- 야오와 드림의 워크아웃



<훈련 장면 동영상 - 출처 : chron.com >

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May 23, 2007, 10:20AM
It's Dream time for Yao at workouts with Olajuwon



His voice in Yao Ming's ear, Hakeem Olajuwon planted a forearm in the small of Yao's back, and one generation of Rockets royalty shoved the next toward something far greater than a different spot on the Toyota Center floor.

Beneath the championship banners he brought and the No. 34 no Rockets player will wear again, Olajuwon demonstrated and lectured, shared and inspired.

For a little more than an hour Tuesday, the greatest of all Rockets players put the latest in the team's lineage of star centers in his classroom, showing jump hooks and "Jack Sikma" jumpers, spin moves and drop steps, all to make Yao the dominant force of Olajuwon's vision.

"How do you dominate the game?" Olajuwon asked as he and Yao moved from the left block to the right. "You're hardworking. You have the conditioning. You have the shot. You have everything. Now, you need to dominate."

Olajuwon spoke of Yao using his jump hook as his basic move.

"To the middle. No. More balance. To here. Balance. Balance. If you can get the jump hook any time, it's all day. All day."

Olajuwon showed him his spin toward the baseline.

"No. Don't spin out. Spin in. All right. Nice move."

He showed Yao a jump shot stepping toward the defender.

"That's (former Sonics star) Jack Sikma. No. No. You're bringing it down to the little guy. Where's your elbow? This should be your move. That's your move. Who's going to stop that? That's a go-to move. You feel comfortable. Balance. Balance. Balance. Balance. All day."

With everything Olajuwon demonstrated, fundamentals direct from the lessons of Guy Lewis, Moses Malone and Carroll Dawson, the idea was to make Yao dominate.

"You can dominate," Olajuwon, 7-0, said, nodding toward the banner honoring him for his NBA-record 3,830 blocked shots. "You can get all new records. Do you believe that? You should.

"You should be scoring at will. You should be scoring easy. Easy. They are in trouble on defense. They are in trouble on offense. They have no answer. No answer."

After the time on the court with Olajuwon, Yao could not argue.

"For a young player, not many get this chance," Yao, 26, said. "I'm the honored one of those. Next time, I would love to have more time to be (taught) by him.

"The mentality is the biggest difference between him and me right now. I hope, not far in the future, I can be the same thing. Like him."

More in the works

Yao's agent, John Huizinga, said he has begun trying to schedule more sessions in which Yao can work with Olajuwon. That might depend on whether Yao has a procedure to remove a toenail. He has several appointments this week to determine whether to undergo that minor surgery.

Olajuwon, 44, said he enjoyed working with Yao so much that he'd be happy to do it again.

"It was so much fun to work with a great player like him," Olajuwon said. "He has so much potential. It's scary to think what he can really do. By just adding little things to his game, he can raise his level.

"The important thing for him because he is playing so well already is just how to dominate the game. He has all the advantages, and he's so skilled. (There are) little things he can do to make him be a dominant player consistently. It's scary to see what he can do in the future."

There were light moments in the workout.

While working on a move that is part of Yao's repertoire and on which he looked much more adept than on some of Olajuwon's spins, Olajuwon pointed to his blocked shots banner and said: "I'm a shot-blocker. And I'm discouraged."

On a move toward the middle, when Yao, 7-6, did not raise an elbow high enough to protect the ball, Olajuwon smacked Yao's elbow and said, "Use these."

"I know," Yao said. "On this point, Dikembe (Mutombo) is better than you."

Trying out the moves

Yao is scheduled to return to China early next month for a vacation and to begin training with the Chinese national team. He could play in one or two exhibition tournaments, he said, and try some of the moves Olajuwon showed him.

"Most of his moves are easy to learn, easy to watch on TV," Yao said. "But when you do that, with contact on your body, that's totally different. So I need to do what he's going to teach me every day, a couple hundred times a day, make myself used to it. After that, I need to play some live games, maybe use it in a national team game. And then, back to the season. I hope I can get a lot improved.

"The biggest difference between him and me is the mentality. He's got two championship rings in a row. I'm not saying I found out today, but I can hear very strongly from him, 'You are the biggest player on the court. You need to go in and change the game. You need to be dominant.' He repeated that time and time again.

"I feel a little bit different. I feel his heart."

