Wells Fits Rotation Like A Glove

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Last week, Jeff Van Gundy was talking about lineups and sweaters that didn't fit as his team struggled to look less disheveled and find its way out of a three-game losing streak.

A week later, the Rockets have won three in a row ? including back-to-back blowouts ? and suddenly the head coach has a rotation that looks as natty as a custom-fit suit from a Saville Row tailor.

It begins with Bonzi Wells, who has recovered from back problems and established himself as a solid low-post scoring threat off the bench. Wells' presence virtually eliminates the minutes for John Lucas III, forces Luther Head to spend time as the backup point guard instead, makes Shane Battier an occasional power forward, and shortens the Rockets' rotation while tightening up their overall play.

"I like the number eight because it gives everybody a chance, I think, to play effectively," Van Gundy said. "There are still some things, and how they work ? Shane as a backup four, Luther as the backup point guard ? to me, those things have yet to be determined if that works best for our group."

While the shorter rotation requires more versatility from those who are in it, there is, according to those in it, the benefit of familiarity.

"I think everybody in their job feels better with routine," Battier said. "If you go to your office and the coffee machine is in a different place every day and the boss' desk is in a different place every day, it's unnerving. There is something to be said for knowing what to expect when you come to the office.

"From a basketball standpoint, it's nice to know your rhythm of the game. I know I can go out and play my hardest for the first nine minutes every night because Luther is coming in at the three-minute mark.

"It's only been a short time that we've settled on this rotation, and there are things to work out. We're susceptible to dry spells on offense. But I like our defense, especially half-court, and there is a sense of us having a good idea of what we're going to do."

Head spends some time shifting to the point, but he doesn't perform many of the quarterback duties because he's usually on the floor with Rafer Alston or Tracy McGrady.

"I bring the ball up, give it to Tracy or give it to Bonzi and go do what I do at any other time," Head said. "It's just about fitting in and doing whatever it takes to help."</div>

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