[Chron] Rockets Chat with Fran Blinebury

durvasa · Oct 28, 2008

http://blogs.chron.com/franblinebury/2008/10/join_the_live_chat_today_at_2.html

10:31
ChronicleSports: Courtside blogger Fran Blinebury will be online at 2 p.m. today for a Rockets chat.
2:00
Fran Blinebury: Another season is a little 24 hours away and that means the first NBA chat of the year. So let's get rolling right away.
2:01
[Comment From omarog]
how is doing t-mac with is health.he is not limping no more or what?
2:01
Fran Blinebury: Tracy McGrady went through practice today and was in good spirits afterward. It was not a particularly hard workout. He'll definitely start tomorrow night. I don't think he's 100 percent, but close enough to be effective.
2:02
[Comment From DT]
Hi Fran, are the starting 5 announced yet for the first game?
2:02
Fran Blinebury: Rick Adelman hasn't stated a starting five. I'd go with Alston, McGrady, Yao, Scola and Artest as a guess.
2:03
[Comment From Stuart]
Whats the status of Shane Battier for tomorrow's game?
2:03
Fran Blinebury: That's an easy one. Shane still has not practiced. He is not yet doing one-legged, weight-bearing drills. So will definitely not play tomorrow and it could be a while.
2:04
[Comment From Ramsey]
Who gets to guard Kobe, Shane or Ron Ron?
2:05
Fran Blinebury: Well, on media day, Shane said that we was more than willing to let Ron "run himself crazy around the perimeter chasing Kobe." The truth is the Rockets will probably give Kobe different looks during games. Shane's more suited to chase on the perimeter. But it's a great luxury to be able to switch off and let Artest get physical by putting a body on him.
2:05
[Comment From jimmy87]
hey fran, do you think aaron's injury will end up limiting him the same way Manu's did last year? I'm hoping the extent of the injury was not too severe
2:06
Fran Blinebury: Ginobili had surgery on his ankle to repair torn tendons. Brooks merely has a bruise. It's nowhere near as severe. The docs have said he's out 1-3 weeks. Unless something comes up that we don't know about, Brooks will be back on the floor and producing long before Manu.
2:07
[Comment From BK]
are the Rockets really going to make a run this year or it history going to repeat itself by our stars getting injuried for most of the season?
2:09
Fran Blinebury: Based on the last three seasons, would you bet the house on both Yao and McGrady playing in at least 75 games this season? Better have a hotel room on standby if you make that bet. However, if they do, the Rockets have the talent and the depth to win a round or two in the playoffs. I don't think they have the experience or the know-how to go all the way. If they don't win one round, Les Alexander should disband the franchise immediately and use the Toyota Center to hold women's beach volleyball tournaments in 2010.
2:10
[Comment From Aubrey]
Hey Mr. Blinebury, I always appreciate your honesty and insight. Do you think the Rockets will try to rest Yao and T-Mac some more this year to try to avoid the wear down and injuries? Maybe some second part of back to backs?
2:12
Fran Blinebury: I don't think it's so much a matter of limiting their time in games as it is making sure they get plenty of rest on the off-days. Yao, in particular, has been known to work himself to the bone in the weight room, in the gym, doing anything he can. Sure, they would prefer to keep Yao and T-Mac in the 35-37 minute range. But when there's a game on the line, Rick Adelman can't be concerned about the minutes.
2:12
[Comment From Guest]
who's back up point? Luther?
2:13
Fran Blinebury: Brent Barry first. He could play together with Luther Head. But late in the games, the ball and decisions, as usual, will be in the hands of Tracy McGrady.
2:13
[Comment From dannyboy]
Did Francis practice?
2:14
Fran Blinebury: Praaaacccc-tice! You expect a guy to praaaacccc-tice?