For all that they share and shared Tuesday, that was perhaps the most valuable thing Olajuwon could give Yao.

jonathan.feigen@chron.com






 






- 반지 웰스, 제프 밴 건디와 새 감독이 될 릭 아델만에 대해 이야기하다

혹시 잔류? 반지는 플레이어 옵션을 가지고 있죠.


Bonzie Wells Sets the Record Straight

Last Edited: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT
Created: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 6:20 PM CDT

MyFoxHouston.com

HOUSTON -- In his first interview since Bonzi Wells prematurely ended his season with the Rockets April 9, Wells told FOX 26 Sports he has no hard feelings toward former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy. He says he is thrilled at the expected hiring of Rick Adelman as the Rockets new head coach and he says if the business side of things can be worked out he would like to return to the Rockets.

Wells left the Rockets with five games to go in the regular season because he indicated at the time he felt like he was hurting team chemistry. In the interview with FOX 26 Wells sets the record straight about his relationship with Van Gundy.

"I felt like we had a good team and I thought I was the missing link. I still do. Coach (Van Gundy) didn't see it that way. He thought he was going the right way. Coach Van Gundy didn't think I fit in. He came to me as a man and told me that. I looked into his eyes and I could see that he hurt for me. I respected that. He told me that I could ask to be waived and I told him I didn't want to be anywhere else. I hated the way it ended because I really started to appreciate him, " Wells said.

Van Gundy is not suprised at Wells comments about him.

"Perception and reality are often very different. I never thought it was personal between Bonzi and I. I think it's great for Bonzi with Rick coming in because he has a proven history with him. I think it could work out great, " Van Gundy said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Wells believes the Rockets expected hiring of Rick Adelman is almost like divine intervention.

"I thought it was like God sent him here for me. Rick Adelman is a great coach. He's the best coach I have ever had. He really knows how to relate to his players. He does a great job of letting guys be themselves, " Wells said.

Wells played for Adelman for one year when both were in Sacramento.

"I love coach Adelman. With Coach Adelman coming here I really don't want to be anywhere else," Wells said.

However there is a business side to all of this. Before last season Wells signed a two year contract with the Rockets with the right to opt out after year one. The total value of the contract is about $4.4 million.

"I have a decision to make and so do they. I wanted to be here even if Jeff Van Gundy was going to be here. It's still early. I think they need a guy like me," Wells said.

Wells doesn't rule out opting out and then re-signing with Houston.





 

Posted by Third Eye
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- 야오, 티맥 세컨팀

야오는 아마레보다 1위표를 더 많이 받았음에도 전체 포인트에서 뒤져서 세컨 팀이 되었네요.
부상때문이기도 하지만, 다음 시즌엔 퍼스트 팀 가자!

2006-07 ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas (125) 634
Forward Tim Duncan, San Antonio (94) 573
Center Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix (36) 351
Guard Steve Nash, Phoenix (129) 645
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (128) 643

2006-07 ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward LeBron James, Cleveland (64) 494
Forward Chris Bosh, Toronto (8) 234
Center Yao Ming, Houston (38) 333
Guard Gilbert Arenas, Washington 295
Guard Tracy McGrady, Houston (10) 278

2006-07 ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward Kevin Garnett, Minnesota (5) 225
Forward Carmelo Anthony, Denver (1) 142
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando (1) 108
Guard Dwyane Wade, Miami (1) 241
Guard Chauncey Billups, Detroit 86




- 야오 올여름 드림과 훈련

드림 옹과 훈련을 검토 중이라고.. 야오는 복도 많네요. 킹콩에다 마운틴 그리고 드림옹까지 ㅎㅎ
발톱수술과 함께 올여름엔 중국 국대와 같이 연습을 할꺼라고.. (중국 올림픽 대비?)

Yao & Hakeem?

Rockets center Yao Ming said he has discussed working with former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason.

"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," Yao said. "I would love to. I'm working on it."

Yao's summer plans

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."




- 전 킹스 감독 릭 아델만, 로켓츠와 인터뷰

로켓츠 감독직을 위해서 인터뷰를 가졌다고 하네요. 은퇴한 캐럴 도슨 대신 새 GM 에 오른 대럴 메이는 " 밴 건디 감독에게도 기회는 열려 있다"라고 말하지마는..

Reports: Adelman interviews with Rockets for Van Gundy's job

HOUSTON — Former NBA coach Rick Adelman has talked to the Houston Rockets about the coaching job currently held by Jeff Van Gundy, according to media reports Tuesday night.

KRIV-TV, citing anonymous league sources, reported Adelman flew to Southampton, N.Y., for a meeting at the home of Rockets owner Leslie Alexander.

