First, the important news. We now know 9-of-17 Vipers Training Camp players. For a complete team-by-team list, click here.
Second, the Rockets. Up in Houston for the Rockets opener. It was a great game, although there were shades of the road opener in Los Angeles. Sizable lead early, struggles in the second half. There were some differences, though. Aaron Brooks struggled mightily. Kyle Lowry wasn't very sharp in his first action of the season. All things that we know will improve. Just have to be patient.
Luis Scola was awesome again. During the pre-season, I was thinking Dwight Howard for MVP. After a few games, I was thinking Rajon Rondo. Now I'm thinking Scola...
On the Nuggets side, Carmelo Anthony wasn't the star... it was Al Harrington. He had 28 points. A thought crossed my mind early in the game – 'Man, Harrington is the most underrated player in the NBA.' Then I thought about it a little more and realized that every shot Harrington hit was wide open. Not that that's his fault. Actually, it's quite the credit to the Denver offense that they were able to get him wide open so many times. If he wasn't wide open so much, does he still score 28 points? Do the Nuggets still win?
Overall, the game was fun. Clutch was incredible as always. The Red Rowdies were... well... rowdy. There were a lot of cool in-game promotions and the fans were into it. It was a close game until the end.
I sat in the fifth row of club seats behind the Rockets bench on the baseline. Just a few feet from me was Rockets GM Daryl Morey. He was sitting with his family and reacting to the game just like a fan would. When he walked up the stairs, I waved (he was one row behind me), he kinda acknowledged, then as he got closer he stopped, took another look, realized who I am, waved again and this time greeted me verbally. It's a pretty cool feeling.
After Brooks hit his first bucket, I screamed something along the lines of, "We miss you in the Rio Grande Valley! Come back!" Daryl took a look and smiled. A few fans around chuckled. But the one thing I realized over the weekend, a lot of fans in Houston know who the Vipers are. Now that's a pretty cool feeling.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dampier Update from Feigen's Twitter
Jonathan_Feigen Jonathan Feigen
Still no deal to open a roster spot for Dampier. Rox had an offer for Ish Smith late in camp. Jermaine Taylor has not played in 1st 2 gms.
Jonathan_Feigen Jonathan Feigen
Rockets do have an agreement with Erick Dampier, after a month on it and about four days in which they were close. One-year deal.#hounews
Dampier Getting Ready for Lift Off?
I'm currently sitting on the floor at Toyota Center (actually, I'm in one of the coach's seats on the bench) observing an incredible Read to Achieve event. I'm up here with Bert and Liana to get some ideas for use in the Rio Grande Valley.
I opened up my e-mail and found a handy dandy Google Alert (thank you Benny for turning me onto those) for Rio Grande Valley Vipers linking to this article.
I haven't found anyone to ask yet about the validity if the article. And, let's be honest. If it is valid I can't blog about it until they announce. If isn't, well, then it's a non-story anyway. So we continue to wait.
Once I read the article, I immediately went to the Houston Chronicle. Nothing. I checked Jonathan Feigen's twitter. Nothing. The way I see it, if it's happening with the Rockets, Feigen will know about it and have it up quickly. He breaks a lot of stories for the Rockets. So I won't believe the report until I hear it from him.
Still, it makes you wonder...
I opened up my e-mail and found a handy dandy Google Alert (thank you Benny for turning me onto those) for Rio Grande Valley Vipers linking to this article.
I haven't found anyone to ask yet about the validity if the article. And, let's be honest. If it is valid I can't blog about it until they announce. If isn't, well, then it's a non-story anyway. So we continue to wait.
Once I read the article, I immediately went to the Houston Chronicle. Nothing. I checked Jonathan Feigen's twitter. Nothing. The way I see it, if it's happening with the Rockets, Feigen will know about it and have it up quickly. He breaks a lot of stories for the Rockets. So I won't believe the report until I hear it from him.
Still, it makes you wonder...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Team to Beat
Thank You Toros Nation. Not only for saying it, but also for listening to the show last week. This week's show will feature co-host Paul Mokeski. The Vipers assistant coach is subbing-in for Coach Finch, who is enjoying real deep dish pizza in Chicago before going to Houston for the draft.
6-to-7 p.m. on 104.9 Jack FM (95.3 FM on South Padre Island).
It's always better live, but if you miss anything or want to hear it again, tune in here.
This week we're going to talk about those opening night rosters, the Rockets' start, the Vipers' pre-season, Coach Mokeski's adventures around the world, Stanley Asumnu's summer apprenticeship in the Vipers front office, and we'll top it off with the Top 10 Things that will go through Coach Finch's head during the NBA Development League Draft on Monday.
6-to-7 p.m. on 104.9 Jack FM (95.3 FM on South Padre Island).
It's always better live, but if you miss anything or want to hear it again, tune in here.