No.
2:14
[Comment From frank]
will shane be out at least for a few weeks?
2:16
Fran Blinebury: Shane has said it's a day-to-day evaluating process. He's still not able to do any one-legged explosive drills. He's got to do that before he can even take part in practice. So unless there's a dramatic turnaround, we're looking at at least a couple of weeks.
2:16
[Comment From Brady]
Is Steve Frances going to come out of hiding anytime soon, now that Brooks is injured, or is he going to continue sticking his head in the sand looking like a goon?
2:17
Fran Blinebury: Why come out and join the team when he can stay tucked away and have his fan club still treat him as the conquering hero?
2:17
[Comment From kreece]
I was reading ESPN's preview of the season today and many of their writers are picking the Lakers to win the Western conference and many picked the Hornets to win the Southwest division. Do these teams really have that much of an edge over us?
2:19
Fran Blinebury: Edge is the word. The Lakers were 2 games better than the Rockets and the Hornets 1 game better. Of course, the Lakers only play half a season with Andrew Bynum and half with Pau Gasol. Include me in the group that isn't ready to say the Rockets can go all the way when they haven't been able to win a first-round series.
2:21
[Comment From Arnold]
Because we have more of a three point threat. Do you feel our post up game will not be as strong as it used to be?
2:21
Fran Blinebury: As long as there's that 7-6 guy in the middle, the post-up game should always be the first option and the primary offensive choice.
2:22
[Comment From Ramsey]
I'm still not convinced Yao can go a full season without a significant injury. Especially with rushing back fast for the Olympics, how do you feel Yao will hold up this season?
2:23
Fran Blinebury: At this point, it's a legitimate question and concern. We won't know until he proves he can do it. By the way, it's been three years since T-Mac missed fewer than 11 games. He missed 16 last year, 11 the year before and 35 in 05-06.
2:23
[Comment From Toby]
any updates on Francis? With brooks out do you think he will get any playing time?
2:24
Fran Blinebury: Why would anyone get playing time when they have rarely practiced and not shown they can play?
2:24
[Comment From mixmasta]
is it safe to say that our back up point until AB returns will be Barry? or do you expect to see luther get any minutes at the point?
2:25
Fran Blinebury: You're looking at Rafer getting plenty of minutes, Barry as the main backup and then McGrady doing ballhandling, too. I don't think there's a big demand for Head to run the offense, except in a pinch.
2:25
[Comment From Kari]
Please explain something about the motion (read-and react) offense. Would teams simply leave Rafer and dare the rockets to win the game with him making the shots?
2:26
Fran Blinebury: Sure. He's a career .386 shooter. Of course, he has his hot nights and can make you pay.
2:26
[Comment From rox4life]
will the rockets be able to afford Artest after this season?
2:27
Fran Blinebury: Big, big question. He'll be looking for 4 or 5 years and -- assuming he's successful this season -- at something close to the max. Can you go with 3 players at the max? I don't think anybody's even thinking about it at this point.
2:28
[Comment From frank d]
how did brooks hurt his ankle?
2:29
Fran Blinebury: In a tangle of feet as he was driving through the lane at practice.
2:29
[Comment From SC]
Why is steve not practicing? I dont understand. I thought he was until he got a head cold?
2:30
Fran Blinebury: He has not taken part in a full practice since the start of camp. That's all of the contact, all of the scrimmages. He said he was ready to go more than a week ago. That's when he came down with the crippling cold. Since then, still no full workout.
2:30
[Comment From Hakeem]
do you think Rockets match up well with S.A. and Dallas??
2:32
Fran Blinebury: Yes. I think the Rockets wouldn't mind at all running into Dallas in a playoff series. And over the past couple of seasons, they've shown that they won't back down to the Spurs. They won in SA. But it's not always just about how the teams match up on paper. It's how you react in the playoff situation and the Rockets haven't yet shown that they've got that part down yet.
2:32
[Comment From Mando]
are we going to see a lot of landry and dorsey at the same time dunking all over the place with brooks at the point? will von see any kind of playing time?
2:32
Fran Blinebury: Early in the season, you'll see plenty of Carl Landry coming off the bench and probably a lot of Joey Dorsey sitting on it.
2:32
[Comment From Joseph]
Over/Under on the Rockets winning 54 games this season?
2:33
Fran Blinebury: Call me an optimistic, starry-eyed, ray of sunshine. But I'm taking 56.
2:34
[Comment From steve]
do you think tracey will get hurt in the first month of the regular season or wait til the end of the season when we need him most
2:34
Fran Blinebury: You're trying to take my job?
2:34
[Comment From Guest]
yao played three consecutive seasons without missing a game
2:35
Fran Blinebury: And there once was a time when the polar ice cap wasn't melting either.