The Houston Chronicle, citing a person with knowledge of the team's decision-making, reported that general manager Daryl Morey also was part of the meeting.

Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis declined comment on the reports when contacted by The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

Van Gundy has one year left on his contract, but it's not guaranteed. There's a timeframe for him to decide whether to return, and the Rockets can terminate him without owing him any more money after June 30.

Van Gundy has been in Houston four years without winning a playoff series, something the club hasn't done since 1997. The Rockets went 52-30 this season despite long absences by stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, then lost to Utah in the first round.

Morey has told the Chronicle that Van Gundy "is open to coaching again in certain scenarios," adding that each side has goals "for things to be different."

Adelman has coached Portland, Golden State and Sacramento. He was out of coaching this year after being fired by the Kings following last season. He took the Trail Blazers to the NBA finals twice.


- 무톰보옹 다시 은퇴를 고려중..

시즌 후반과 플레이오프에서 출장시간과 역할 감소로 인해서 다시금 고민 중이시라는..
아직은 마운틴 옹의 힘이 필요한데 말이죠. 휴스턴 벤치가 널널한 것도 아니고 ㅠ.ㅜ



Notes: Mutombo once again considering retirement

HOUSTON -- Dikembe Mutombo is planning to wag his finger at would-be dunkers for at least one more season.

Or is he?

The Rockets reserve center is once again considering retirement after having a reduced role in the second half of the season and playoffs.

Mutombo said he'd take some time over the summer months to make his decision. Mutombo and forward Chuck Hayes are the lone free agents on the team.

"I just spent the week with my kids and talked to my wife about it again," Mutombo said. "I'm going to see how my summer goes. I'm just frustrated with the fact that there was a chance for us to go to the second round."

Mutombo, the league's second oldest player, will turn 41 in June. He initially said after the All-Star break that he didn't want to leave behind the game because he was having too much fun. However, the center has had second thoughts since playing reduced minutes over the final two months of the season. He played a total of 40 minutes in the playoffs.

"After contributing the way that I did over the course of the season, I felt like I did deserve a little bit of time to play," Mutombo said. "I was disappointed about it and I'm frustrated that we're still not playing."

The Rockets center helped keep Houston among the top teams in the Western Conference even though Yao Ming missed almost two months with a fractured right tibia. During Yao's absense, Mutombo averaged 5.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He moved past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earlier this season into second place on the NBA's all-time blocked shots list, although he said he won't play long enough to catch Hakeem Olajuwon.

The center will focus most of his attention this summer on opening the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research
Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hospital is named after his mother, who passed away nine years ago.

"I'll probably think about the people in Africa and how I can help change their lives right now," Mutombo said. "After that, I'll think about basketball and if I want to do that."



- 밴 건디, 로켓츠 코치직에서 물러나다.

로켓츠 팬들의 염원이었던 1라운드 통과에 성공하지 못하면서 밴 건디가 나가게 되네요.
당장은 스퍼스 - 선즈 시리즈의 ESPN 게스트 애널리스트로 다시 방송일을 하게 될거라고..
2라운드 진출 실패로 역시나 연장 계약 논의 중이던 밴 건디에게 가장 먼저 타격이... 그동안 수고하셨습니다. 대머리 감독님..


Rockets fire Van Gundy as coach

By CHRIS DUNCAN AP Sports Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

HOUSTON — Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was fired Friday, less than two weeks after Houston made yet another first-round playoff exit.

The Rockets went 52-30 this season but lost to Utah in seven games, raising the possibility Van Gundy was going to resign or be dismissed. This was the Rockets' third first-round loss in four seasons under Van Gundy.

Van Gundy had one nonguaranteed year left on his contract, meaning the team held the option to retain him. The team reportedly has contacted Rick Adelman, the former coach of Portland, Golden State and Sacramento.

General manager Daryl Morey scheduled an afternoon news conference. The firing comes days after Morey took over for the retiring Carroll Dawson following the Rockets' playoff elimination.

"Obviously, it is a disappointment for me personally with the decision they made to fire me," Van Gundy told Houston television station KRIV. "I was hopeful all the way up to last night they would change their mind."

The Rockets said in a statement they talked with Van Gundy during a "prolonged negotiating period," and he was offered a position with the team as a senior consultant.

"He asked for, and was granted, additional time to evaluate his situation with the agreement that we would begin looking into other candidates," Morey said. "During that process it became clear that Jeff did not want to continue in any capacity with the team other than as head coach."

