Houston Chronicle <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Moments before tipoff, with his Rockets teammates making their way to the court, Moochie Norris was in his usual position, offering a last high five or back slap before the start. The Philadelphia 76ers mascot made his way over to goof around, preparing for one of those typical NBA bits: The Sixers' mascot meets the Rockets' mascot. Norris smiled a little and turned away, no longer willing to simply be the fuzzy, lovable, cheerful character. He has returned to his previous job: point guard. "I've just grown up, gotten older," Norris said. "When I got here I was 27, 28. Now I'm 32. I'm more focused, more serious about the game. It's about winning. "It's fun while you're out there doing it. But before, I was just so excited about playing the game, I didn't focus on the actual game like I needed to. These last two years I've really started to understand how you lose and what it takes to win basketball games." When Norris made the Rockets out of the Continental Basketball Association in the 1999-2000 season, he fit in well with their style. He was a cheerful playmate for Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley and a fan favorite with an explosion of hair and fun-loving manner. But when the Rockets' style changed, he was not in good enough shape or serious enough and was sent to the New York Knicks in a move that broke up the running buddies. "I think a lot of it for anybody in this league is the players that surround you," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "We have guys that are professional and fun, and I think that's what Moochie's turned into. He's a professional. It's not like he lost his personality. But there is a time and place for everything." Understanding what Van Gundy wanted, Norris got in better shape and streamlined his game. He did not play more than a few cameos last season, but Van Gundy said he saw the difference. The change has been more obvious this preseason.</div> Source
With Sura's status in question and the lack of a quality backup point guard, Norris is one of the veterans at the position who will have to step up. He wasn't part of the rotation last year but he will have to be this season, simply out of necessity. His preseason play has been encouraging and it is definitely good to hear that he has become more serious about his game and is in better shape.
Locke - I have seen Moochie in every game he's played with the Knicks. Now he's back in Houston, and you've gotten to see him in the preseason. Can you give me an update? Last time I saw him he slowly brought the ball upcourt, wasted time dribbling around the perimeter, then with anywhere from 11 to 7 seconds left on the shotclock he'd make an absoultely useless pass. From what you've seen, has he finally changed? Is he taking the initiative to move the ball up the court faster and is he now looking to set up screens and find the open man? I'd appreciate an update, because last I saw he was dreadful.
I saw Moochie in his first stint in Houston as well, and yes, he'd run the clock down and begin passing the ball when there's five seconds left. Used to drive me crazy. As for this preseason, I can't really tell you about that because I haven't seen one game yet (not from Houston area, as you can tell). I was basing my comments on the box scores of the games he did play in and comments from other members who have been watching the preseason games. Could someone fill me in on that aspect as well? BTW, here are his box scores from his two preseason games so far. http://www.nba.com/playerfile/moochie_norr...game_stats.html
he looks ALOT faster than usual. i saw several time when he steals the ball.. he is alot better, but i'd say luther is better as a back up point guard for now
Yea i see some improvements definitely. He got more aggressive and quicker (what a pg should be). HE's one example of negative effects of fat contracts. IT's funny how he got serious when he knew he was hanging on a thread and was in danger of being cut from the team.
I've seen every preseason game except the Seattle one and I have been much impressed with Moochie...he looks more confident and stable in running an offense, has taken smart shots (he's shooting 5-8 from the floor so far), and is a LEADER out there...he doesnt waste time dribbling any more and is one of the better ballhandlers on the team in terms of breaking the press...aside from Alston, he's the one PG on the team who when he penetrates is capable of getting a good shot for anyone...he's a totatly different player than the time he was here in his first stint as a Rocket...
