Yao discusses Hakeem, summer plans, what Rockets need
May 9th, 2007by John
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle got some good quotes from some of the Rockets’ players the other day. You can read those quotes here, or you can read some of the quotes below along with some of my commentary:
Regarding Yao working out with Hakeem Olajuwon over the summer:
“It would be a great chance for me, if I can learn from him, one of the best centers in the NBA history, and particularly a legend for the Rockets. I would love to. I’m working on it.”
Regarding his plans over the summer:
Yao Ming will have what he called a “small surgery” on a toe, possibly preventing the troublesome toenail from growing back. He said he expected that procedure to keep him from working out for only “a couple weeks.”
He said he will likely train with the Chinese national team for a short period this summer but will have no competitions.
“I need some training,” he said. “I’ll take the first month off and then get back to training and work on my skills.”
About the Rockets’ commitment to improve during the off-season…
“Generally, CD (Carroll Dawson) told me from his experience, our team definitely will be getting better and I believe it. I love to believe it,” Yao said. “We need more experience. We need player that can finish the game and can play under the pressure, like in the playoffs.”
Hmmm….that last sentence is very interesting for obvious reasons.
Feigen also got this interesting quote from Dikembe Mutombo:
“I just spent a week with my kids, and I talked with my wife about it again,” Mutombo said. “I’m just frustrated with the fact there was a chance to go to the second round, at least. After contributing the way I did contribute during the course of the season, I felt I did deserve a little time in the playoffs to play. The opportunity was not given to me. I’m a little bit disappointed about it.”
So not only has Van Gundy managed to piss off rookies (e.g. Vassilis Spanoulis) and veterans (i.e. Bonzi Wells), but also LEGENDS OF THE GAME like Dikembe. What a shame. If the Rockets get rid of Van Gundy, will you consider coming back, Deke?
Speaking of Spanoulis, Vassilis had the following to say:
“Now is time to rest a little bit, to clear my mind for a big season for me, maybe the toughest in my life, in my career,” said Spanoulis.
“I want to speak with the guys and know what’s going on with my future. We’ll see. I have a contract. I can’t say now nothing. I have to clear my mind, rest and get with the guys up in the office who showed me a lot of love and support this year.
“I love this team, but I have to think what is best for my future. The people here showed me a lot of love, a lot of support a lot of advice this year.”
I find it interesting that Spanoulis said “the guys up in the office who showed me a lot of love and support this year.” That would mean Carroll Dawson, Dennis Lindsey, and Daryl Morey. To me, that shows the front office personnel might have been frustrated with how Van Gundy was handling Spanoulis (as well as other players, perhaps). Based on that alone, don’t be surprised if Van Gundy is gone.