Van Gundy led the Rockets to a 182-146 record in four seasons. But Houston went 7-12 in three postseason appearances and more was expected from teams anchored by All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

The biggest disappointment was losing Game 7 at home to Utah, which then took advantage of Golden State's first-round upset of Dallas and advanced to the Western Conference finals by beating the Warriors in five games.

"You have to win that seventh game at home, certainly," Van Gundy told the Houston Chronicle. "If you win, you have a chance to continue on."

McGrady dropped to 0-6 in playoff series with the loss to the Jazz.

"I feel bad that I wasn't able to help McGrady and Yao and the rest of the guys get over the hump ... and also that I won't be with them as they go on because I know they have a lot of success ahead of them," Van Gundy told the Chronicle.

Van Gundy now may be headed back to one of his old jobs. He was scheduled to work as a guest analyst for ESPN on Friday night's playoff game between Phoenix and San Antonio.

Van Gundy was working in television when the Rockets hired him before the 2003-04 season. Before that, Van Gundy coached the New York Knicks for seven seasons, leading them to the NBA finals in 1999.

He joined the Rockets as the 10th head coach in franchise history in 2003. Van Gundy's career coaching record is 430-318, but only 44-44 in the postseason.






Posted by Third Eye
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May 5, 2007, 12:54AM

결정적인 7차전을 홈에서 가지게 되는 로켓츠

로켓츠 팀에선 단지 4명의 선수만이 플옵에서 7차전을 경험했다. 바로 티맥,야오,무톰보,앨스턴이다. 거기다 앨스턴과 무톰보만이 7차전에서의 승리를 경험했다. 7차전을 홈에서 뛰어본 로켓츠 선수는 아무도 없다.

Late lift from crowd

밴 건디는 홈코트의 의미보다는 팀 개개인이 가지는 승리에 대한 의지가 더 중요하다고 강조했지만, 홈코트에서 게임을 펼치게 된다는 것은 분명 유리한 점이 있다. 지난 6차전 유타 원정에서 휴스턴 선수들을 마지막 8분동안 혼란에 빠뜨리게 한 것처럼 말이다.

Factor down the stretch

"홈코트 어드밴티지가 분명 커다란 팩터이긴 하지만, 우선은 게임을 잘 풀어나가야만 합니다."라고 밴 건디는 말했다.

로켓츠는 유타 원정에서 23게임중 21패를 당했다. 그 차이는 분명한 것이다. 솔트 레이크 시티를 벗어나서 게임을 한다는 것은 분명 로켓츠로서는 다행이다.

로켓츠는 홈에서 조금이나마 더나은 슈팅력을 보였다. 솔트 레이크 시티에선 39.6% 야투와 30% 3점 성공률을 기록했지만, 홈에서는 각각 40.5% 33.3%를 기록했다. 하지만 턴오버에 있어서는 원정에서 18턴오버를 기록한데 비해 홈에서는 13.7 턴오버만을 기록했다.

Comfort zone

티맥은 에너지솔루션 아레나를 "여태까지 경험해본 플옵 시리즈 중에서 가장 시끄러운 곳"이라고 했다. 그러나 로켓츠는 올시즌 도요타 센터에서 28승 13패를 거뒀다. 홈에서 뛴다는 건 큰 도움이 될 수 있다.

"우리 팀은 홈 게임에서 뛴다는 것에 편안함을 느낍니다. 정말 다들 홈에선 슛이 더 잘 들어가는 것처럼 보이죠. 관중들의 응원도 큰 힘이 됩니다. 우리 팀은 좀더 편안하게 해주고 승부처의 압박 속에서도 균형을 잃지 않게 끔 기운을 붓돋아 줍니다."

Last chance

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

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Go Rockets!!!



Posted by Third Eye
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힘내라 티맥

  유타 원정에서 두 게임을 모두 다 패하면서 시리즈는 2:2 동점이 되었습니다. 시즌 막판 지지부진했던 유타 재즈에 비해서 홈코트 어드밴티지를 따내는 등 기세가 올라와 있던 로켓츠였죠. 그렇기에 내심 원정에서 한게임만 잡아 준다면 1라운드를 4:1로 마무리 짓을 수 있지 않을까 하는 기대도 있었지만, 역시나 유타는 힘든 상대이고 모두들 예상한 것 처럼 1라운드 대결 중에서 가장 터프한 시리즈가 되어가고 있습니다.