2:35
[Comment From Guest]
Will we be seeing more Wafer with Brooks out?
2:36
Fran Blinebury: No. Brooks is the backup point guard. Wafer is a designated shooter. I don't think you're gonna see much of Wafer at all in the early part of the season unless they need him for a specific reason or in a pinch.
2:36
[Comment From stephen]
bc he is a all star
2:36
Fran Blinebury: Was.
2:37
[Comment From Guest]
So who do you think is going to start tomorrow night? Do you think Scola will start most of the games?
2:37
Fran Blinebury: Yes. Landry and Hayes off the bench.
2:37
[Comment From TROY]
FRAN, WHAT IS THE STATUS ON MUTOMBO? IS HE SIGNED? I STILL SEE HIM ON ALL THE ROSTERS. BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS HE HAS NOT BEEN SIGNED THIS SEASON.
2:38
Fran Blinebury: I don't know what rosters you're looking at. He's not among the 14 players on the Rockets' current roster, though most think they're saving that 15th spot for him in a month or two. He is not signed.
2:38
[Comment From T-ROD]
When Shane gets back will there be any more cuts?
2:39
Fran Blinebury: No. Including Batter, the Rockets have a 14-man roster. That's one under the maximum. They don't have to make any further cuts. The only decisions are on which 12 to activate for each game. Right now, that would most likely be Shane and Stevie in street clothes tomorrow night.
2:40
[Comment From Paul]
What do you fell like the rockets best starting lineup is? i would kinda like to see Landry start along side yao, tmac, rafer, and shane and have our second unit consist off a Scola, Artest core.
2:41
Fran Blinebury: I think when Battier is healthy and back, Adelman would like to go with Shane, Yao and Scola up front and T-Mac and Rafer in the backcourt. Way back in the summer, the thought was to bring Artest off the bench. If they ever get the whole team in one piece, I still think that's the plan.
2:42
[Comment From seanp]
How well do you think coach A's System will work in his second season with the players he has know?
2:44
Fran Blinebury: That's one of the million dollar questions. I keep hearing from players that it's a simple offense, easy to understand. But for one reason or another, it hasn't been so easy for them to run. Guys like Battier know the offense, but he isn't a great cutter. Luther Head knows the offense, makes excellent cuts, but doesn't do other things. I don't really think that McGrady has brought into it and until that happens, it won't run smoothly.
2:44
[Comment From bobo]
would the rockets use artest as a trading piece if he isnt extremely effective? What could he bring us?
2:46
Fran Blinebury: Considering that the trade deadline is in February and all of the questions about what Artest can do for the Rockets won't really come up until April, I don't see them using him as trade bait. The only way that would happen is if things completely cratered and Artest was just a horrible influence in the locker room, making himself a distraction. There has been no indication that will happen. Artest has been one of the hardest workers since the start of camp.
2:47
[Comment From cassie]
How much playing time will Von Wafer see?
2:48
Fran Blinebury: I don't think you're going to see much of him early in the season. He made the team as the final cut. That's No. 14. He'll likely get into games as a designated shooter in specific situations or if injuries or fouls put the Rockets in a bind.
2:49
[Comment From josh]
do you see joey dorsey as possibly the next Ben Wallace?
2:49
Fran Blinebury: His agent can hope. Let's maybe wait to see him play one regular season NBA game.
2:49
[Comment From Ken]
I'm confused on the status of Mutumbo. Can you please explain that situation?
2:49
Fran Blinebury: I did earlier.
2:49
[Comment From Guest]
Are the Lakers going to have Bynum back in full strength this season?
2:50
Fran Blinebury: Bynum has been playing through the exhibition games and moving quite well. Seems he's back and looking strong.
2:50
[Comment From Larry J]
Do you think McGrady will average 20+ points this season with the new line up ? I hope he has an outstanding season this year.
2:50
Fran Blinebury: Yes. He'll be the Rockets leading scorer again.
2:50
[Comment From jahmyking]
do you see us resting Tracy a lot early in the season to allow him to rehab his knee and do you think we should?
2:53
Fran Blinebury: It's not a question of resting him. It's being prudent in bringing him back from the surgery. The Rockets want to proceed cautiously to give McGrady the best chance to recover fully and be playing strong at the end of the season. In the early going, they're probably going to have to watch him extra close. If there is any day-after pain following games, Rick Adelman could have to spot him or, conceivably, even hold him out. Right now, there's no reason to think McGrady is going to sit anything out.
2:53
[Comment From Jared]
When do you think the rockets will be at 100% with EVERYONE back including francis?
2:54
Fran Blinebury: The rest of the Rockets -- maybe in a month or two.