This week we're going to talk about those opening night rosters, the Rockets' start, the Vipers' pre-season, Coach Mokeski's adventures around the world, Stanley Asumnu's summer apprenticeship in the Vipers front office, and we'll top it off with the Top 10 Things that will go through Coach Finch's head during the NBA Development League Draft on Monday.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Live Blog: Rockets @ Lakers – Season Opener from Pepper's
9:18 – Well, actually the season opener's at STAPLES Center. But I'm sitting at Pepper's with some Vipers staff and fans (including Stephen, who is sitting to my left eating something that looks really good... I'm waiting for my food). I want to point out that I picked the Celtics to beat the Heat. The difference in that game, and perhaps many Heat losses this year (many not meaning they will lose a lot of games, but many meaning the majority of those they do lose) will be the point guard position. The difference was Rajon Rondo. He had a career-high 17 assists. Sure, he only had four points and five rebounds, but none of that matters. He is THE REASON the Celtics beat the Heat. Offense by committee does NOT work. Who started at point guard today for the Heat? On the stat sheet it says Carlos Arroyo, but he has a lot of 0s in the box. No assists. LeBron and Wade can't be co-point guards. It can't happen that way. Too many chefs but not enough recipes.
9:25 – Gosh, that took me seven minutes to write? Well, Analee, one of my radio show co-hosts, showed up and is now flanking me to my right. Only a few minutes until the Rockets tip-off!
9:26 – By the way, I'm calling it right now. The Rockets are going to beat the Lakers.
9:27 – By the way, $2 draft and $5 appetizers during the Rockets game. Get to Pepper's now! ... David Stern is hosting the Championship ceremony. Time to give out the rings. I can't wait to see Vipers alum Shannon Brown get his.
9:29 – Just think, in a couple of weeks, we get to do this too!
9:35 – SHANNON BROWN!!!!!
9:37 – Okay, that's it, no more Lakers. Let's Go Rockets!
9:59 – The spinach and pepperoni pizza at Pepper's is really good. And we're tied 9-9 four and a half minutes into the game. This is going to be a good back and forth contest.
10:00 – K-Mart just dialed up long distance. He's going to score 30 tonight. And how about Aaron Brooks stopping on a fast break to nail a three? One way to avoid Derek Fisher. 6-0 run for the Rockets, 15-9.... TIMEOUT LAKERS!
10:06 – Yao Ming just totally DOMINATED Ron Artest. Rebound over him, turnover, but two blocked shots before getting lifted for Brad Miller.
10:09 – The Lakers have gone to Pau Gasol twice in a row. They will probably keep going to him until either Yao comes back in or Miller proves he can stop him. Can he? Time will tell.
10:13 – TNT informs us the Rockets are getting outscored in the front court 20-4, yet lead 27-22 with 2:17 left.
10:17 – Shannon Brown just hit a long two
10:18 – Aaron Brooks just hit a three with 0.5 seconds left to give the Rockets a 33-26 lead after one quarter. Brooks already has 15 points. You remember how he said his goal is to repeat as NBA's Most Improved Player? hmm....
10:24 – It occurs to me that Brooks has played every minute of the game. Kyle Lowry is inactive with back spasms. I wonder how hard Ishmael Smith's heart is beating right now.
10:30 – Smith's in. So is Yao.
10:32 – Courtney Lee just went coast-to-coast for a dunk. That was suh-weet!
10:35 – Stephen points out to me the Lakers are on an 8-0 run. 48-43 Rockets. Timeout Houston.
10:44 – Just got distracted by a friend who works for DHR. I look back at the TV and it's a commercial break. I'd better check someone's live blog for the score... oh... wait...
10:47 – 57-47 Rockets. Woo. Almost halftime.
10:49 – Did you know Phoenix and Portland are playing tonight too? I did not.
10:50 – I respectively disagree with the Technical Foul call on Kevin Martin. I mean, does that really count as an air punch or karate chop? I mean, it wasn't in an official's face. It was a motion of "dang it." Nothing threatening.
10:52 – 62-51 Rockets at halftime!!! Kevin Martin has 19 points, Aaron Brooks has 18 points. Told you so. Gasol has 12 points. I think he had that late in the first quarter. That's a good sign.
11:12 – Just got home. Perfect timing. Third quarter just started. I really don't like weekday west coast games. I mean... it's bed time! If the Rockets win it will be worth it, though. By the way, I'm not sure what to think of LeBron's never ending half-time ad. The message was inconclusive and confusing. If he was trying to use it to rebuild his image after the fallout from "The Decision," I would suggest he try something else, like not talking about it all with the hopes people won't think about it so much.
11:33 – I've been very impressed by the way Rick Adelman is handling Yao's 24-minute limit. Looks like it's basically six minutes per quarter.
11:41 – 82-77 Rockets after three. That new kid for the Lakers, Steve Blake, just hit back-to-back threes to make it a game again.
11:46 – So... Brooks and Martin combined for three points in the third quarter...
11:47 – Do the Lakers get to wear that Championship patch on their jerseys (left shoulder) all season? If so... can we do that?
11:48 – For all the talk of Yao Ming's 24 minute limit, he has four minutes to go... or one foul. Whichever comes first.
11:52 – Beautiful shot of a packed STAPLES Center. It's a shame the Vipers won't get to play there this year, although, it was never really packed for the D-Fenders...
11:53 – Smith is back in... Now I'm conflicted. Shannon Brown gave the Lakers the lead, so, booo. But, it is a Vipers alum, so, yay? 88-86 Lakers. Under nine minuets left.
