http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2007/10/adelman...g_starters.html</p> Feigen blogs about who may start, and who may or may not be in the rotation. Right now, the only thing that's certain is that Yao and Tracy will start. At PF, it's going to be between Scola and Hayes. Could Adelman be considering replacing Battier with Wells in the starting lineup? Or maybe he's considering a James+Francis starting backcourt, with McGrady sliding over to SF. And who knows, maybe Alston somehow retains his starting job after all the drama.</p> <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Some Q/As. Training camp has started, and there's lots of interesting stuff here.</p> </p> The Real Private writes: When will your and Fran's NBA preview be published this year?</p> Thanks, The Real Private</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I believe it is the last Sunday before the season starts, but I'm not sure that is set. I'll let you know when I do. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> </p> <div id="c629277"> Naresh writes: Jon I heard Panathinaikos' Spanoulis is out for the game at the Toy Box. Is this true? What injury does he have?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I have heard that, too, but I have not yet done any checking. I'm sure many will assume JVG is refusing to play him. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </div> </p> albelope writes: I can't believe Bonzi. Did he actually say "I never knew none of them. I just tried to wing it every night." in reference to the rocket's play book last season? No wonder JVG never play him!!!</p> <font color="#0000ff">(That's what he said. I'm sure he was exaggerating about how many plays the Rockets had and how few he knew. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c629399"> dannyboy writes: What's your read on Bonzi? Is this the beginning of his pre-season antics, or is his injury for real? Also, is Rafer and the team just going through the motions, or does he really have a shot to compete for a spot in the rotation?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I'm sure the injury is for real. That's the concern. As much has been made about his relationship with Van Gundy, he was hurt the year before, arrived in camp with an injury last preseason, twice hurt his back and briefly had a sore foot last season. As much as people like to blame former coaches for everything, much of Bonzi's success will depend on his ability to get and stay healthy. He is carrying around about 15 fewer pounds, which should help. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c629468"> Fares writes: Is there any chance Battier isn't used as a starter? I would like to see Mcgrady start at the 3 position and would like to see someone more natural at the 2. Any chance Snyder or Wells would start at SG and have Battier coming off the bench?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Of course there are chances, though I think going small in the backcourt is more likely. Then again, I don't think reducing the minutes of a team's best defensive player is a good way to go, especially given his strong 3-point shooting last season. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c629639"> cav writes: Do you think Brooks will be used defensively to try and stop the top pg's in the west? The Rockets have always had problems defending good pg's and francis and james do not play good d.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(They better not be counting on a 5-10 rookie to be a defensive stopper against the top point guards in the west. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c629726"> Raul writes: Do you think reed, Harris, Landry, Novak, and Butler will make the team.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Obviously, not all of them. The Rockets have to cut four players, not including the release of Bob Sura. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </div> </div> </div> </p> <div id="c629802"> john writes: why are they having training camp in austin? didn't we build the toyota center and its practice gyms for?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Many teams leave town for camp. The Lakers and Warriors go to Hawaii. The Rockets have a practice gym, but the University of Texas offers a much larger facility better suited for a training camp. Camp, by the way, lasts a week. There will be six months of practices in Toyota Center. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Bryan writes: Will former Rockets GM, Carroll Dawson, continue to work with Yao throughout the season and preseason to help hone his low post skill techniques or will one of the assistant coaches take over these duties?</p> Also it looks like the Rockets will end up eating 5 contracts (with only 3 fully guaranteed) since they cant trade their unwanted players for draft picks/one good rotational player.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I'm sure CD will be involved, but the primary coaching of the Rockets big men will be handled by Jack Sikma. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Shay writes: Jon did you get a chance to see Francis a little? How does he look physically? Is he healthy? Is he still athletic as he was or did he lose most of his athleticism? He probably lost a little athleticism for sure but how did he look? Thanks Jon.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(We saw about 10 minutes of practice. He looked fine, but nothing stood out. He said he is completely healthy. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Donny writes: What's up Feigen? I probably hadn't chatted with you since the season was over. Man I was bitter. It felt like I actually lost. Although I am pro JVG, I am still very optimistic about bringing in Adelman. I'm probably more excited about the roster upgrades. I believe a coach's success also hinges on the roster he is surrounded with, and Les has surrounded Adelman with a much stronger one than Jeff had.</p> Anyway Jon, has McGrady lost weight? Did he look to be in good shape or relatively good shape? That's the big question for me. I still believe this team's success lays on him and his health. Was he visibly rusty?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(He said he dropped about 10 pounds and feels much better, quicker. I can't say if he was rusty in seeing 10 minutes of a 3 1/2 hour practice. He took two shots, an 18-footer and a tough reverse, that missed. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630426"> CK writes: Jonathan, how would you assess McGrady's defensive abilities? He's never made an All-NBA Defense team, but he seems like he's quite a good man-on-man defender, esp. since he's come to the Rockets. What do you think are his main weaknesses that keep him from making an All-Defense team, like Kobe has been on each year? Any thoughts?