I wonder if he'll really stay with the rockets. I just hope he can play as well as he did with rick in Sac if he does stay. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...TY&pageId=6.1.1 Bonzie Wells Sets the Record Straight Last Edited: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT Created: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT MyFoxHouston.com HOUSTON -- In his first interview since Bonzi Wells prematurely ended his season with the Rockets April 9, Wells told FOX 26 Sports he has no hard feelings toward former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy. He says he is thrilled at the expected hiring of Rick Adelman as the Rockets new head coach and he says if the business side of things can be worked out he would like to return to the Rockets. Wells left the Rockets with five games to go in the regular season because he indicated at the time he felt like he was hurting team chemistry. In the interview with FOX 26 Wells sets the record straight about his relationship with Van Gundy. "I felt like we had a good team and I thought I was the missing link. I still do. Coach (Van Gundy) didn't see it that way. He thought he was going the right way. Coach Van Gundy didn't think I fit in. He came to me as a man and told me that. I looked into his eyes and I could see that he hurt for me. I respected that. He told me that I could ask to be waived and I told him I didn't want to be anywhere else. I hated the way it ended because I really started to appreciate him, " Wells said. Van Gundy is not suprised at Wells comments about him. "Perception and reality are often very different. I never thought it was personal between Bonzi and I. I think it's great for Bonzi with Rick coming in because he has a proven history with him. I think it could work out great, " Van Gundy said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. Wells believes the Rockets expected hiring of Rick Adelman is almost like divine intervention. "I thought it was like God sent him here for me. Rick Adelman is a great coach. He's the best coach I have ever had. He really knows how to relate to his players. He does a great job of letting guys be themselves, " Wells said. Wells played for Adelman for one year when both were in Sacramento. "I love coach Adelman. With Coach Adelman coming here I really don't want to be anywhere else," Wells said. However there is a business side to all of this. Before last season Wells signed a two year contract with the Rockets with the right to opt out after year one. The total value of the contract is about $4.4 million. "I have a decision to make and so do they. I wanted to be here even if Jeff Van Gundy was going to be here. It's still early. I think they need a guy like me," Wells said. Wells doesn't rule out opting out and then re-signing with Houston.
<div class="quote_poster">devin Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I wonder if he'll really stay with the rockets. I just hope he can play as well as he did with rick in Sac if he does stay. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...TY&pageId=6.1.1 Bonzie Wells Sets the Record Straight Last Edited: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT Created: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT MyFoxHouston.com HOUSTON -- In his first interview since Bonzi Wells prematurely ended his season with the Rockets April 9, Wells told FOX 26 Sports he has no hard feelings toward former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy. He says he is thrilled at the expected hiring of Rick Adelman as the Rockets new head coach and he says if the business side of things can be worked out he would like to return to the Rockets. Wells left the Rockets with five games to go in the regular season because he indicated at the time he felt like he was hurting team chemistry. In the interview with FOX 26 Wells sets the record straight about his relationship with Van Gundy. "I felt like we had a good team and I thought I was the missing link. I still do. Coach (Van Gundy) didn't see it that way. He thought he was going the right way. Coach Van Gundy didn't think I fit in. He came to me as a man and told me that. I looked into his eyes and I could see that he hurt for me. I respected that. He told me that I could ask to be waived and I told him I didn't want to be anywhere else. I hated the way it ended because I really started to appreciate him, " Wells said.</div> Hate to say it but I TOLD YOU that JVG didn't want Bonzi on the team. Some of you chose to blame Bonzi's attitude & conditioning. Even when I told you that JVG never had Bonzi in his plans to begin with. We argued ALL season over this and it's satisfying to hear the truth finally come out. Being a Rocket fan for so long, I was able to see past JVG's bullsh*t. Here are some of my old quotes: <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">How can JVG not take partial blame for this? The guy has been healthy for about 2months and hasn't even been activated. Then when he gets in the game, he's either yanked out and screamed at for making a mistake or minimized to just a decoy. That's not what he came here for. He came here to make a impact on the team and hopefully win a championship. It was clear from day one, JVG felt that we didn't need Bonzi and could win by jackin up 3's. Call it dellusional or whatever, but that's what JVG feels in his heart. Bonzi can definatley help the team, but JVG wasn't willing to give him a significant chance to get acclamated to the system. JVG doesn't have the patient to let a player get his legs back.</div> and.................... <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">Blews his chance? What chance? He's been healthy for awhile now. JVG made a choice to keep him inactive for a significant period of time before throwing him to the wolves on the court. The margin of error was CLEARLY smaller for Bonzi than any other player on the team. Skip throws the ball away and gets rewarded with more playin time, Bonzi throws the ball away and gets yanked out the game. Luther jacks up 3's at will, Bonzi misses a defensive assignment and doesn't play the next game. Bonzi never had a chance on this team because JVG was never gonna give him leeway for mistakes. It was alwayz "commit a turnover, ur out". I don't agree with that, and niether should any of you</div> Here are some of the replies from some of you: <div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">]He was never a good fit in our system. I think I made this point back in September, but some people didn't want to listen to common sense.