11:54 – Brown just hit a buzzer-beating trey. 91-86 Lakers. So conflicted.
11:56 – Yao slam for an answer. He has one minute left in this game. You think Phil Jackson is keeping track of that on the Lakers bench? Maybe the Rockets shouldn't have announced it was going to be 24 minutes and just let it happen. At least at first teams wouldn't know that there's a magic number when the Rockets lose their All-Star center for the rest of the game.
11:58 – Well, it doesn't end up mattering. Yao just fouled out in the 24th minute. He played 23:21.
MIDNIGHT – I should really be asleep. Six minutes left. Rockets trail by a deuce, and after a non-costly turnover, Brown drains another three. Who needs Kobe? Brown just hit another one. This is getting ridiculous. Timeout Houston. The former-Viper is dismantling his former team's parent club. For the record, Brown was assigned to the Vipers by the Cavs back when they were a parent club too.
12:04 – You know what I was just thinking? How similar Brown's game is to Antonio Anderson's. It took Brown a while to establish himself in the NBA. He was with several teams and didn't look like he'd pan out, but found a niche with the Lakers. The big thing for Brown was the development of his three-point shot. If Anderson can develop that portion of his game, he could be the next Brown.
12:10 – Luis Scola's really struggling at this point in the game. Anyone else remember when the Rockets led by 15? 103-97 Lakers, 2:48 left.
12:14 – K-Mart trey. He has 26. He needs four more to reach my prediction of 30. If the Rockets can get some stops, those four points would tie the game.
12:15 – Scola bucket makes it a two-point game, but Kobe responds with his first bucket of the fourth quarter (plus a free throw). 107-102 LAL
12:16 – Scola board and a bucket. Here he goes. 1:30 left.
12:17 – Scola now has 16 and 16. Great slash by Brooks to make it a one-point game. One minute left.
12:18 – SCOLA!!! 29.5 left, 110-109 Rockets!!!!
12:19 – Blake just hit another three. Man that kid is good. 18.8 seconds left, 112-110 Lakers. Timeout Rockets. Okay, so what do you do now? Go for the tie or go for the win? What's the saying? Go for the tie at home and the win on the road? Or is it the other way around? I don't know. My philosophy, home or road, is you have to tie it before you can win. With that said, if Brooks or Martin is given an open three... take it. But I'm probably looking for Scola right now for the tie. Shane Battier is a wild card for a three as well.
12:21 – The only problem with going for Scola, like the Rockets did and I said I would've done too, is that he got double-teamed. Did a good job of spinning away from it and getting a decent, albeit contested look at a hook shot. Rebound thrown out of bounds with 2.4 seconds left. Hard to say if Odom or maybe Brooks was the last to touch it on the way out.
12:23 – People can say, man, I wish Yao was available now. Others can respond, minutes restrictions or not, he fouled out. Just remember, without the minutes restrictions, Yao is probably pulled before fouling out. It would be really nice to have him available right now... Oh well, it is what it is. Good teams adapt.
12:25 – It's off Odom! Rockets ball! 2.4 seconds left! They've got a chance. That's all they can ask for.
12:26 – Aaron Brooks can't inbound past Pau Gasol from the corner. The Rockets call their final timeout (:20, which is really at least :30 since there's a commercial break involved).
12:27 – Shane Battier to inbound this time. Found Brooks underneath, but Blake stopped him cleanly. No foul. Lakers win 112-110.
12:28 – Well, that was disappointing and awesome all at once. On the one hand, the Rockets led for most of the game and let it slip away late. The Rockets had a chance to open up the season with a win at the home of the defending champions, so it's frustrating to fall short. On the other hand, the Rockets, who were 42-40 last year, almost just beat the defending champs on their home court. Yao's still healthy, and a pair of former-Vipers (Brooks and Brown) excelled.
Lots of games left on the schedule.
9:25 – Gosh, that took me seven minutes to write? Well, Analee, one of my radio show co-hosts, showed up and is now flanking me to my right. Only a few minutes until the Rockets tip-off!
9:26 – By the way, I'm calling it right now. The Rockets are going to beat the Lakers.
9:27 – By the way, $2 draft and $5 appetizers during the Rockets game. Get to Pepper's now! ... David Stern is hosting the Championship ceremony. Time to give out the rings. I can't wait to see Vipers alum Shannon Brown get his.
9:29 – Just think, in a couple of weeks, we get to do this too!
9:35 – SHANNON BROWN!!!!!
9:37 – Okay, that's it, no more Lakers. Let's Go Rockets!
9:59 – The spinach and pepperoni pizza at Pepper's is really good. And we're tied 9-9 four and a half minutes into the game. This is going to be a good back and forth contest.
10:00 – K-Mart just dialed up long distance. He's going to score 30 tonight. And how about Aaron Brooks stopping on a fast break to nail a three? One way to avoid Derek Fisher. 6-0 run for the Rockets, 15-9.... TIMEOUT LAKERS!
10:06 – Yao Ming just totally DOMINATED Ron Artest. Rebound over him, turnover, but two blocked shots before getting lifted for Brad Miller.