지금 분위기로 봐서는 반드시 잡아야할 5차전을 잡아낸다 하더라도 7차전까지 가야 진출 팀이 결정날 듯 하네요. 만약 5차전마저 놓친다면.. 음 생각하기 조차 싫군요 -_-

3차전도 그랬지만 4차전도 무척이나 실망스런 게임이었습니다. 접전 끝에 졌다면 아쉬움은 더 컷을지 라도 다음 게임에 대한 희망도 커졌을 텐데.. 이건 뭐 시종 일관 끌려다니다 4쿼터에는 20점차가 나버리는 군요. 특히 3쿼터 종료 직전 2:1 속공 찬스에서 어이없는 스틸로 3점을 얻어맞는 장면은 정말 ㅠ.ㅜ 아무리 지공 팀이라지만 에혀 ;;

야오는 1쿼터 좋은 득점력을 보였지만, 후반 들어서는 고질적인 체력 문제에다 부저에 대한 수비 부담 때문인지 시즌보다도 더욱 힘들어 하더군요. 오쿠어의 포스트 업 수비도 좋아고..

벤치는 더욱 답답하네요. 3차전에서 무득점; 주완 하워드와 루써 헤드는 정말.. 베테랑의 모습을 보여줘야 할 하워드는 답답한 1할대 야투율을 보여주고 있고(19% -_-) 특히 3,4차전에서는 4차전 막판 가비지 타임에서 두골을 뺀다면 0/10의 야투율이었죠, 헤드는 첫 플레이오프 무대라 긴장한 건지 하워드와 비슷한 21%의 야투율.. 야오의 체력 세이브와 로켓츠 인사이드 득점 밸런스를 위해서는 하워드의 분발이 꼭 필요합니다. 헤드의 슛도 정말 안터지네요. 이렇게 주요 식스맨들이 부진하다면 다른 선수들도 써볼만 한데, 밴 건디의 고집이란; 특히 스나이더 같은 운동능력이 좋은 슬래셔를 기용해서 지지부진한 공격의 돌파구를 마련해 보는 것도 괜찮을 텐데..

거기다 웰스의 이탈은 정말 아쉽네요. 분명 웰스의 존재는 빈약한 휴스턴 공격력과 벤치에 힘을 실어줄 수 있었을텐데. 암튼 에이전트 삽질과 오프 시즌 훈련 부족에 따른 과체중으로 인해 지금과 같은 웰스의 이탈이 예견되었는지도 모르겠네요.

벤치가 이렇게 부진하다면, 티맥의 에이스 모드도 필요한데 너무 한량 모드네요. 실질적인 플레이 메이커로서 게임을 풀어나가는 모습도 좋지만, 이런 팀 분위기에서는 이것이 에이스다라는 게 필요한데.. 플레이오프 1차전을 제외하고는 그런 모습을 자주 보여주지 못하네요.


5차전을 위해서 필요한 것

- 티맥의 부활 : 누가 머래도 올시즌 로켓츠를 이끌어 왔고 PO을 올려놓은 선수는 티맥입니다. 이제 킬러본능을 되찾아야 할 때입니다.

- 박스 아웃 : 유타는 리그 최고의 오펜시브 리바운드 팀입니다. 그만큼 슛이 미쓰 되도 공격적인 리바운드 참여로 공격 포제션을 길게 가져가는 팀이죠. 야오가 주로 수비 리바운드를 잡아주고 있지만, 체력이 떨어지고 승부처가 되는 후반에는 공격 리바운드를 자주 허용합니다. 전 선수들이 적극적인 모습이 필요합니다.

- 수비 : 수비의 팀이라지만 4차전에서는 그러한 모습을 찾아볼 수 없었습니다. 특히 데론 윌리암스의 페네트레이션에 많이 당했죠. 앨스턴으로 힘들다면 배티에를 붙이는 것도 고려해 봐야 할듯 하네요.








Posted by Third Eye
,

April 21, 2007, 2:07AM
Rockets vs. Jazz: Five keys to victory ...

1) Big games from the big two: 재즈는 더블팀 헬핑을 자제하는 수비를 펼칠 것이다. 이런 류의 끈적끈적한, 재즈의 수비로부터 오픈 샷 부족 문제를 해결하기 위해서는 야오와 티맥이 많은 득점을 올려줘야만 한다.

2) Drop the hammer:  로켓츠가 홈에서 4쿼터 리드를 하고 있을때, 게임을 마무리 지어야만 한다. 재즈는 4월 1일 도요타 센터에서 역전승을 거둔 바 있고, 플레이오프에서 로켓츠가 유리한 고지에 있을 때 끝내야만 한다.