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(McGrady is just about as good as he chooses to be defensively. His intensity is very inconsistent. I think he is actually better than Kobe against bigger people, while Kobe is better against quickness. Kobe is clearly more reliably intense defensively, but not as much as his reputation. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630448"> Sean writes: hey i live in austin where is the camp at?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Cooley Pavilion. Practices are closed. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Kevin Umphries writes: I'm from central Cal. and watched Chuck Hayes play at Modesto Christian, followed him at Kentucky, and onto the Rockets. I'm a big fan and admittedly a little biased. I realize he's undersized, and limited offensively. However, I also feel that numbers such as rebounding rate, and winning percentage don't. It's a statistical fact that he improves teams when he's on the floor. Do you think Adelman will take this into consideration when picking starters and/or allowing playing time?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Any coach would be able to look past the things that Chuck does not do well to see all that he brings. My first impression when I got in the gym Tuesday and Wednesday was how good a player he is. A lot of the people that I have talked to that have watched all of the practices were talking, as usual, about Chuck. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630537"> Donny writes: You hit it on the nose Jon. McGrady can lock down anyone(including Kobe-I've seen it), when he wants to. It's almost like someone has to piss him off, and then he'll REALLY lock up. Bonzi used to be a strong defender, and Battier busts it every night on D. Kobe's defensive reputation actually outweighs his defense. Many shooting guards have dropped "fitty" on KB, like Arenas, Allan Houston, Mike Redd, and Ray Allan. But this is about Rocket camp, we'll worry about LA opening night. Jon, what is the general consensus on Scola?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(It's too soon to draw conclusions, but he has done good things. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630557"> Derrick writes: Do you think Scola will play center any times.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Absolutely. Adelman likes to use different combinations and has already gone with two forwards on the floor a lot with Yao not here. Whether Chuck or Scola will be at the five in plays, I think they will be on the court together at times. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630713"> Sean writes: Hey same guy that wanted to be snuck in by you..2 more questions..1)what time is the practice and 2) do they come out and hang out in austin..id be happy to buy some bbq at stubbs and then a few rounds at 6th....as long as rafer leaves the blades at home</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I imagine they might be seen around town, but I would look to go more upscale than Stubbs. That's more my speed. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630717"> Deepak writes: Jonathan, I'm a big Chuck Hayes fan and have been since he joined the team mid-season from the summer league. Can you tell us some more about what the people (scouts, coaches, etc.) you've talked to think of him? I remember hearing you say a year back on the radio that one scout told you he considered Chuck to be a premier defensive player. I'd love to hear some more tidbits like that (good or bad). Thanks.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(One of the guys yesterday was raving that when Hayes gets on the court, his team immediately starts pulling away. Today, there was a lot of talk about his passing. I'll have more later in the week. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630723"> Angel writes: Do you think there is any possibility that the Rockets might trade 4 or 5 players for Shawn Marion or Jermaine O'Neal if they are put on <font color="#0000ff"><font color="#000000">the block?</font> </font></p> <font color="#0000ff">(No. Teams don't want a pile of Rockets' leftovers in exchange for All Stars. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630775"> Mike writes: Jon what was the biggest thing that you noticed on day 2. Any suprises? I know its too early to reach any conclusions but we are dying here for any tidbits you can throw out.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(Chuck Hayes looked great. Justin Reed did some good things both days. Battier had a very strong drive and James hit a few tough jumpers yesterday. By the time we got in the room today, Francis and McGrady were done, and guys were tiring. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> <div id="c630778"> Joseph writes: How many Season wins do you realistically see the Rockets winning?</p> Do you think 60 is too high, because I believe it is important to get a top 3 seed in the Western Conference, so we can play against a team that is in the bottom half of the West, rather than an equal team like the Jazz last year.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I think 60 might be a few too many to predict. A lot might depend on how quickly things fall into place. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Willske writes: This is off-topic, sorry about that but I didnt know where else to ask. I was wondering (being Australian) whether or not the Rockets send anyone (scouts or someone else) to check out there second round draft pick - Brad Newley? Do you have any info about whether he is close (year or 2) from getting asked to go over to the US? He plays for Sydney and he just dominates in the NBL (its far from being as hard as the NBA). How do you think he played in the Summer League?</p> <font color="#0000ff">(The Rockets usually do keep tabs on their overseas picks, and I'm sure will scout him on occasion. He struggled in Las Vegas, although I heard good things about his play in the practices. I have not asked about his timetable, but I would think a lot of factors, including how the Rockets' roster evolves, could help determine that. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> Jamarcus writes: i really appreciate all the info you give to us fans great job. are the rockets still looking to deal for lucas or is he not in any trade talks right now. if so do you know the teams and/or players being talk about regarding him. go rockets beat dallas and san antonio</p> thank you</p> <font color="#0000ff">(They would like to deal him, but right now, there is nothing cooking. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> David writes: I understand you only get to see a limited amount of practice but have heard from people who saw more. So, I'm wondering if you've heard anything specific about the performance of the following guys: Battier, Alston and Butler.</p> Thanks.</p> <font color="#0000ff">(I did not ask about them specifically, but I know that Adelman has been pleased and a bit surprised with the play of the point guards, including Alston. -- Jonathan)</font></p> </p> </div> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