10:09 – The Lakers have gone to Pau Gasol twice in a row. They will probably keep going to him until either Yao comes back in or Miller proves he can stop him. Can he? Time will tell.
10:13 – TNT informs us the Rockets are getting outscored in the front court 20-4, yet lead 27-22 with 2:17 left.
10:17 – Shannon Brown just hit a long two
10:18 – Aaron Brooks just hit a three with 0.5 seconds left to give the Rockets a 33-26 lead after one quarter. Brooks already has 15 points. You remember how he said his goal is to repeat as NBA's Most Improved Player? hmm....
10:24 – It occurs to me that Brooks has played every minute of the game. Kyle Lowry is inactive with back spasms. I wonder how hard Ishmael Smith's heart is beating right now.
10:30 – Smith's in. So is Yao.
10:32 – Courtney Lee just went coast-to-coast for a dunk. That was suh-weet!
10:35 – Stephen points out to me the Lakers are on an 8-0 run. 48-43 Rockets. Timeout Houston.
10:44 – Just got distracted by a friend who works for DHR. I look back at the TV and it's a commercial break. I'd better check someone's live blog for the score... oh... wait...
10:47 – 57-47 Rockets. Woo. Almost halftime.
10:49 – Did you know Phoenix and Portland are playing tonight too? I did not.
10:50 – I respectively disagree with the Technical Foul call on Kevin Martin. I mean, does that really count as an air punch or karate chop? I mean, it wasn't in an official's face. It was a motion of "dang it." Nothing threatening.
10:52 – 62-51 Rockets at halftime!!! Kevin Martin has 19 points, Aaron Brooks has 18 points. Told you so. Gasol has 12 points. I think he had that late in the first quarter. That's a good sign.
11:12 – Just got home. Perfect timing. Third quarter just started. I really don't like weekday west coast games. I mean... it's bed time! If the Rockets win it will be worth it, though. By the way, I'm not sure what to think of LeBron's never ending half-time ad. The message was inconclusive and confusing. If he was trying to use it to rebuild his image after the fallout from "The Decision," I would suggest he try something else, like not talking about it all with the hopes people won't think about it so much.
11:33 – I've been very impressed by the way Rick Adelman is handling Yao's 24-minute limit. Looks like it's basically six minutes per quarter.
11:41 – 82-77 Rockets after three. That new kid for the Lakers, Steve Blake, just hit back-to-back threes to make it a game again.
11:46 – So... Brooks and Martin combined for three points in the third quarter...
11:47 – Do the Lakers get to wear that Championship patch on their jerseys (left shoulder) all season? If so... can we do that?
11:48 – For all the talk of Yao Ming's 24 minute limit, he has four minutes to go... or one foul. Whichever comes first.
11:52 – Beautiful shot of a packed STAPLES Center. It's a shame the Vipers won't get to play there this year, although, it was never really packed for the D-Fenders...
11:53 – Smith is back in... Now I'm conflicted. Shannon Brown gave the Lakers the lead, so, booo. But, it is a Vipers alum, so, yay? 88-86 Lakers. Under nine minuets left.
11:54 – Brown just hit a buzzer-beating trey. 91-86 Lakers. So conflicted.
11:56 – Yao slam for an answer. He has one minute left in this game. You think Phil Jackson is keeping track of that on the Lakers bench? Maybe the Rockets shouldn't have announced it was going to be 24 minutes and just let it happen. At least at first teams wouldn't know that there's a magic number when the Rockets lose their All-Star center for the rest of the game.
11:58 – Well, it doesn't end up mattering. Yao just fouled out in the 24th minute. He played 23:21.
MIDNIGHT – I should really be asleep. Six minutes left. Rockets trail by a deuce, and after a non-costly turnover, Brown drains another three. Who needs Kobe? Brown just hit another one. This is getting ridiculous. Timeout Houston. The former-Viper is dismantling his former team's parent club. For the record, Brown was assigned to the Vipers by the Cavs back when they were a parent club too.
12:04 – You know what I was just thinking? How similar Brown's game is to Antonio Anderson's. It took Brown a while to establish himself in the NBA. He was with several teams and didn't look like he'd pan out, but found a niche with the Lakers. The big thing for Brown was the development of his three-point shot. If Anderson can develop that portion of his game, he could be the next Brown.
12:10 – Luis Scola's really struggling at this point in the game. Anyone else remember when the Rockets led by 15? 103-97 Lakers, 2:48 left.
12:14 – K-Mart trey. He has 26. He needs four more to reach my prediction of 30. If the Rockets can get some stops, those four points would tie the game.
12:15 – Scola bucket makes it a two-point game, but Kobe responds with his first bucket of the fourth quarter (plus a free throw). 107-102 LAL
12:16 – Scola board and a bucket. Here he goes. 1:30 left.
12:17 – Scola now has 16 and 16. Great slash by Brooks to make it a one-point game. One minute left.
12:18 – SCOLA!!! 29.5 left, 110-109 Rockets!!!!