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Locke:</div><div class="quote_post">You rag on JVG for not giving Wells a chance, then when JVG finally does and Wells blows it, you blame it back on JVG? Van Gundy didn't kick Wells off the team, Wells did it himself, and before you know anything more than what we've gathered from the papers, the responsibility here clearly rests on Wells' shoulders.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I bash JVG for certain decisions he makes, but he gets no blame here. Bonzi has had a history of "attitude" problems before he was even on the rockets so that should tell you whose fault it is.</div> <div class="quote_poster">THE DREAM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Bonzi came in camp overweight and throughout the season has looked pathetic (and I mean pathetic) when he's been on the floor...Raefer and Luther are a lot more important pieces to this team than the Bonzinator....</div> <div class="quote_poster">Locke:</div><div class="quote_post">And yes, I'm not a fan of Bonzi and I don't agree with the way he has carried himself for most of this season, but I certainly haven't been "waiting" for this. If anything, you're the one who's definitely waiting for JVG to screw up so you could say you were right all along.</div> AND my favorite <div class="quote_poster">Quoting foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Rock, I bet you really believe everything comes handed to you in a silver platter. Whatever happened to earning your playing time? Bonzi did this to himself. He has attitude problems. First of all, JVG is the boss. You are saying that your boss should conform to your needs and wants? What a feaking joke. Let me ask you this, is this how Juwan would have acted? Juwan is a classic example of someone who earned his right to play. If bonzi's attitude was better, he would have gotten more playing time. Let me turn this around on you and use a player you hate as an example. If Chuck Hayes acted this way, would you let him play at all? Well nm, bad example, you probably would have cut Hayes no matter what his production or attitude was. It was never about Bonzi's past. I love how you turned your head to the obvious. Lets pretend the past never happened! 1. He came into the season overweight and bitter due to his contract situation. 2. Made stupid comments to the media saying "I didnt come here to run a marathon. 3. Poor attitude earned him more time in the doghouse. 4. When he finally got the chance to earn more pt, he pulls this stunt off. Can you imagine any other NBA role players doing something as stupid as this? Bonzi isnt a superstar. Everything could have been avoided if Bonzi actually worked for it and had a good attitude. This is JVG ship to run, and if Bonzi doesn't want to play a role, he only has himself to blame. It's like me running and telling my boss that I work when I feel like it, and should get more important role in the company despite the fact that I don't work very hard (no matter the talent). You think that if I get fired, it would be partially the boss's fault for not realizing my talent? Let me guess. You were one of the few who defended Eddie Griffin too.</div> It's clear to me that you guys felt we didn't need Bonzi. I said all along that Bonzi was the key to this team. If given a real chance to play, he could've really helped us. But when the coach doesn't like a player, he's gonna single him out (like JVG did). I hope he resigns.......... NOTE:With Adelman, Bonzi should actually get a REAL shot at playin. JVG was wrong, and so were most of you. We did NEED Bonzi against Utah, and I'm glad we finally have a coach who reconizes that. Thank you, Rock4life
For sure Bonzi will opt out of his remaining $2.2M contract and will ask for more and that will cost the Rockets the whole MLE money just to resign him. There are better available options on which we can use the MLE money like signing Mo Williams to upgrade our PG. If ever the Rockets really want Bonzi I hope they would put a clause on his new contract that he must be in excellent playing condition to guarantee it.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> It's clear to me that you guys felt we didn't need Bonzi. I said all along that Bonzi was the key to this team. If given a real chance to play, he could've really helped us. But when the coach doesn't like a player, he's gonna single him out (like JVG did). I hope he resigns.......... NOTE:With Adelman, Bonzi should actually get a REAL shot at playin. JVG was wrong, and so were most of you. We did NEED Bonzi against Utah, and I'm glad we finally have a coach who reconizes that. </div> There is seriously some sort of barrier that prevents you from even comprehending the slightest of any of our arguments. Bonzi was playing poorly period. It was purely psychological on his part and he dealt with his situation quite poorly. Sure his relationship with JVG didn't help, but the MAIN REASON why he played poorly was because of himself! I don't know why that is so hard to comprehend. I do agree that Bonzi may play better under Adelman. It would be like a fresh start with a familiar system. He can probably feel more comfortable. You have to think why we said we didn't need Bonzi. First, his playing style did not match the way the coach wanted the team to play. Second, he was obviously playing poorly and not to the level he was under Sacramento. Third, emotionally he was a mess. He still wanted to be in Sacramento, and his heart was still set over there. Trust me, if Bonzi was given 20+ minutes for all 82 games last year..I still don't think the outcome would change that much for the reasons stated above. This offseason to "cool off" and the hiring of Adelman may be just what is needed. Not everything is black and white. I judge solely on performance on how he played, and based on his PERFORMANCE THAT SEASON, we didn't need him. Unlike you, I don't come in with opinions set in stone. I judge based solely on performance. You on the other hand, don't. Your mind is dead set on something even if it isnt true. Yea...Juwan sure was the key to our success in the playoffs. The guys a joke..I don't see you bringing that up. Jesus, how bright can you be...You use the Bonzi's perception of all THINGS AS PROOF? Thats like asking the bank robber if he robbed the bank. Why didn't you take JVG's version? Oh, thats right...it didn't FIT YOUR 'TRUTH'. How convenient. If you want to argue, you gotta look both sides of the issue. "Perception and reality are often very different. I never thought it was personal between Bonzi and I. I think it's great for Bonzi with Rick coming in because he has a proven history with him. I think it could work out great, " -JVG My basis of whether we need Bonzi stems from reality. Not some fantasy world in which JVG isn't coach. Fact was, JVG was the coach. Fact was, that Bonzi didn't seem all too comfortable in his system. You can't magically say we needed Bonzi on what ifs (JVG) in this situation. You either adapt to your coach, or you sit on the bench. Bonzi chose to sit on the bench.