http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-29-0/The-life-of-an-advance-scout.html
January 2, 2008 10:15 AM
Posted by Brian Windhorst
Pat Zipfel has one of the most demanding jobs in the NBA and his work directly affects the outcome of games. Yet you probably have never heard of him or most people like him. He's an advance scout for the Houston Rockets and, if you listen to his peers, one of the league's best. He's been "doing advance" as they say in the NBA for seven years now, also having worked for the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. He's former point guard who fell in love with Xs and Os while playing at Cabrini College in Philadelphia. He's also been the head coach at Centenary College and an assistant at The Citadel. On a six-hour flight from Orlando to Seattle last week, Pat agreed to answer some questions for TrueHoop about the grueling yet fascinating nature of his job.
What exactly is an advance scout?
There are two types of scouts in the NBA. There are personnel scouts, who look at players and decide if they can play, fit their system and are the type of player that will be successful with the salary fitting. The advance scout is responsible for watching the opponent, diagramming all their plays, knowing their calls, knowing their side out of bounds plays and end of game plays. Then you report back to the coaching staff and suggest a game plan on how to win that game. The advance scout specializes in the knowledge of the game.
The job of advance scout is not just a job but a lifestyle. During the NBA season, it is a marathon of traveling and watching games and writing reports. Whether your team wins or loses you feel you played a part in preparing them for the game and are fully vested in every game.
So, you feel the highs and lows of winning and losing, even though you are already ahead working on the next opponent. The truth is that It can be a bit lonely when you play a game that you spent so much time helping prepare your coaching staff and you find yourself alone in a hotel room checking the scores online to see if your team won. No one is with you to celebrate victory or share defeat.
If being around the team and getting to know the players sounds great to you, then the job of advance scout is not for you. Most of our players wouldn't recognize me since they only see me a few times a year other than during training camp. Every game they read the reports and get prepared by the coaches but almost all are unaware of the process it took to get that information to them.
How many NBA games do you see in person during a season?
Last season, I saw 144 NBA games in person during the regular season. So far this season I have seen about 65 games. But coupled with the amount of games on tape, I can't actually count how many games I have seen. While it is a dream job if you love the game of basketball, it requires a level of commitment and work ethic during the season that is grueling.
So that includes lots of time in hotels and on airplanes?
Since training camp started, I've been in my own bed (outside Philadelphia) for eight nights. Typically, I fly every day of the week, this job requires at least 100,000 miles in the air every year. A large part of the daily routine of this job is logistics, getting from one city to the next. Getting all the flights, taxis, rental cars, hotels and the whole time trying to be budget conscious is a challenge. It's not easy, especially since most of the season happens in the winter. Once last season a game in New York went to overtime and I missed the last train out of the city and all the hotel rooms were booked. I ended up sleeping in Penn Station. Because I'm up late after games working on reports and then up early to catch flights, I get most of my sleep on planes.
So who does your laundry and have you every flown to the wrong city?
Most of the 30 advance scouts in the NBA could write a travel book on how to travel in and out of the 30 NBA cities. Most of us know which airlines have direct flights, what cities and airports are the best and worst to deal with, who has the friendliest cab drivers, and even where to get laundry/dry cleaning done on short notice in each city. We see the airport, the hotel and the arena, that's it.
Most scouts stay at Marriott hotels, because you know what you are going to get and it is dependable. But because the rooms all look the same, yes, you wake up sometimes and dont exactly know where you are.
How do you get the information to your team and how has technology helped?
Advance scouting in the NBA was originally done by Bill Bertka of the Los Angeles Lakers. He could be considered the godfather of advance scouting. He was the first person to go out and watch the opponent play and report back to his team his suggestions on how to beat the opponent. Over the years, the position went from pen and paper to laptops, e-mail, software and .pdf files. Back then and now the goal is the same: to know your opponent and try to find ways to beat them.
The process following every game is the scout will go back to his hotel and input all the plays in the software that were used on that night and write a report following the game that will prepare the coaching staff on the opposing teams. That includes personnel, tendencies, play calls, frequency, and even who to suggest to foul in a close game. This information is emailed to directly to the coaching staff. Just few years ago this meant lots of faxing and FedExing but the software now allows you to do it all electronically.
The Rockets are one of the most computer savvy teams in the league, how does it carry over to your job?