12:19 – Blake just hit another three. Man that kid is good. 18.8 seconds left, 112-110 Lakers. Timeout Rockets. Okay, so what do you do now? Go for the tie or go for the win? What's the saying? Go for the tie at home and the win on the road? Or is it the other way around? I don't know. My philosophy, home or road, is you have to tie it before you can win. With that said, if Brooks or Martin is given an open three... take it. But I'm probably looking for Scola right now for the tie. Shane Battier is a wild card for a three as well.
12:21 – The only problem with going for Scola, like the Rockets did and I said I would've done too, is that he got double-teamed. Did a good job of spinning away from it and getting a decent, albeit contested look at a hook shot. Rebound thrown out of bounds with 2.4 seconds left. Hard to say if Odom or maybe Brooks was the last to touch it on the way out.
12:23 – People can say, man, I wish Yao was available now. Others can respond, minutes restrictions or not, he fouled out. Just remember, without the minutes restrictions, Yao is probably pulled before fouling out. It would be really nice to have him available right now... Oh well, it is what it is. Good teams adapt.
12:25 – It's off Odom! Rockets ball! 2.4 seconds left! They've got a chance. That's all they can ask for.
12:26 – Aaron Brooks can't inbound past Pau Gasol from the corner. The Rockets call their final timeout (:20, which is really at least :30 since there's a commercial break involved).
12:27 – Shane Battier to inbound this time. Found Brooks underneath, but Blake stopped him cleanly. No foul. Lakers win 112-110.
12:28 – Well, that was disappointing and awesome all at once. On the one hand, the Rockets led for most of the game and let it slip away late. The Rockets had a chance to open up the season with a win at the home of the defending champions, so it's frustrating to fall short. On the other hand, the Rockets, who were 42-40 last year, almost just beat the defending champs on their home court. Yao's still healthy, and a pair of former-Vipers (Brooks and Brown) excelled.
Lots of games left on the schedule.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Shoes
Wondering what those performance enhancing shoes (not Shus) we were talking about today look like? Click here.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Step Inside the Vipers Nest
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
The unofficial beginning of Vipers season is Thursday with the return of the everyone's favorite radio show, Inside the Vipers Nest.
Tune in from 6-to-7:00 p.m. as Coach Finch, Analee Flores and I turn Jack FM (104.9 FM or 95.3 FM on SPI) on it's head.
Some of the topics:
Fun stories from across the pond
Jr. Snake Charmers
Vipers in the NBA
What more can Will Conroy, Craig Winder and Mike Harris do?
To go overseas or to follow the NBA Dream... or both? Is that possible?
The importance of a good education and a backup plan
And we'll close with the Top 10 Reasons to become a Vipers Season Ticket Holder
Join the conversation by calling 1-866-598-5267!
This show is going to be a blast.
--
Happy 40th Birthday to Assistant Coach Jai Steadman!
The unofficial beginning of Vipers season is Thursday with the return of the everyone's favorite radio show, Inside the Vipers Nest.
Tune in from 6-to-7:00 p.m. as Coach Finch, Analee Flores and I turn Jack FM (104.9 FM or 95.3 FM on SPI) on it's head.Some of the topics:
Fun stories from across the pond
Jr. Snake Charmers
Vipers in the NBA
What more can Will Conroy, Craig Winder and Mike Harris do?
To go overseas or to follow the NBA Dream... or both? Is that possible?
The importance of a good education and a backup plan
And we'll close with the Top 10 Reasons to become a Vipers Season Ticket Holder
Join the conversation by calling 1-866-598-5267!
This show is going to be a blast.
--
Happy 40th Birthday to Assistant Coach Jai Steadman!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Congrats to Ishmael Smith
I don't want to sound bitter. It's no secret that I was rooting for Mike Harris to make the Rockets, but, based on all accounts I had of Ishmael Smith, and what I've seen in person and on TV, I think the Rockets made a good decision.
Rockets Waive Four Players
HOUSTON Daryl Morey announced today that the team has waived guard Antonio Anderson, forward Mike Harris, forward Alexander Johnson and guard Jerel McNeal.
Now we wait to see if Mike and/or Antonio will return to the Vipers, after getting so close to making an NBA roster, or if they will head overseas. It all depends on what they value.
This wasn't Mike's first shot at the NBA. He spent a considerable amount of time with the Rockets in 2008 and had three GATORADE Call-Ups last year. So he's had many opportunities, but he's obviously close. But does that make him a fringe player? Too good for the NBA D-League, and not quite NBA caliber? If Harris stays, does he get a few GATORADE Call-Ups, go to NBA Training Camp next year and then just keep repeating the cycle? Or maybe someone finally gives him the minutes he deserves and he becomes a full-fledged NBA player.
Anderson's now a second-year player. He was the last cut out of Bobcats camp last year. He earned a pair of 10-day contracts with the Oklahoma City Thunder and then played for the Bobcats and Denver Nuggets during NBA Summer League. From there to Houston Rockets training camp, but now, just like last year, cut during the last round of cuts.
Anderson is tantalizingly close to the NBA. If he comes back, does he get a better shot than last year, when the Thunder only let Anderson play 15 minutes in one game, but otherwise didn't even dress him? Perhaps Anderson will get a chance to show he can belong on an NBA team and play at that level.