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Hate to say it but I TOLD YOU that JVG didn't want Bonzi on the team. Some of you chose to blame Bonzi's attitude & conditioning. Even when I told you that JVG never had Bonzi in his plans to begin with. We argued ALL season over this and it's satisfying to hear the truth finally come out. Being a Rocket fan for so long, I was able to see past JVG's bullsh*t. Here are some of my old quotes:</div> The only thing you can infer from Bonzi's quotes is JVG indicated that he didn't think Bonzi was a good fit on the team. SHOCKER! JVG said so himself before the playoffs, and I said it before the season started. And what do you expect, Bonzi is going to admit that he wasn't in great shape? The guy is trying to get a new contract, and you're treating his words as the definitive, complete take on what happened. I think you're smarter than that. You can have players that aren't good fits still be productive on the team if they can just accept whatever role they're given like a professional and put in the effort to improve themselves and help the team. It all started off badly in preseason, when Bonzi belittled the importance of practice and mocked JVG's insistence that he be in shape. And when he eventually fixed up the attitude, it was his inconsistent play and inability to stay healthy for a long stretch of games that really hurt him. I had decided before not to bring this up, but since you're back in "I told you so" mode, here goes. Last month, Rich Bucher said the following in his NBA Insider column in ESPN the Magazine: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Maybe this is why it didn't work out between Bonzi Wells and the Rockets: Wells told a friend that his $2 Million contract was a fourth of what he was worth 'so that's how much they are going to get.' Still you could argue Houston got shortchanged. </div> Maybe it's just heresay. Or maybe Bonzi never got over how he screwed up his contract, and that impacted his preparation and on-court play. He never felt a strong loyalty to the team because he felt he was being underpaid. That also explains how he'd quit on the team just before the playoffs started, when the coach was finally giving him regular playing time.
<div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">There is seriously some sort of barrier that prevents you from even comprehending the slightest of any of our arguments. Bonzi was playing poorly period. It was purely psychological on his part and he dealt with his situation quite poorly. Sure his relationship with JVG didn't help, but the MAIN REASON why he played poorly was because of himself! I don't know why that is so hard to comprehend.</div> Ur argument has been the same all year. "Bonzi was playing poor", "Bonzi was outta shape", "Bonzi had attitude problems", "We really don't need Bonzi". First off, EVERY player goes thru bad stretches (especially when ur on a new team, coming off an injury, and no training camp). As any logical person knows it's the COACH'S job to stick with his players thru tough stretches. Example, Andre Kirilenko. Jerry Sloan encouraged Kirilenko even when he was playin the worst basketball of his career. In the end Kirilenko comes back and leads the Jazz. Are you tellin me JVG couldn't have stuck with Bonzi in a similiar way? He sure stuck with Luther after his horrible stretch. Bonzi playin poorly was NO reason to keep him inactive. You underestimated him, Durvasa underestimated him and Locke underestimated him. Ultimatley, not playin Bonzi is the main reason why JVG doesn't have a job. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">You have to think why we said we didn't need Bonzi. First, his playing style did not match the way the coach wanted the team to play. Second, he was obviously playing poorly and not to the level he was under Sacramento. Third, emotionally he was a mess. He still wanted to be in Sacramento, and his heart was still set over there.</div> Did you read any of my posts in the regular season? That "playing style" of JVG's was the same one you stood by all year when I was telling you it wasn't gonna work. You called me names, bashed me, and tried to discredit me over this. Now ur back peddling lol. NOTE:Please stop saying Bonzi was an emotional mess. That's just another cop out for JVG's blunder. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Trust me, if Bonzi was given 20+ minutes for all 82 games last year..I still don't think the outcome would change that much for the reasons stated above. This offseason to "cool off" and the hiring of Adelman may be just what is needed.</div> Oh really. You went from "Bonzi's an emotional mess" to "maybe he'll help us now that JVG's gone". Fans can be very fickle sometimes <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Not everything is black and white. I judge solely on performance on how he played, and based on his PERFORMANCE THAT SEASON, we didn't need him. Unlike you, I don't come in with opinions set in stone. I judge based solely on performance. You on the other hand, don't. Your mind is dead set on something even if it isnt true. Yea...Juwan sure was the key to our success in the playoffs. The guys a joke..I don't see you bringing that up.</div> Correction.......Based on his perfomance in a limited stretch of games. Not a "season". You rushed to judgement too quickly. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">My basis of whether we need Bonzi stems from reality. Not some fantasy world in which JVG isn't coach. Fact was, JVG was the coach. Fact was, that Bonzi didn't seem all too comfortable in his system. You can't magically say we needed Bonzi on what ifs (JVG) in this situation. You either adapt to your coach, or you sit on the bench. Bonzi chose to sit on the bench.</div> How about this.........The coach settled on his 8-man rotation without Bonzi, thinking we didn't need him. Turns out that we needed an extra body in the playoffs. We needed another creator, which Bonzi does quite well.