Having worked for three different NBA teams, the Rockets are cutting edge with their ability to marry technology and basketball. Aside from the standard personnel database that teams have started using the past few years, the statistical and analytical work of the Rockets' front office technology team gives the coaching staff and personnel department every possible advantage. This goes back to our (general manager) Daryl Morey and (vice president of basketball operations) Sam Hinkie, they are two of the best in the business at it.
How important is getting the play calls and signals?
For our team, Shane Battier is excellent at hearing opponents calls during the game and knowing what is going to happen before the opponent runs the play and letting our coaching staff know. That type of advantage could be the difference between 2-3 possessions a game and determine the outcome.
There are lots of players who make it a priority. If you sat close enough to the court of a Dallas Mavericks game, Dirk Nowitzki does a great job of calling out the other teams plays to their bench, as does Jarrett Jack of the Portland Trail Blazers for his team. If Mike Dunleavy of the Pacers knows the play, he will call it out in his teams term just to get a small edge.
How much of the job is technical (X and Os) and how much is intuitive?
The ability to watch a game and know where all 10 players are on the floor is invaluable for the job. Being able to draw up all the plays and where each player goes is important for the coaches when they see the report. But you also have to be able to suggest ways to counteract what the opponent does, which means you have that part of your mind working, too.
So after all that, do you like your job?
As a former NCAA head coach, I know the importance of knowing how to defend the other team. I have always felt this job was valuable since we are in the business of winning games and beating our opponents. So I know how important the job is and that's important to me.
Every day I hear from people what a great job it must be and even after 7 years, I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be sitting front row every night in the NBA, the highest level of basketball in the world. Just last week, I saw Kobe, Carmelo, and LeBron play in person in a three-day span. And if you love the game of basketball, that sounds like a dream job.
Showing posts with label Shane Battier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shane Battier. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Battier's Contribution to His Team
Shane Battier by the Numbers
Beyond stats, there's stats
By Jason Friedman
Published: November 1, 2007
The Rockets are pouring a large amount of money into statistical analysis. Whether or not you think it's a wise investment probably depends upon your opinion of Shane Battier.
Battier enjoyed a wildly successful college career at Duke University, where he led the Blue Devils to one national championship and a pair of Final Four appearances. In 2001, Battier swept the major National Player of the Year awards on his way to becoming a Memphis Grizzly, when that team selected him with the sixth overall pick of the NBA draft.
Since then, Battier has averaged more than ten points a game only once, and that came in his rookie year. His career high per-game rebounding average also occurred during his first season in the league. To be sure, he is a versatile defender and a heady player, one who overcomes his lack of athleticism through discipline and hustle. You'd never label him a bust, but — in the traditional view — you'd never call him a special player either. A stat line of ten points, five boards and two assists doesn't exactly get the heart racing.
But the Rockets didn't care about those numbers. They were focused on something else entirely, something that most definitely made their blood pump a little faster. Here's a small glimpse at what they saw:
When Battier was on the court, his team
• Scored more
• Rebounded better
• Fouled less
• Allowed fewer points
• Shot better
• Decreased their opponent's shooting percentage
In other words, he was exactly the type of player the numbers said they had to have.
"He definitely stood out in all the methods we use," says Morey. "He's someone who creates a large margin over who he's guarding. In the NBA, it's not how many points you score, it's what you do with each time down the floor. And when Shane uses a possession, it's always a high number of points are scored. And when Shane's guarding someone, not many points are scored when the other team uses the possession on the other end of the floor. When he played versus not over his years in Memphis, the team was about eight points per game better, a very significant margin."
http://houstonpress.com/2007-11-01/news/shane-s-game/print
Beyond stats, there's stats
By Jason Friedman
Published: November 1, 2007
The Rockets are pouring a large amount of money into statistical analysis. Whether or not you think it's a wise investment probably depends upon your opinion of Shane Battier.
Battier enjoyed a wildly successful college career at Duke University, where he led the Blue Devils to one national championship and a pair of Final Four appearances. In 2001, Battier swept the major National Player of the Year awards on his way to becoming a Memphis Grizzly, when that team selected him with the sixth overall pick of the NBA draft.
Since then, Battier has averaged more than ten points a game only once, and that came in his rookie year. His career high per-game rebounding average also occurred during his first season in the league. To be sure, he is a versatile defender and a heady player, one who overcomes his lack of athleticism through discipline and hustle. You'd never label him a bust, but — in the traditional view — you'd never call him a special player either. A stat line of ten points, five boards and two assists doesn't exactly get the heart racing.