It's tricky. Playing overseas means a bigger payout now, but significantly hurts the NBA dream. Waiting it out is risky, but if it works, an NBA career certainly has higher potential earning power. And, beyond that, it's playing in the NBA.
What would you do?
Rockets Waive Four Players
The Houston
Now we wait to see if Mike and/or Antonio will return to the Vipers, after getting so close to making an NBA roster, or if they will head overseas. It all depends on what they value.
This wasn't Mike's first shot at the NBA. He spent a considerable amount of time with the Rockets in 2008 and had three GATORADE Call-Ups last year. So he's had many opportunities, but he's obviously close. But does that make him a fringe player? Too good for the NBA D-League, and not quite NBA caliber? If Harris stays, does he get a few GATORADE Call-Ups, go to NBA Training Camp next year and then just keep repeating the cycle? Or maybe someone finally gives him the minutes he deserves and he becomes a full-fledged NBA player.
Anderson's now a second-year player. He was the last cut out of Bobcats camp last year. He earned a pair of 10-day contracts with the Oklahoma City Thunder and then played for the Bobcats and Denver Nuggets during NBA Summer League. From there to Houston Rockets training camp, but now, just like last year, cut during the last round of cuts.
Anderson is tantalizingly close to the NBA. If he comes back, does he get a better shot than last year, when the Thunder only let Anderson play 15 minutes in one game, but otherwise didn't even dress him? Perhaps Anderson will get a chance to show he can belong on an NBA team and play at that level.
It's tricky. Playing overseas means a bigger payout now, but significantly hurts the NBA dream. Waiting it out is risky, but if it works, an NBA career certainly has higher potential earning power. And, beyond that, it's playing in the NBA.
What would you do?
So Long Curtis Jerrells
This just came down from the Spurs:
What it means is that the Vipers will probably never have to deal with Jerrells again. New Orleans doesn't really assign players to the NBA Development League (which is a shame, since they obviously see the value it had for Jerrells), so don't expect to see Jerrells down with New Mexico anytime soon.
EDIT – I'm ready to eat my words about Jerrells not going to New Mexico. No one's told me he's going to be assigned, but it just occurred to me that Dell Demps, who was the GM of the Toros last year, is the in his first season as GM of the Hornets. Based on that, I fully expect the Hornets to finally start using the NBA Development League to their advantage.
More importantly, it pretty much sealed the deal that Garrett Temple will make the team. Now that I ever had any doubt, but, I have to admit, when Temple hurt is ankle during Summer League and Jerrells got a bigger opportunity to show what he can do, I got a little nervous. But as I've said many times, Temple will never be back in the NBA Development League. He's going to have a nice long NBA career.
SPURS TRADE CURTIS JERRELLS TO NEW ORLEANS
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have traded Curtis Jerrells to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for a conditional second round draft pick.
Jerrells, a 6-0 guard, was signed by the Spurs on March 24, 2010, but did not see any action with San Antonio during the regular season or playoffs. During the 2010 preseason he appeared in five games with the Spurs, averaging 6.4 points, 2.2 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 15.8 minutes. Jerrells also played on the Spurs 2010 Summer League team in Las Vegas, averaging 10.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes in five games.
During the 2009-10 season Jerrells started all 50 games for the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, averaging 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.86 steals in 40.2 minutes.
What it means is that the Vipers will probably never have to deal with Jerrells again. New Orleans doesn't really assign players to the NBA Development League (which is a shame, since they obviously see the value it had for Jerrells), so don't expect to see Jerrells down with New Mexico anytime soon.
EDIT – I'm ready to eat my words about Jerrells not going to New Mexico. No one's told me he's going to be assigned, but it just occurred to me that Dell Demps, who was the GM of the Toros last year, is the in his first season as GM of the Hornets. Based on that, I fully expect the Hornets to finally start using the NBA Development League to their advantage.
More importantly, it pretty much sealed the deal that Garrett Temple will make the team. Now that I ever had any doubt, but, I have to admit, when Temple hurt is ankle during Summer League and Jerrells got a bigger opportunity to show what he can do, I got a little nervous. But as I've said many times, Temple will never be back in the NBA Development League. He's going to have a nice long NBA career.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Smart Fellas
I'm watching game one of the Giants-Phillies NLCS right now and Joe Buck said that one of the Giants (I think he gave a name, but I missed it) said something along the lines of "we're just a bunch of idiots who might be crazy enough to pull this off." Tim McCarver then mentioned how the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox called themselves a bunch of idiots.
I know it's the players saying this stuff, and not the PR machines, but it made me think about the fact that, in the NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League, we don't give players' hometowns, we give their colleges. Ever look at the program inserts, game notes or roster cards I create for games? Ever look at a basketball team's online roster? We always list the college the player attended.
They do that in football too, not so much in baseball or hockey. And while it would be easy to argue that's because of the popularity of college basketball and football compared to that of baseball and hockey, let's be honest, the NBA and the NFL don't need help marketing their product by relying on the fact these guys played on the national stage in college.