3) Don't get picked apart by the pick-and-roll:  재즈는 리그 최고의 픽앤롤 팀중 하나이다. 로켓츠는 적어도 레이업하기 위해 골밑으로 뛰어드는 Roll 역할의 선수를 막아야만 한다.

4) Clean the glass: 로켓츠가 리바운드에서 상대를 압도할 때, 거의 항상 승리를 가져왔다. 로켓츠는 리그 최고의 수비 리바운드 팀이지만, 재즈 역시도 리그 최고의 공격 리바운드 팀이다.

5) Own home: 재즈는 리그에서 가장 터프한 홈구장을 가지고 있지만, 로켓츠는 그렇지 않다. 홈 게임을 반드시 잡아야 한다.


... and for the Jazz

1) Be chairmen of the boards: 재즈는 공격 리바운드/총 리바운드 비율에서 리그 최고의 팀이다. 상대의 빅맨을 끌어내고 리바운드를 장악한다.

2) Big games from Boozer: 오직 야오만이 부저가 기록한 5번의 30+ 득점, 15+ 리바운드를 기록했다. 그 말은 부저는 야오만큼 도미넌트하다는 말.

3) Put Yao on the defensive: 데론 윌리암스의 스크린 플레이나 부저의 컷인 플레이를 통해서, 야오가 수비에 신경쓰게끔 만들고 파울 트러블에 빠뜨려서 야오의 출장 시간을 제한해야만 한다.

4) Tie up the loose balls: 재즈는 루즈 볼을 따내는 데 있어 리그 최고의 팀중 하나이고, 그것은 더 많은 포제션을 가져다 주고 상대팀으로 하여금 수비에 더 에너지를 더 소모하게 만든다.

5) Sharpshooting: 재즈는 리그에서 3번째로 정확한 슈팅을 갖춘 팀이다. 오쿠어의 3점슛과 부저의 20핏 점퍼는 막기 어렵다.

Posted by Third Eye
,

April 21, 2007, 2:12AM
Rockets vs. Jazz: How they match up


Center: Okur vs. Yao

Mehmet Okur has had a career year, with too much range for most centers and too much size for most forwards. Yao Ming, the league's top-scoring center each of the past two seasons, has returned to his offensive form before his injury. Yao likely will match up more against Carlos Boozer to be able to stay inside, with Okur, Boozer and Jarron Collins taking turns on Yao.

Edge: Rockets

Power forward: Boozer vs. Hayes

As much as anyone, Boozer's relative good health this season has keyed the Jazz turnaround. Boozer was an All-Star this season and has had a breakthrough season. The Rockets' Chuck Hayes, in just his second season, became the starter as a complement to Yao Ming. An energetic rebounder and strong defender, he added an ability to cut to take passes inside from Tracy McGrady.

Edge: Jazz.

Small forward: Kirilenko vs. Battier

With Andrei Kirilenko coming back Monday, the Jazz get an active shot-blocking and rebounding force, even though he has struggled at times. The Rockets' Shane Battier has had a similar impact defensively and his best season from beyond the arc.

Edge: Rockets.

Shooting guard: Fisher vs. McGrady

After one season with Golden State, Derek Fisher, long a clutch postseason player, has helped stabilize the Jazz's backcourt even though he struggled with his shot in April. Tracy McGrady came back from last season's back spasms to become as much of a driving force as a playmaker as he is as a scorer.

Edge: Rockets.

Point guard: Williams vs. Alston

Deron Williams has grown into one of the league's top young point guards, enough for Jerry Sloan to go back to much of the offense as he ran it with John Stockton as the Jazz have become one of the league's most efficient offensive teams. Rafer Alston has done well running the offense and limiting turnovers, but he can be incredibly streaky with his shot.

Edge: Jazz.

Bench: Jazz vs. Rockets

With Andrei Kirilenko and Gordan Giricek returning from injuries, Matt Harpring moves back to coming off the bench and the Jazz get deeper and stronger off the bench. Jarron Collins can add some defensive help on Yao Ming. Luther Head had an outstanding season from 3-point range with Juwan Howard and Dikembe Mutombo often providing a needed lift. Basically, Head and Harpring, and Giricek and Howard cancel each other out, with Mutombo getting the edge on Collins.

Edge: Rockets.