But the Rockets didn't care about those numbers. They were focused on something else entirely, something that most definitely made their blood pump a little faster. Here's a small glimpse at what they saw:
When Battier was on the court, his team
• Scored more
• Rebounded better
• Fouled less
• Allowed fewer points
• Shot better
• Decreased their opponent's shooting percentage
In other words, he was exactly the type of player the numbers said they had to have.
"He definitely stood out in all the methods we use," says Morey. "He's someone who creates a large margin over who he's guarding. In the NBA, it's not how many points you score, it's what you do with each time down the floor. And when Shane uses a possession, it's always a high number of points are scored. And when Shane's guarding someone, not many points are scored when the other team uses the possession on the other end of the floor. When he played versus not over his years in Memphis, the team was about eight points per game better, a very significant margin."
http://houstonpress.com/2007-11-01/news/shane-s-game/print
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Observations on Rockets @ Lakers - 10/30/07
Last night, I watched the Houston Rockets open their season in Los Angeles against the Lakers. All week, there has been discussion around Kobe Bryant and whether or not he will continue to force a trade out of Los Angeles.
Here is the boxscore from last night's game:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=AhLqHhTyqnNLGQi8kUst.sU5nYcB?gid=2007103013
My observations:
-Hiring Rick Adelman as the head coach of the Rockets was a great move. He will bring more innovation to Houston's offense and they will take advantage of the team's personnel. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are in the prime of their career and it would be a waste for them to continue to play in a slow-down, pull-the-ball-out type of offense.
-Shane Battier is a perfect fit in Adelman's offense. When Houston plays Battier at power forward, he brings a great deal of versatility that fits very well with the rest of the team. His ability to pass the ball - ala Chris Webber - could be the key to their offense running smoothly.
-The fact that Yao Ming's scoring average has improved every year of his five-year career is something that probably does not get enough attention. The key for him this year will be to stay healthy for the majority of the season. The last two regular seasons he has missed a combined 61 games.
-It may take Adelman awhile to figure out who will fit best at point guard with the team's new offensive philosophy. Rafer Alston is currently the starting point guard, but he makes too many bad plays and struggles to properly run his team's offense in the half court game. Mike James is much more of a shooting guard and Luther Head has never shown the ability to play any position beyond shooting guard.
-Mike James could end up fitting in perfectly with Adelman's team as long as its at the off guard spot. Like Bobby Jackson did in the past with his Kings teams, James can come off the bench and score in bunches. As an undersized shooting guard, he takes advantage of his speed and quickness and can be instant offense.
-It wouldn't suprise me if by the end of the season, neither Alston or James is the teams' starting point guard. Adelman may give Aaron Brooks a chance at some point during the year. Trading for a point guard may be the end solution for the Rockets to take the next step.
-Bonzi Wells looked noticeably thinner and ready to play this season for his former coach. If he can get back to the way he played in the 2005-06 season, it would be a real boost for Houston. He provides a great deal of versatility by being able to post up smaller defenders and rebound terrifically.
-Bryant certainly seemed to want to silence his critics lsat night as he score 53 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and had eight assists, two steals, and a block. As they showed last night on the broadcast, in games where Bryant scored at least 40 points last season, the Lakers went 13-5. Perhaps Bryant scoring almost a half of his teams' points may be the key to the Lakers success this season.
-The Lakers roster is severly flawed by my account. They have too many hustle-type guys and not enough talent. Guys like Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar, and Cobe Karl work hard, but should not be playing on a nightly basis. However, some may put Luke Walton into that category, but I really like what he does for the team. He is a terrific passer, works hard on defense, and can even post up a bit.
-I think Phil Jackson should consider getting Javaris Crittenton some playing time. I recognize this was only the first game of the season, but Crittenton is a big guard who I think would look great next to Bryant. Ideally, I think you would have Crittenton starting the game and playing significant minutes and finishing the game with Derek Fisher in his spot on the floor. Fisher obviously has been there before and can hit big shots, but at this point in his career, should not be playing 30+ minutes per night.
-That game winning shot by Shane Battier took a lot of guts and was taken very deap. It would have been great to have seen this game gone into overtime and watch what Bryant would have done then. I'm guessing he would have finished with 60 points or so and the Lakers would have won on opening night. Hats off to Battier for playing great all night and hitting a really tough shot to win the game.
Here is the boxscore from last night's game:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=AhLqHhTyqnNLGQi8kUst.sU5nYcB?gid=2007103013
My observations:
-Hiring Rick Adelman as the head coach of the Rockets was a great move. He will bring more innovation to Houston's offense and they will take advantage of the team's personnel. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are in the prime of their career and it would be a waste for them to continue to play in a slow-down, pull-the-ball-out type of offense.