The way I see it? I'm damn proud that these players went to college and to some good ones. Whenever I interview a player I always ask what they studied and what they might one day do with that. I would not be happy if a Vipers player ever referred to the team as a bunch of idiots. It's a poor use of the word. You want to say you're relaxed or free and easy, then say that. But a bunch of idiots? What kind of message does that send to the kids at home?
This is reason #768 that I find Stanley Asumnu to be an inspiration. Did you know he stayed an extra semester at Tennessee after basketball was over? He didn't stay to play football (although he did play). He stayed to finish his degree. He could've easily gone pro right away, maybe entered the NBA D-League sooner or gone overseas for a year. But he realized the importance of a good education and having a degree. This off-season he's been functioning as a member of our front office and doing a great job.
Did you know that Jonathan Wallace has been accepted to Georgetown Law School? He deferred his acceptance to pursue his NBA dream. But if basketball doesn't work out? He'll go right back to school and become a lawyer. He went to Georgetown undergrad too. He walked onto the team, so it's not like he got in because he's good at sports (something that isn't always possible at top schools). He got in because he has a brain.
The list goes on, but I think you get the point. That's why I'm proud to be a Viper. We don't just provide family-affordable entertainment, but we have players who can serve as role models. They're all college graduates. If basketball doesn't work out, none of them will have trouble finding work. They're smart guys. They understand the importance of getting a good education, and hopefully kids in the Valley see that and follow their example.
I know it's the players saying this stuff, and not the PR machines, but it made me think about the fact that, in the NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League, we don't give players' hometowns, we give their colleges. Ever look at the program inserts, game notes or roster cards I create for games? Ever look at a basketball team's online roster? We always list the college the player attended.
They do that in football too, not so much in baseball or hockey. And while it would be easy to argue that's because of the popularity of college basketball and football compared to that of baseball and hockey, let's be honest, the NBA and the NFL don't need help marketing their product by relying on the fact these guys played on the national stage in college.
The way I see it? I'm damn proud that these players went to college and to some good ones. Whenever I interview a player I always ask what they studied and what they might one day do with that. I would not be happy if a Vipers player ever referred to the team as a bunch of idiots. It's a poor use of the word. You want to say you're relaxed or free and easy, then say that. But a bunch of idiots? What kind of message does that send to the kids at home?
This is reason #768 that I find Stanley Asumnu to be an inspiration. Did you know he stayed an extra semester at Tennessee after basketball was over? He didn't stay to play football (although he did play). He stayed to finish his degree. He could've easily gone pro right away, maybe entered the NBA D-League sooner or gone overseas for a year. But he realized the importance of a good education and having a degree. This off-season he's been functioning as a member of our front office and doing a great job.
Did you know that Jonathan Wallace has been accepted to Georgetown Law School? He deferred his acceptance to pursue his NBA dream. But if basketball doesn't work out? He'll go right back to school and become a lawyer. He went to Georgetown undergrad too. He walked onto the team, so it's not like he got in because he's good at sports (something that isn't always possible at top schools). He got in because he has a brain.
The list goes on, but I think you get the point. That's why I'm proud to be a Viper. We don't just provide family-affordable entertainment, but we have players who can serve as role models. They're all college graduates. If basketball doesn't work out, none of them will have trouble finding work. They're smart guys. They understand the importance of getting a good education, and hopefully kids in the Valley see that and follow their example.
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Season Approaches
It's amazing how every time you turn around there's something coming up quickly. Last year, after RGV Rocket Launch was over, we had nearly two months until the home opener. This year it's closer to one. Instead of going from October 8-to-December 3 without a game (no counting Vipers exhibitions), we're going from October 6-to-around mid-November without a game. Talk about speeding things up.
I like it, though. I don't like time off, and when the off-season hits, the only thing I want to know is next year's schedule and when we can get back to games. Game nights are my favorites because we get to make something memorable happen every single night.
--
In other news, the draft is approaching. November 1st is Draft Day. My good friend and former assistant Benny Gordon-Goldstein, who is now my counterpart in New Mexico, put together a Mock Draft. It's pretty cool. Check it out.
I like it, though. I don't like time off, and when the off-season hits, the only thing I want to know is next year's schedule and when we can get back to games. Game nights are my favorites because we get to make something memorable happen every single night.
--
In other news, the draft is approaching. November 1st is Draft Day. My good friend and former assistant Benny Gordon-Goldstein, who is now my counterpart in New Mexico, put together a Mock Draft. It's pretty cool. Check it out.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
First Cuts in Houston
The Rockets waived center Jordan Egleseder and power forward Patrick Sullivan before the game today.
With 14 players under contract, there is one open spot. The assumption now is there are four players competing for that one spot (though the Rockets carried 14 last year):
Mike Harris
Antonio Anderson
Ishmael Smith
Alexander Johnson
Three D-Leaguers (two Vipers, one Skyforce) and one rookie.
What the waivings tell you is that Jordan Hill is going to see big minutes this year. Yao's limited, Brad Miller is currently dealing with an ankle injury (should be healthy by regular season), so that means Hill is going to have be the #2.5 center on the team. So, if you were holding out hope of Hill getting assigned to the Vipers at some point this season... It doesn't seem likely based on the current composure of the roster (an Erick Dampier signing could change that, but it's tough to say at this point).