Coach: Sloan vs. Van Gundy

Jerry Sloan is fourth in wins among active coaches, twice taking the Jazz to the NBA Finals. Despite missing Yao, McGrady or both for half the season, Jeff Van Gundy has led the Rockets to their best record since 1996-97, and he also has taken a team — the 1999 New York Knicks — to the Finals. Both have their teams playing their way and seem to have the complete confidence of their players, with Sloan getting the edge in seniority.

Edge: Jazz.

Prediction: Rockets in seven.

Posted by Third Eye
,

April 20, 2007, 1:59AM

Rockets, Jazz want to be best in glass

First-round Western Conference series may well come down to rebounding

ROCKETS VS. JAZZ
Gm. 1: At Houston 8:30 Sat.
Gm. 2: At Houston 8:30 Mon.
Gm. 3: At Utah 8 April 26.
Gm. 4: At Utah 9:30 April 28.
Gm. 5:* At Houston TBD April 30.
Gm. 6:* At Utah TBD May 3.
Gm. 7:* At Houston TBD May 5.
* -- if necessary

This is how it should be. Strength against strength. Best versus best.

The Rockets' defensive rebounding against the Utah Jazz's offensive rebounding.

To be playing in the postseason, teams must be good, preferably better than good at some things.

There is no team better at protecting its defensive boards than the Rockets, no team better at crashing the offensive boards than the Jazz, and no way both can do what they do best in their first-round playoff series, beginning Saturday at Toyota Center.

"When you're No. 1 in the league in anything, you have to say it's a strength," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "(Between) their strength and our strength, who wins out in that rebound battle will go a long way to who wins ... the series."

Rebounding is so much a part of what these teams are about, they even sound alike when talking about the importance of taking care of the boards.

Said Jazz guard Derek Fisher: "For us, rebounding numbers have been key to our success all season."

In another sign of how evenly matched the teams are, Rockets forward Shane Battier put it: "For us, rebounds have been a barometer all year long.

"When we rebound well, we usually play well. When we struggle to rebound, we don't play well. That's been a common thread for us since the first day."


Strength and strategy

The Jazz are 41-15 when outrebounding opponents. The Rockets are 38-12 when winning the battle of the boards.

The Jazz lead the NBA in offensive-rebounding percentage and total-rebounding percentage, averaging 12.6 offensive rebounds and 51.9 total rebounds per game. The Rockets lead the NBA in the percentage of defensive rebounds, averaging 32.6 per game.

"We can easily point to our winning percentage when we rebound the ball well, and particularly when we are able to hit the offensive glass, get second opportunities, we've been really successful," Fisher said. "That could be the one stat that you can point to that will separate the series. Which team will dominate the glass the way they've been accustomed to all season?"

For both, success on the boards comes from a combination of strength and strategy.

The Rockets put extra emphasis on what Van Gundy calls "completing the defense."

They will sacrifice chances to sneak out on breaks to send extra bodies to the defensive glass, and, against the Jazz, they will expect every player to help.

"They're always going to have two or three guys in the paint when the shot goes up because that's how their offense is," said Rockets forward Chuck Hayes. "They send their wings, (Matt) Harpring, (Andrei) Kirilenko, (Ronnie) Brewer, in to keep it alive. We're going to have to do a better job containing them, getting them off the glass and fighting for rebounds."

The Jazz are so good on the boards because they are loaded with strong rebounders, but also because their offense keeps them in motion, usually with at least one big man moving toward the rim and at least one perimeter player in position to swoop in.

"If you look at me, (Carlos) Boozer, AK (Kirilenko), Matt Harpring, Paul (Milsaps), everybody can rebound," Mehmet Okur said. "Everybody hustles to the ball. Everybody is moving, so it's tough to box out. We're such an active team; we like to move a lot on the offense, so we have a great opportunity for offensive rebounds."

That motion has been tough for the Rockets against lesser rebounding teams, Toronto and Phoenix. They have been outrebounded by 10 or more only nine times, but were outboarded by a season-high 20 by the Jazz on Wednesday.

"They're big," Battier said. "They start Boozer and Okur. That's two wide bodies. Even though you try to box them out, they just lay on you, and they can move you with their force. Then you throw Kirilenko in there, Harpring, two guys who just get in there with length and athleticism, they're really good. That's what they've won 51 games doing — rebounding."

The Rockets have won 52 games by rebounding. Either that, or their rebounding has indicated they also were doing other things well.