-Shane Battier is a perfect fit in Adelman's offense. When Houston plays Battier at power forward, he brings a great deal of versatility that fits very well with the rest of the team. His ability to pass the ball - ala Chris Webber - could be the key to their offense running smoothly.
-The fact that Yao Ming's scoring average has improved every year of his five-year career is something that probably does not get enough attention. The key for him this year will be to stay healthy for the majority of the season. The last two regular seasons he has missed a combined 61 games.
-It may take Adelman awhile to figure out who will fit best at point guard with the team's new offensive philosophy. Rafer Alston is currently the starting point guard, but he makes too many bad plays and struggles to properly run his team's offense in the half court game. Mike James is much more of a shooting guard and Luther Head has never shown the ability to play any position beyond shooting guard.
-Mike James could end up fitting in perfectly with Adelman's team as long as its at the off guard spot. Like Bobby Jackson did in the past with his Kings teams, James can come off the bench and score in bunches. As an undersized shooting guard, he takes advantage of his speed and quickness and can be instant offense.
-It wouldn't suprise me if by the end of the season, neither Alston or James is the teams' starting point guard. Adelman may give Aaron Brooks a chance at some point during the year. Trading for a point guard may be the end solution for the Rockets to take the next step.
-Bonzi Wells looked noticeably thinner and ready to play this season for his former coach. If he can get back to the way he played in the 2005-06 season, it would be a real boost for Houston. He provides a great deal of versatility by being able to post up smaller defenders and rebound terrifically.
-Bryant certainly seemed to want to silence his critics lsat night as he score 53 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and had eight assists, two steals, and a block. As they showed last night on the broadcast, in games where Bryant scored at least 40 points last season, the Lakers went 13-5. Perhaps Bryant scoring almost a half of his teams' points may be the key to the Lakers success this season.
-The Lakers roster is severly flawed by my account. They have too many hustle-type guys and not enough talent. Guys like Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar, and Cobe Karl work hard, but should not be playing on a nightly basis. However, some may put Luke Walton into that category, but I really like what he does for the team. He is a terrific passer, works hard on defense, and can even post up a bit.
-I think Phil Jackson should consider getting Javaris Crittenton some playing time. I recognize this was only the first game of the season, but Crittenton is a big guard who I think would look great next to Bryant. Ideally, I think you would have Crittenton starting the game and playing significant minutes and finishing the game with Derek Fisher in his spot on the floor. Fisher obviously has been there before and can hit big shots, but at this point in his career, should not be playing 30+ minutes per night.
-That game winning shot by Shane Battier took a lot of guts and was taken very deap. It would have been great to have seen this game gone into overtime and watch what Bryant would have done then. I'm guessing he would have finished with 60 points or so and the Lakers would have won on opening night. Hats off to Battier for playing great all night and hitting a really tough shot to win the game.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
TNT's Fundamental Videos
During the 2005-06 season, TNT filmed short segments with NBA players giving tips to viewers on a specific skill.
Passing with Steve Nash:
Man-to-man defense with Bruce Bowen:
Moving without the ball with Richard Hamilton:
Shot blocking with Emeka Okafor
Rebounding with Dwight Howard:
Jump shooting with Ray Allen:
Taking a charge with Shane Battier:
Mid-range game with Sam Cassell:
Post moves with Carlos Boozer:
Passing with Steve Nash:
Man-to-man defense with Bruce Bowen:
Moving without the ball with Richard Hamilton:
Shot blocking with Emeka Okafor
Rebounding with Dwight Howard:
Jump shooting with Ray Allen:
Taking a charge with Shane Battier:
Mid-range game with Sam Cassell:
Post moves with Carlos Boozer:
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Daryl Morey and the Rockets Keeping Busy
On April 3, 2006, the Houston Rockets named Darryl Morey their assistant general manager. The Rockets planned on Morey eventually taking over the general manager position for the start of the 2007-08 season. Since taking over the job full-time, the Rockets have a great deal of depth and should get past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97. Since last season, the Rockets have added Mike James, Aaron Brooks, Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry. Each one of these players adds much-needed depth and the Rockets should be as deep as any other team this season.