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The only thing you can infer from Bonzi's quotes is JVG indicated that he didn't think Bonzi was a good fit on the team. SHOCKER! JVG said so himself before the playoffs, and I said it before the season started.</div> Which was a MISTAKE. After watching the playoffs, many Rocket fans were left thinking "why didn't JVG have plans of playin Bonzi?". Luther played poorly, Rafer played poorly, Tmac played alright and Snyder didn't play at all. We obviously missed another creator on offense and rebounder. Isn't that what Bonzi does? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">And what do you expect, Bonzi is going to admit that he wasn't in great shape? The guy is trying to get a new contract, and you're treating his words as the definitive, complete take on what happened. I think you're smarter than that.</div> Nice try . But there were reports earlier in the season that Bonzi attempted to talk to JVG, but the coach wouldn't even acknowledge him. I think ur smarter than that <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">You can have players that aren't good fits still be productive on the team if they can just accept whatever role they're given like a professional and put in the effort to improve themselves and help the team. It all started off badly in preseason, when Bonzi belittled the importance of practice and mocked JVG's insistence that he be in shape. And when he eventually fixed up the attitude, it was his inconsistent play and inability to stay healthy for a long stretch of games that really hurt him.</div> HELL0! This is the NBA. Players have had confrontations with coaches and still came back and helped the team. Instead of help the situation, JVG made it worse. Which lead to him being fired.... <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe it's just heresay. Or maybe Bonzi never got over how he screwed up his contract, and that impacted his preparation and on-court play. He never felt a strong loyalty to the team because he felt he was being underpaid. That also explains how he'd quit on the team just before the playoffs started, when the coach was finally giving him regular playing time.</div> Maybe? It IS heresay. Who is this guy's "source"? I don't believe it one bit, plus I'll trust the Chronicle more than some outside guy.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Ur argument has been the same all year. "Bonzi was playing poor", "Bonzi was outta shape", "Bonzi had attitude problems", "We really don't need Bonzi". First off, EVERY player goes thru bad stretches (especially when ur on a new team, coming off an injury, and no training camp). </div> Bad stretches? Bonzi never even snapped out. His whole entire season was one big bad stretch. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> As any logical person knows it's the COACH'S job to stick with his players thru tough stretches. Example, Andre Kirilenko. Jerry Sloan encouraged Kirilenko even when he was playin the worst basketball of his career. In the end Kirilenko comes back and leads the Jazz. Are you tellin me JVG couldn't have stuck with Bonzi in a similiar way? He sure stuck with Luther after his horrible stretch. Bonzi playin poorly was NO reason to keep him inactive. You underestimated him, Durvasa underestimated him and Locke underestimated him. Ultimatley, not playin Bonzi is the main reason why JVG doesn't have a job. </div> Um...you have got to be shitting me. The main reason JVG doesn't have a job has nothing to do with Bonzi. It has everything to do with not getting past the first round in 4 straight years. JVG job is to win, not to coddle players. Jerry Sloan hardly "encouraged" AK. If you goto the Jazz forums, they were all pissed off at sloan for not encouraging AK. In fact Sloan handled it the way JVG would have. I swear you have a one tracked mind. This isn't about underestimating him. This was about him playing piss poor. I NEVER UNDERESTIMATED HIS ABILITY. I know what he CAN DO. He just wasn't doing it. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Did you read any of my posts in the regular season? That "playing style" of JVG's was the same one you stood by all year when I was telling you it wasn't gonna work. You called me names, bashed me, and tried to discredit me over this. Now ur back peddling lol. </div> Of course I stood by it all year! He's our coach! OMG you are thick-headed. DO you want a coach to try something he is not familiar with? That system was the best system UNDER JVG. It is his method. You still aren't comprehending. We don't have Sloan. We don't have Phil. We don't have Larry Brown. We don't have Rick Adelman (at that time). Of course you are going to stick with what works. I never backpedaled. Find me a statement in which I directly backpedaled from. A run and gun with JVG simply won't work. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> NOTE:Please stop saying Bonzi was an emotional mess. That's just another cop out for JVG's blunder. </div> And what you are saying is just a cop out for Bonzi's stupid mistakes. Are you saying Bonzi being out of shape is JVG's fault? Is Bonzi making bone-headed passes and turnovers JVG's fault? Tell me this. Can you at least admit Bonzi was even playing poorly at all? Or are you just covering your eyes. Are you saying Bonzi played poorly throughout the whole season because of JVG? You are severely understimating the power the mind has over an athlete. Why else would he have not worked out over the offseason? Why else was he playing poorly? USE YOUR GOD DAMN BRAIN. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Oh really. You went from "Bonzi's an emotional mess" to "maybe he'll help us now that JVG's gone". Fans can be very fickle sometimes</div> So..wheres the contradiction? I've already explained it before. I'm not going to do it again. Maybe I should use simpler words. From your inference you are acting as if nobody can recover from a mental problem. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Correction.......Based on his perfomance in a limited stretch of games. Not a "season". You rushed to judgement too quickly.</div> Just like how you judged Hayes? In fact, you are still going to say hes a scrub. If it takes more than 40+ games just for Bonzi to get back into it...doesn't that tell you something is wrong? <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> How about this.........The coach settled on his 8-man rotation without Bonzi, thinking we didn't need him. Turns out that we needed an extra body in the playoffs. We needed another creator, which Bonzi does quite well.</div> What 8-man rotation? Dikembe is hardly an 8th man. Bonzi does not fit in JVG's offensive scheme. He is very turnover proned and a liability on defense (which is why we were even close to Utah to begin with). Anyways, IT WAS HIS DECISION NOT TO PLAY. IF YOU CANT SEE THAT THERES NO POINT ARGUING WITH YOU. Most people choose to adapt to the situation. Now tell me. Do you expect to adapt to your boss's need or do you expect your boss to adapt to your needs. If you chose the latter, you are in serious trouble. Bonzi could have easily fixed the mess he was in. Don't act like he had nothing to do with the situation.
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Nice try . But there were reports earlier in the season that Bonzi attempted to talk to JVG, but the coach wouldn't even acknowledge him. </div> Point out those reports. They talked in December and aired out the personal differences. Both sides have acknowledged that, but you're still want to stick on to the idea that it was always personal with JVG. This story pretty much invalidates that position, and ironically you think it's proven it. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">HELL0! This is the NBA. Players have had confrontations with coaches and still came back and helped the team. Instead of help the situation, JVG made it worse. Which lead to him being fired....</div> Bonzi was given the opportunity to come back and help the team. How did he respond again? I agree, JVG could have done more to make Bonzi a significant player on the team. But he didn't have a responsibility to do so; the responsibility of a coach is to maximize the play of the entire team, not a particular player. You said that he could at least give Bonzi some playing time. Fine, he did that. But Bonzi didn't think he could help the team in that capacity and he quit. Just before the playoffs. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe? It IS heresay. Who is this guy's "source"? I don't believe it one bit, plus I'll trust the Chronicle more than some outside guy.</div> Of course you don't believe it. I mean, why on earth would a player with the will power and mental toughness of Bonzi Wells let a blown contract get to him? If you trust the Chronicle more, then read what their beat writer for the Rockets has been saying about Bonzi and JVG and why it didn't work out. It falls directly in line with what I've been saying all year. It was a basketball decision, based on his evaluation of Bonzi's level of play and reliability (health wise). You think it was a horrible basketball decision, and that's fine. But this notion that it was personal and JVG had a grudge against Bonzi throughout the season is something you've dreamed up. On that point, you're apparently in agreement with what the media outside of Houston is saying. But the actual people involved, Bonzi and JVG, deny that story. So does the Chronicle's beat writer. Here are the facts: - Bonzi joined the team out of shape, not thinking he needed to practice with the team, and feeling he shouldn't have to work himself into shape before getting court time - JVG didn't like that. He told Bonzi to reconsider whether he wanted to be with the team. There was little to no dialogue between the two until December. - Bonzi approaches JVG to for another chance. He's saying he'll do whatever is asked of him. He starts playing for the Rockets again. Poorly. Soon thereafter, he gets injured. - Bonzi's play with the team is on and off through February due to injuries. He has a nice stretch of games in February individually, but he has trouble finishing games and the team generally struggles. - Bonzi gets injured (again), and Snyder slides in and has on/off games. Yao eventually returns, and the teams gets on a roll. - Bonzi says he's ready to return, JVG denies it for a while. Then he starts to say the situation is "fluid". This means he likes how they're playing currently, but if the team goes in a slump for a period of time he's open to bringing Bonzi back. - The team starts to slump. Snyder isn't giving them consistent production and has been benched, and the Rockets lose at home to a Golden State team where they could have used Bonzi. Next game (Portland), with T-Mac and Yao out, JVG inserts Bonzi back into the rotation. He plays a good stretch of minutes, but very poorly. Rockets lose to Portland at home. - Next game with Tmac and Yao back, Bonzi again gets early playing time. He again plays poorly, and asks to be removed from the game. Next game, he decides not to even report to shoot around before the game. He says he doesn't think he can help the team. The playoffs are just around the corner, and Bonzi has called it quits. This is what I think happened: Bonzi had a mental block all season because of that contract. He lacked motivation and focus, and that hurt him early. His inconsistent play, shaky healthy, and lack of encouragement/motivation from the coach (JVG is the WRONG coach for that) probably further hurt his confidence. Terrible play at the end of the season when the Rockets were gearing up for the playoffs was the breaking point, and he couldn't stand being with the team anymore. There were so many factors that led to Bonzi's failure last season. Yes, not having a coach that truly believed he would be a vital part of the team was obviously a factor. But it certainly wasn't the only one.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, if Bonzi rejoins us...let's just hope he regains his "spark".</div> I agree..........
