offense running through Yao. Remember the efficiency the Kings offense was with Webber and Divac playing in the high post, while the guards ran back door cuts? Bonzi would bring some toughness to this team, and take pressure off of TMac to score 30 points a night for the Rockets to win. The Rockets had a tendency to go ice cold last season. There was a significant drop off in talent after TMac was injured, but adding Bonzi gives them some insurance incase TMac has issues with his back again.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post"> Huh? Did you not see the playoffs last year? Bonzi single-handlely carried Sac and gave them a legit chance to win. Ur focusing too much on stats & percentages and completley ignoring the fact he's a very good defender, rebounder and scorer who can create his own shot.</div> I didn't ignore any of that stuff. I addressed his positives and negatives, whereas you only want to look at the positives. It's funny how you always accuse others of doing exactly what you do. Bonzi Wells is not a "very good defender", by the way. And I put more stock on what a player did in the regular season than in a playoff series. Bonzi happened to get hot at the right time. Good for him. But what he did in the regular season last year will be more indicative of his production. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">That's the most obvious reason we need him, because when Tmac's tired Bonzi can go to work and Mcgrady turns into a spot up shooter. I don't wanna hear about how he can't hit open shots, because it's hogwash. We have a WHOLE TEAM of shooters now, that's a lame argument. Bonzi's aggressiveness is something this team needs. </div> Neither Wells or McGrady are effective spot up shooters. We have a whole team of shooters? When did that happen? We signed one consistent, proven outside shooter in the offseason.
Bonzi would come in and be the third best scorer on the team. How is that a bad thing. That alone shoots down any criticism of the move, not to mention the price he would seemingly come for. I'll say it again, Novak maybe the ultimate beneficiary if Bonzi can control the boards. That will leave Novak able to stand out on the perimeter, and with his touch, its just exciting to think about. Stop the limited thinking that a SG has to be a great shooter or is worthless. Shane, Snyder, Head, Novak, Jacobsen All guys that can potentially fill it up from downtown and spread the floor.
Bonzi is just what this team needs....he can defend the perimeter and he is a viable 3rd option on the offensive side of the court...Battier, Novak, Head, will be sufficient enough when it comes to perimeter shooting.
This is a great news!! Bonzi to houston Man it'll be great if we can land him here. He will be really helpful and be the type of guys we need. So i cant wait till next 48 hours.
I wouldn't guarantee a title, but if all 4 do remain healthy we would be one of the favorites to come out of the west.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I didn't ignore any of that stuff. I addressed his positives and negatives, whereas you only want to look at the positives. It's funny how you always accuse others of doing exactly what you do. Bonzi Wells is not a "very good defender", by the way. And I put more stock on what a player did in the regular season than in a playoff series. Bonzi happened to get hot at the right time. Good for him. But what he did in the regular season last year will be more indicative of his production. </div> Haha (not thaaat funny, but I want to use that smiley) Last year everyone was saying Sacramento would be instant contendors because they signed Wells (and Sharrif). He took a little longer than expected to finally mesh with Sactown. He does bring a major size upgrade and has a nice low post presence. He is bigger than all of our other SGs so I say sign him. After Yao, Hayes, and McGrady the rest of our rebounders are mediocre at best (boy do I miss Sura). I like this line up as well: Yao Novak Battier Wells Head/Alston
Like the rest said, I wouldn't mind Bonzi at all since we already have lots of other shooters. We can take advantage of his rebounding and post up skills. Btw igotask, fyi Bonzi is only 6"5, making Snyder taller than he is. I have a question, if Bonzi does end up having a good year with us and so does the team, will we be able to give him a decent contract that he might consider for next offseason?