James was acquired from Minnesota in the trade that allowed Morey to get out from under Juwan Howard’s contract. James enjoyed success with the Rockets previously when he played 27 games and averaged 12.4 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, and 3.1 rebounds per game. James is a combo guard, who is in a point guard's body, but certainly has a scorers mentality. He is an above average defender who moves his feet well and can pressure the ball. Although he is not the greatest distributor, he has seen success playing both guard spots. He will compete to be the starting point guard and also grab minutes behind Tracy McGrady at the shooting guard spot. Justin Reed was also acquired by the Rockets in this trade and should make the roster out of summer camp.
Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry were picked up during last month's draft. Brooks is a Morey-favorite, who may become the starting point guard in the near-future. Brooks is an undersized guard with great quickness and strong ball-handling abilties. He is an excellent free throw shooter and possesses good fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. He sometimes can be single-minded on the court, but I think the Rockets believe that will change when he enters the league. Landry is an undersized power forward who has great mobility on the court. His post footwork, shooting touch, and soft hands enable him to convert most opportunities in the paint. Head coach, Rick Adelman, will most likely not give Landry many minutes this season, but he could be a factor down the road.
The real steal of the offseason was Morey's acquisition of Scola and Butler. When the Rockets knew that they weren’t going to be able to acquire Rashard Lewis, Morey had the foresight to think outside-the-box. Rather than overpaying veterans like Anderson Varejo, Chris Mihm, or Joe Smith, Morey looked to bring in someone who could provide greater upside. Morey described the addition of Scola by saying, "We saw him as one of, if not the, best option. He's a bit unique. He uses his body to finish around the basket. He's got a midrange game and a great IQ for the passing game. He has a lot of heart. That group of Argentinians he grew up with is as tough as nails and knows how to fit into teams. They're winners. As excited as I am about acquiring him, I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone more excited than he is. This has been a dream of his."
Scola should compete for the starting power forward job with Chuck Hayes and possibly even Shane Battier. Whether he starts or not, Scola will be a very valuable player for the Rockets this season next to center Yao Ming.
Butler was also a nice addition in the trade that also brought Scola to the Rockets. Butler is a developing post player, who is still young and inexperienced. Butler will most likely not see many minutes this year, but should play a key role once backup Dikembe Mutombo retires after this season. The Rockets added Scola and Butler to the team through a cost-cutting trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets gave up guard Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 second round pick in the trade.
At this point, the Rockets will have Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Aaron Brooks at the point guard spot; Tracy McGrady and Luther Head at the shooting guard position; Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo, and Jackie Butler will be the centers; Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes should compete to be the starting power forward with Carl Landry backing them up; and Shane Battier as the starting small forward with Justin Reed playing behind him.
The wildcard here is Bonzi Wells. If Wells is in shape, motivated, and willing to not be a distraction, he could be a huge part of the Rockets team this year. Wells will be reunited with his former coach, Adelman. Adelman coached Wells during arguably his most productive season in 2005-06, when he averaged 23.2 points per game and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs and a steady regular season.
Wells is tough and relentless and could play both the shooting guard and small forward spots. He excels in the playoffs and when he is at his best, he is one of the toughest players in the league to guard. Wells’ prescense would allow Adelman to play both a slower lineup with Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes or a quick lineup which would include McGrady, Wells, Battier, and Scola. Wells has one year left on his contract at $2,284,200 and if he comes into camp with a positive attitude, Adelman and the Rockets will be happy to have him. If not, the Rockets will release him or buy him out of his contract.
Either way, in a very short time, Morey has shown that he is ready to take the reigns and lead the Houston Rockets. With Rick Adelman installed as head coach and a series of other transactions already made this summer, the Rockets are expected to make it past the first round for the first time in Tracy McGrady’s career.
James was acquired from Minnesota in the trade that allowed Morey to get out from under Juwan Howard’s contract. James enjoyed success with the Rockets previously when he played 27 games and averaged 12.4 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, and 3.1 rebounds per game. James is a combo guard, who is in a point guard's body, but certainly has a scorers mentality. He is an above average defender who moves his feet well and can pressure the ball. Although he is not the greatest distributor, he has seen success playing both guard spots. He will compete to be the starting point guard and also grab minutes behind Tracy McGrady at the shooting guard spot. Justin Reed was also acquired by the Rockets in this trade and should make the roster out of summer camp.
Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry were picked up during last month's draft. Brooks is a Morey-favorite, who may become the starting point guard in the near-future. Brooks is an undersized guard with great quickness and strong ball-handling abilties. He is an excellent free throw shooter and possesses good fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. He sometimes can be single-minded on the court, but I think the Rockets believe that will change when he enters the league. Landry is an undersized power forward who has great mobility on the court. His post footwork, shooting touch, and soft hands enable him to convert most opportunities in the paint. Head coach, Rick Adelman, will most likely not give Landry many minutes this season, but he could be a factor down the road.