let's see if they get it right this time..... going by the press conference it looks like Adelman wants Bonzi back....
<div class="quote_poster">durvasa Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Point out those reports. They talked in December and aired out the personal differences. Both sides have acknowledged that, but you're still want to stick on to the idea that it was always personal with JVG. This story pretty much invalidates that position, and ironically you think it's proven it. Bonzi was given the opportunity to come back and help the team. How did he respond again? I agree, JVG could have done more to make Bonzi a significant player on the team. But he didn't have a responsibility to do so; the responsibility of a coach is to maximize the play of the entire team, not a particular player. You said that he could at least give Bonzi some playing time. Fine, he did that. But Bonzi didn't think he could help the team in that capacity and he quit. Just before the playoffs. Of course you don't believe it. I mean, why on earth would a player with the will power and mental toughness of Bonzi Wells let a blown contract get to him? If you trust the Chronicle more, then read what their beat writer for the Rockets has been saying about Bonzi and JVG and why it didn't work out. It falls directly in line with what I've been saying all year. It was a basketball decision, based on his evaluation of Bonzi's level of play and reliability (health wise). You think it was a horrible basketball decision, and that's fine. But this notion that it was personal and JVG had a grudge against Bonzi throughout the season is something you've dreamed up. On that point, you're apparently in agreement with what the media outside of Houston is saying. But the actual people involved, Bonzi and JVG, deny that story. So does the Chronicle's beat writer. Here are the facts: - Bonzi joined the team out of shape, not thinking he needed to practice with the team, and feeling he shouldn't have to work himself into shape before getting court time - JVG didn't like that. He told Bonzi to reconsider whether he wanted to be with the team. There was little to no dialogue between the two until December. - Bonzi approaches JVG to for another chance. He's saying he'll do whatever is asked of him. He starts playing for the Rockets again. Poorly. Soon thereafter, he gets injured. - Bonzi's play with the team is on and off through February due to injuries. He has a nice stretch of games in February individually, but he has trouble finishing games and the team generally struggles. - Bonzi gets injured (again), and Snyder slides in and has on/off games. Yao eventually returns, and the teams gets on a roll. - Bonzi says he's ready to return, JVG denies it for a while. Then he starts to say the situation is "fluid". This means he likes how they're playing currently, but if the team goes in a slump for a period of time he's open to bringing Bonzi back. - The team starts to slump. Snyder isn't giving them consistent production and has been benched, and the Rockets lose at home to a Golden State team where they could have used Bonzi. Next game (Portland), with T-Mac and Yao out, JVG inserts Bonzi back into the rotation. He plays a good stretch of minutes, but very poorly. Rockets lose to Portland at home. - Next game with Tmac and Yao back, Bonzi again gets early playing time. He again plays poorly, and asks to be removed from the game. Next game, he decides not to even report to shoot around before the game. He says he doesn't think he can help the team. The playoffs are just around the corner, and Bonzi has called it quits. This is what I think happened: Bonzi had a mental block all season because of that contract. He lacked motivation and focus, and that hurt him early. His inconsistent play, shaky healthy, and lack of encouragement/motivation from the coach (JVG is the WRONG coach for that) probably further hurt his confidence. Terrible play at the end of the season when the Rockets were gearing up for the playoffs was the breaking point, and he couldn't stand being with the team anymore. There were so many factors that led to Bonzi's failure last season. Yes, not having a coach that truly believed he would be a vital part of the team was obviously a factor. But it certainly wasn't the only one.</div> So basically two quiters went at it, one quiter got fired and the other wants to unquit.
Man i kinda knew this thread would start a debate, but I posted it anyways. . Hey I think bonzi can really contribute like in Sac, but he prob needs more money to motivate him.
If Bonzi doesn't opt out of his contract and takes the 2.5 mill then I think it would be a good deal for the Rockets. If he opts out and then asks for the MLE, I don't know if that would be good for the Rockets.
<div class="quote_poster">ownage Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">3 words if Bonzi does return: Nothing to lose.</div> I agree with this statement. Even if he comes back, we don't have anything to lose. If he gets playing time with Adelman as coach, I think he'll do good.