With 14 players under contract, there is one open spot. The assumption now is there are four players competing for that one spot (though the Rockets carried 14 last year):
Mike Harris
Antonio Anderson
Ishmael Smith
Alexander Johnson
Three D-Leaguers (two Vipers, one Skyforce) and one rookie.
What the waivings tell you is that Jordan Hill is going to see big minutes this year. Yao's limited, Brad Miller is currently dealing with an ankle injury (should be healthy by regular season), so that means Hill is going to have be the #2.5 center on the team. So, if you were holding out hope of Hill getting assigned to the Vipers at some point this season... It doesn't seem likely based on the current composure of the roster (an Erick Dampier signing could change that, but it's tough to say at this point).
Sunday, October 3, 2010
We Have Lift Off!
RGV Rocket Launch 2010 officially lifted off today. Many thanks to all of the fans who showed up to make it fun. It was a relatively light day for the Rockets. The coaching staff decided to cancel their regular practice session, meaning it was all about the open practice and autograph session. In fact, the coaches didn't even show up (thank goodness. Mike Harris didn't have his best day on the court during the two scrimmages and that wasn't the performance we want the coaches to see).
Here were some of the highlights:
•Kevin Martin got a look at the Vipers ball boys wearing our Yao is Back t-shirts and asked for a couple. He, Chuck Hayes and Aaron Brooks all wore them during open practice. Brooks changed his a little to say:
Yao + Mike
Is Are
Back
Referring, of course, to Mike Harris. I was wondering if Harris might be the one to unseat Brooks as the most popular former-Viper on the Rockets (or just in the NBA in general). It was tough to say. The top three biggest ovations were for Brooks, Yao and Harris. I'm not sure which was the biggest. There were some chants of M-V-P for Harris, although no where near the magnitude of Game 3 of the NBADL Quarterfinals (granted, that was a significantly larger crowd).
Honestly, over the last week, I think I've had just as many, if not more, people ask me if Mike was coming as if Yao was coming down. The answer to both questions – yes.
Mike was right at home. Everyone wanted to talk to him. He's such a nice guy. I don't know if he fits into what the Rockets need right now (although I certainly don't see why not). Maybe if he can hit some corner threes (he was actually quite serviceable from behind the arc for the Vipers) and defend a little better on the perimeter he can make it. But, no matter what, I will always root for him. He's a good person with a lot of basketball talent.
•Chuck Hayes and Yao Ming had a half-court shooting contest. There were some near misses, but they both got schooled by Rockets Hall of Fame Mascot Clutch the Bear.
•Kyle Lowry and Jordan Hill in a dance contest, was, well, um... entertaining.
•Before the fans came in, I ran an impromptu skit with Clutch in front of our Jr. Broadcaster participants.
Which of course brings me to the Jr. Broadcaster competition. Many thanks to Clay Williams of Action 4 Sports for helping to facilitate this. We had a whopping seven high school students from across the Valley participate getting an opportunity to interview Rockets players with Clay's help and shoot stand-ups as well. The winner's piece will be shown on Action 4 News at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and on the State Farm Arena video board during Tuesday's game. We had some great kids out there. It was fun.
Here were some of the highlights:
•Kevin Martin got a look at the Vipers ball boys wearing our Yao is Back t-shirts and asked for a couple. He, Chuck Hayes and Aaron Brooks all wore them during open practice. Brooks changed his a little to say:
Yao + Mike
Back
Referring, of course, to Mike Harris. I was wondering if Harris might be the one to unseat Brooks as the most popular former-Viper on the Rockets (or just in the NBA in general). It was tough to say. The top three biggest ovations were for Brooks, Yao and Harris. I'm not sure which was the biggest. There were some chants of M-V-P for Harris, although no where near the magnitude of Game 3 of the NBADL Quarterfinals (granted, that was a significantly larger crowd).
Honestly, over the last week, I think I've had just as many, if not more, people ask me if Mike was coming as if Yao was coming down. The answer to both questions – yes.
Mike was right at home. Everyone wanted to talk to him. He's such a nice guy. I don't know if he fits into what the Rockets need right now (although I certainly don't see why not). Maybe if he can hit some corner threes (he was actually quite serviceable from behind the arc for the Vipers) and defend a little better on the perimeter he can make it. But, no matter what, I will always root for him. He's a good person with a lot of basketball talent.
•Chuck Hayes and Yao Ming had a half-court shooting contest. There were some near misses, but they both got schooled by Rockets Hall of Fame Mascot Clutch the Bear.
•Kyle Lowry and Jordan Hill in a dance contest, was, well, um... entertaining.
•Before the fans came in, I ran an impromptu skit with Clutch in front of our Jr. Broadcaster participants.
Which of course brings me to the Jr. Broadcaster competition. Many thanks to Clay Williams of Action 4 Sports for helping to facilitate this. We had a whopping seven high school students from across the Valley participate getting an opportunity to interview Rockets players with Clay's help and shoot stand-ups as well. The winner's piece will be shown on Action 4 News at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and on the State Farm Arena video board during Tuesday's game. We had some great kids out there. It was fun.
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