The real steal of the offseason was Morey's acquisition of Scola and Butler. When the Rockets knew that they weren’t going to be able to acquire Rashard Lewis, Morey had the foresight to think outside-the-box. Rather than overpaying veterans like Anderson Varejo, Chris Mihm, or Joe Smith, Morey looked to bring in someone who could provide greater upside. Morey described the addition of Scola by saying, "We saw him as one of, if not the, best option. He's a bit unique. He uses his body to finish around the basket. He's got a midrange game and a great IQ for the passing game. He has a lot of heart. That group of Argentinians he grew up with is as tough as nails and knows how to fit into teams. They're winners. As excited as I am about acquiring him, I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone more excited than he is. This has been a dream of his."
Scola should compete for the starting power forward job with Chuck Hayes and possibly even Shane Battier. Whether he starts or not, Scola will be a very valuable player for the Rockets this season next to center Yao Ming.
Butler was also a nice addition in the trade that also brought Scola to the Rockets. Butler is a developing post player, who is still young and inexperienced. Butler will most likely not see many minutes this year, but should play a key role once backup Dikembe Mutombo retires after this season. The Rockets added Scola and Butler to the team through a cost-cutting trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets gave up guard Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 second round pick in the trade.
At this point, the Rockets will have Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Aaron Brooks at the point guard spot; Tracy McGrady and Luther Head at the shooting guard position; Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo, and Jackie Butler will be the centers; Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes should compete to be the starting power forward with Carl Landry backing them up; and Shane Battier as the starting small forward with Justin Reed playing behind him.
The wildcard here is Bonzi Wells. If Wells is in shape, motivated, and willing to not be a distraction, he could be a huge part of the Rockets team this year. Wells will be reunited with his former coach, Adelman. Adelman coached Wells during arguably his most productive season in 2005-06, when he averaged 23.2 points per game and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs and a steady regular season.
Wells is tough and relentless and could play both the shooting guard and small forward spots. He excels in the playoffs and when he is at his best, he is one of the toughest players in the league to guard. Wells’ prescense would allow Adelman to play both a slower lineup with Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes or a quick lineup which would include McGrady, Wells, Battier, and Scola. Wells has one year left on his contract at $2,284,200 and if he comes into camp with a positive attitude, Adelman and the Rockets will be happy to have him. If not, the Rockets will release him or buy him out of his contract.
Either way, in a very short time, Morey has shown that he is ready to take the reigns and lead the Houston Rockets. With Rick Adelman installed as head coach and a series of other transactions already made this summer, the Rockets are expected to make it past the first round for the first time in Tracy McGrady’s career.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Memphis' Draft Night Move
The Facts
On the night of the draft, Jerry West pulled off another major trade in his career when he went ahead and acquired two rotation players. The Grizzlies acquired Stromile Swift and the draft rights to Rudy Gay, the eighth pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, from Houston in exchange for Grizzlies forward Shane Battier.
Salaries:
Stromile Swift
06-07 5.4 million
07-08 5.8 million
08-09
Player option at 6.2 million
Rudy Gay
2.6 million is his avg salary per year over the next four seasons
Shane Battier
06-07 5.4
07-08 5.9
08-096.4
09-10 6.8
10-11 7.3
When comparing the salaries, Battier and Swift's contracts are very similar with the exception being that Swift's contract is shorter. Gay's contract is slotted because he is in his rookie contract.
Memphis' Depth Chart:
SG, SF Depth:
Mike Miller
Eddie Jones
Rudy Gay
Dahntay Jones
PF, C Depth:
Pau Gasol
Stromile Swift
Hakim Warrick
Jake Tsakalidis
The Analysis
Jerry West was able to bring in a potential star in Rudy Gay without giving up all that much in return. Gay, who was once regarded as the top player in the draft will immediately come in and play for the Grizzlies. At the end of this season, Eddie Jones will be a free agent and Gay should be ready to step in and take his minutes. In Swift, Memphis also was able to bring back a former first round pick for them. Swift will get significant minutes at the power forward and center spots. He is an athletic player who can change the game through his shot blocking ability. Another plus for the Grizzlies is that Swift is someone who can play multiple positions. The bottom line in this trade is that at worse, Gay will be no better then Shane Battier. At best, Gay could project out to be an all-star for many years to come.
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