Steve Francis -- when you hop into the DeLorean with Marty McFly and get out in 2003.
2:54
[Comment From Rock Lobster]
who will the rockets use to back up yao?
2:55
Fran Blinebury: Scola, Dorsey, even Chuck Hayes. They're going to try to get along without the traditional big man backup. But Dikembe Mutombo is in everyone's thoughts and if the early plan doesn't work out, the call to Deke will likely be placed.
2:55
[Comment From john]
Why Wafer not D.J.?
2:57
Fran Blinebury: You're talking about the 13th or 14th man on the roster. Strawberry is probably the better all-around player. But with the depth the Rockets have he wasn't going to see any playing time barring catastrophe. Wafer can be a designated shooter off the bench, one guy with a specific weapon that can be used in specific situations.
2:59
[Comment From Jared]
Hey Fran, do you think Aron's defense will be strong enough to keep him on the floor or will he mostly be used against similar sized PGs?
3:00
Fran Blinebury: Obviously, his size makes him a defensive liability. That's why he's probably never a starter in the league. You try to keep him on other small guys.
3:00
Fran Blinebury: Let's go slightly overtime, maybe two more minutes and then we've got to wrap up the chat.
3:01
[Comment From Leslie]
Why do the Rockets keep Steve "Franchise, no more" on the roster?
3:01
Fran Blinebury: Guaranteed money that counts against the cap even if they cut him. And they can't trade him, because nobody wants him.
3:02
[Comment From dannyboy]
Can you explain why you think Tracy has not yet bought into Adelmann's offense? Does he not like making the cuts, or is he a ball killer like Barkley says of him?
3:02
Fran Blinebury: I watch him and I see the ball stop.
3:04
Fran Blinebury: That's the end of the hour. We've got to wrap up the first chat of the season. Thanks for so many questions. Sorry if I didn't get to all of them. But my fingers can only type so fast. We'll be doing it again regularly during the season, so keep an eye on Chron.com for the next date. As Darryl Dawkins used to say, dunk you very much.
Click to expand...

The Dream · Oct 28, 2008

Comment From Guest]
yao played three consecutive seasons without missing a game
2:35
Fran Blinebury: And there once was a time when the polar ice cap wasn't melting either.
Click to expand...

lol

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[Chron] Rockets Chat with Fran Blinebury

durvasa JBB Rockets Fan

The Dream mama there goes that man!

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[Chron] Rockets Chat with Fran Blinebury

durvasa JBB Rockets Fan

The Dream mama there goes that man!

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