<div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Bad stretches? Bonzi never even snapped out. His whole entire season was one big bad stretch.</div> How many games did Bonzi play in the "whole season"? Answer me that........... <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Um...you have got to be shitting me. The main reason JVG doesn't have a job has nothing to do with Bonzi. It has everything to do with not getting past the first round in 4 straight years. JVG job is to win, not to coddle players. Jerry Sloan hardly "encouraged" AK. If you goto the Jazz forums, they were all pissed off at sloan for not encouraging AK. In fact Sloan handled it the way JVG would have. I swear you have a one tracked mind. This isn't about underestimating him. This was about him playing piss poor. I NEVER UNDERESTIMATED HIS ABILITY. I know what he CAN DO. He just wasn't doing it.</div> Ur still covering for JVG If Bonzi were playin like Kirilenko was playin in the 1st round, JVG would have yanked his ass out the game and we wouldn't have seen him the rest of the playoffs. That's the way it was in the little time he did play in the regular season. C'mon let's not get carried away here........... <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Of course I stood by it all year! He's our coach! OMG you are thick-headed. DO you want a coach to try something he is not familiar with? That system was the best system UNDER JVG. It is his method. You still aren't comprehending. We don't have Sloan. We don't have Phil. We don't have Larry Brown. We don't have Rick Adelman (at that time). Of course you are going to stick with what works. I never backpedaled. Find me a statement in which I directly backpedaled from. A run and gun with JVG simply won't work.</div> But the problem is I was TELLING everybody earlier in the season JVG's main problems were his A)8-man rotation was too thin we shot too many jumpshots C)Relied too much on defense and not enuff offense and D)Needed Bonzi too have a consistent 3rd option so Tmac wouldn't have carry the load every nite. It's funny to hear some of you complain about JVG now that we lost. The same ppl were ridiculing me for pointing out JVG's flaws, same flaws that eventually got him fired. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">And what you are saying is just a cop out for Bonzi's stupid mistakes. Are you saying Bonzi being out of shape is JVG's fault? Is Bonzi making bone-headed passes and turnovers JVG's fault? Tell me this. Can you at least admit Bonzi was even playing poorly at all? Or are you just covering your eyes. Are you saying Bonzi played poorly throughout the whole season because of JVG? You are severely understimating the power the mind has over an athlete. Why else would he have not worked out over the offseason? Why else was he playing poorly? USE YOUR GOD DAMN BRAIN.</div> Again. You've been obviously sadly misinformed if you think Bonzi "played the whole season". He didn't even play half a season for us, yet you keep sayin he played poorly the whole season. The fact Bonzi wasn't in great shape wasn't because he was lazy, as you'd like to think. It was because he was came off surgery on his groin, which permitts from running. He was a late signee, missed training camp and needed time to adjust to new team and system. Isn't that reasonable? Why do you act like him struggling wasn't expected? Being a coach JVG should've stuck with Bonzi knowing that we'd need him in the postseason. Bonzi is the reason JVG lost his job. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">So..wheres the contradiction? I've already explained it before. I'm not going to do it again. Maybe I should use simpler words. From your inference you are acting as if nobody can recover from a mental problem.</div> You've been hypocritical in too many things. It's hard for me to keep up <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Just like how you judged Hayes? In fact, you are still going to say hes a scrub. If it takes more than 40+ games just for Bonzi to get back into it...doesn't that tell you something is wrong?</div> Yeah, i took alot of shots at Hayes. Some were wrong and I've admitted that. But the fact is his lack of offense and inexperience hurt us as a starter. Kirilenko drifted off him all series and gave Yao fits. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What 8-man rotation? Dikembe is hardly an 8th man. Bonzi does not fit in JVG's offensive scheme. He is very turnover proned and a liability on defense (which is why we were even close to Utah to begin with). Anyways, IT WAS HIS DECISION NOT TO PLAY. IF YOU CANT SEE THAT THERES NO POINT ARGUING WITH YOU.</div> Liablity on defense? You must've just made that up Bonzi's always been a good defender, especially with blocks, steals and rebounds (areas we got killed in). How could you not know that kid? Also, stop saying Bonzi didn't fit in JVG's offense. If you look at why we got beat this playoffs, it's obvious that we need a player off the bench who can score, rebound and defend (and experienced), pretty much everything Bonzi does. Derek Anderson didn't fit, Stro didn't fit, Billy didn't fit and now it's Bonzi Wells. I see a pattern............. <div class="quote_poster">foo82 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Most people choose to adapt to the situation. Now tell me. Do you expect to adapt to your boss's need or do you expect your boss to adapt to your needs. If you chose the latter, you are in serious trouble. Bonzi could have easily fixed the mess he was in. Don't act like he had nothing to do with the situation.</div> When the coach doesn't speak to you, "fixing" the situation is a little outta the question. Bonzi should've stuck it out but I understand why he left the team. J
<div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How many games did Bonzi play in the "whole season"? Answer me that........... </div> That isn't the point. Even if he played 20 games, that is still a lot of games. Do you need to play 60+ games to tell how well you are playing? <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Ur still covering for JVG If Bonzi were playin like Kirilenko was playin in the 1st round, JVG would have yanked his ass out the game and we wouldn't have seen him the rest of the playoffs. That's the way it was in the little time he did play in the regular season. C'mon let's not get carried away here...........</div> Covering for JVG? More like you are covering for Bonzi. Which seems mroe logical?. Jvg being fired for not getting passed the first round after 4 years or JVG getting fired for his treatment of Bonzi... You can't be that stubborn.. Sure JVG was stubborn in handling Bonzi, but its HIS SHIP TO RUN. Tell me, if you were Bonzi, would you have handled it different? It took 2 months just for Bonzi to talk to JVG and say he wanted playing time and would work hard. If he had done that from the beginning and kept his attitude good, he wouldn't have been in the doghouse for so long. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> But the problem is I was TELLING everybody earlier in the season JVG's main problems were his A)8-man rotation was too thin we shot too many jumpshots C)Relied too much on defense and not enuff offense and D)Needed Bonzi too have a consistent 3rd option so Tmac wouldn't have carry the load every nite.</div> A) I don't recall you mentioning our rotation was too thin..But, I'll give that to you. We did not really shoot that many jumpers in the playoffs. Tmac was actually penetrating, and Yao was at the low post. Jazz actually shot more jumpers than we did (off of screens and such). THe problem is, not many of our players can shoot off the dribble. Only Tmac did that, and hes shot poorly all series. C) It's not that we relied too much on defense, its just that our offense wasn't efficient enough. All the teams in the Conference Finals rely heavily on defense (with the exception of Utah). D) Problem was, Bonzi himself wasn't up to the task. Sure he can be a third option, but he took himself out of that role. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> It's funny to hear some of you complain about JVG now that we lost. The same ppl were ridiculing me for pointing out JVG's flaws, same flaws that eventually got him fired. </div> We knew that he was a defense oriented coach. But let me ask you this. If we would have gotten up to the WCF (which was very possible), would you be saying fire JVG? You probably would have regardless of how well we did. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Again. You've been obviously sadly misinformed if you think Bonzi "played the whole season". He didn't even play half a season for us, yet you keep sayin he played poorly the whole season. The fact Bonzi wasn't in great shape wasn't because he was lazy, as you'd like to think. It was because he was came off surgery on his groin, which permitts from running. He was a late signee, missed training camp and needed time to adjust to new team and system. Isn't that reasonable? Why do you act like him struggling wasn't expected? Being a coach JVG should've stuck with Bonzi knowing that we'd need him in the postseason. Bonzi is the reason JVG lost his job. </div> Now you are just arguing semantics. My "whole season" comment was in regards for his play during the season. Your reasoning is incredibly flawed. Are you saying a groin injury is much more devastating then a broken Fibia, or even a hyperextended knee? You are just giving excuses to Bonzi. I don't know about you, but I would rather take the groin injury. What you said seems to me that he was just finding excuses. I did expect Bonzi to struggle, and that had nothing to do with his groin injury. It had more to do with his mental state. He is getting payed roughly 1/3rd of his original offered Salary in Sacramento. Don't tell me that had no effect. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> You've been hypocritical in too many things. It's hard for me to keep up </div> Except you haven't even pointed one out. You are just choosing to ignore my explanations. I'm not even sure you know what hypocritical means seeing how you tend to slaughter the English language. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Yeah, i took alot of shots at Hayes. Some were wrong and I've admitted that. But the fact is his lack of offense and inexperience hurt us as a starter. Kirilenko drifted off him all series and gave Yao fits. </div> Did you even watch the game? AK wasn't even on Hayes. He was on Tmac most of the time. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Liablity on defense? You must've just made that up Bonzi's always been a good defender, especially with blocks, steals and rebounds (areas we got killed in). How could you not know that kid? </div> Are you kidding? I don't even know if you watch the games. He was very slow! Slower than Juwan Howard. People would just beat him off the dribble and run by him easily. Bonzi hasn't always been a "good" defender. I don't even know where you got that from. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Also, stop saying Bonzi didn't fit in JVG's offense. If you look at why we got beat this playoffs, it's obvious that we need a player off the bench who can score, rebound and defend (and experienced), pretty much everything Bonzi does. Derek Anderson didn't fit, Stro didn't fit, Billy didn't fit and now it's Bonzi Wells. I see a pattern............. </div> Bonzi isn't a player that can defend. He's too slow to guard quicker players. I'm judging solely on his performance this year. Not on his potential, and certainly not in his Sacramento days. <div class="quote_poster">Rock4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> When the coach doesn't speak to you, "fixing" the situation is a little outta the question. Bonzi should've stuck it out but I understand why he left the team. J</div> Would you have handled the situation the same as Bonzi? No idiot would do that if they want playing time. The only thing that got in the way was Bonzi's ego. Bonzi didn't even talk to the coach for a while. After he said he was willing (after 2 months) to work hard to the coach and try whatever is necessary, JVG inserted him into the lineup. If Bonzi had done that earlier, he could have gotten even more pt.