Quick teams a problem

"You can't be passive on the boards and assertive in other areas," Van Gundy said. "You're either assertive or you're not. Rebounding reflects that for us. It means completing your defense. We talk about the start of our defense, which is transition defense because of our speed deficit. We've got to have three back, so we're not outnumbered. And the finish of our defense, which is contesting of a shot, not fouling on that shot and then securing the ball.

"Statistically, we have been the best defensive rebounding team percentage-wise. But there have been nights where we've struggled with quicker teams. We're better with more stationary targets, catching up with guys maybe in a cut, and the ball is shot and we're trying to block out. They pose unique problems for us.

"If we fight for the ball and fight for every inch on the court, we'll be in the game rebounding-wise, enough to win."

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

Posted by Third Eye
,
Friday April 13, 2007 11:05 AM


Mailbag: Rockets nail down rotation for playoff push


Rockets.com's Damien Pierce opens his mailbag to answer fans' questions


Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

Rockets.com beat writer Damien Pierce opens up his mailbag each week to answer fans' questions.

So ask Pierce anything about the Rockets or the NBA. He'll come up with an answer or an answer that sounds right. His answers, of course, are entirely his own opinion.

Pierce will be checking his mail again on April 20, so send in your questions.

Let's get to your questions ...


What do you expect the Rockets' rotation to look like in the playoffs?
-- Mark Smith, Houston

플레이오프에서 로켓츠의 로테이션이 어떻게 될 거라고 예상하나요?
--
Mark Smith, Houston



Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was exploring different lineup options last week, but I suspect that you'll see the same eight-man rotation in the playoffs that you've seen over much of the past month.

밴 건디 감독은 지난주 다른 옵션들의 라인업을 시험해보긴 했지만, 지난 몇 달간 보아온 것처럼 플레이오프에서도 8인 로테이션을 고수할 거라고 봅니다.

So, in other words, Luther Head, Dikembe Mutombo and Juwan Howard will be the options off the bench. Mutombo will probably play about 10 minutes to give Yao a breather, but Head and Howard will get minutes based on what the team needs down the stretch of games. Head tends to get playing time in crunch time thanks to his clutch three-point shooting and Howard's minutes will fluctuate based on whether Van Gundy wants more rebounding (Chuck Hayes) or more offense (Howard).

헤드, 무톰보, 하워드가 벤치에서 주로 출전하게 될 것입니다. 무톰보는 아마 야오의 휴식을 위해서 대략 10분정도 뛰게 되겠지만, 헤드와 하워드는 게임에서 필요한 만큼의 시간을 얻게 될 겁니다. 헤드의 클러치 3점 능력은 중요한 순간에 출장 시간을 부여받게 될 것이고, 하워드의 경우에는 밴 건디가 상황에 따라 리바운드가 필요하면 헤이즈, 득점이 필요하면 하워드 식으로 뛰게 될겁니다.

I also expect to see more of Houston's two stars. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming will be logging more minutes in the postseason, although Yao will have to avoid foul trouble to stay on the floor. McGrady will probably be hovering around the 40-minute mark throughout the playoffs.

그리고 휴스턴의 두 스타 플레이어는 좀 더 출장시간을 얻게 되리라고 예상합니다. 야오의 경우에는 파울 트러블을 조심해야 하겠지만 말이죠. 티맥은 아마 플레이오프 내내 40분정도를 뛰게 될겁니다.

With that said, I suspect some fans will question this short bench.

다시 말해서, 몇몇 팬들은 더 적어진 벤치 선수들의 출장시간에 대해 궁금하게 여길 겁니다.



Don't you think Coach Van Gundy needs a deeper rotation for the playoffs to rest his starters? The Mavs and Suns have deep benches.  
-- David James, Houston

밴 건디 감독이 주전 선수들에게 휴식을 주면서 로테이션을 보다 두텁게 하는게 필요하다고 생각하지 않나요? 매브스와 선즈는 두터운 벤치를 갖추고 있잖아요.
--
David James, Houston


Who called that one? Unfortunately David, I'm not with you on this one. The Rockets shouldn't extend their bench for the sake of trotting out as many players as other teams and I'd even argue that those other teams are going to shorten their benches as well for the postseason.

불행하게도 당신 생각엔 동의하지 못하겠네요. 로켓츠는 다른 팀들 만큼 벤치가 두텁지 못하고 그런 두터운 벤치를 가진 팀들 조차도 포스트시즌에 들어서는 벤치 플레이어들의 출장 시간을 늘리게 되지는 않을 겁니다.

Do you think Avery Johnson is going to decrease Dirk Nowitzki's minutes in the playoffs to get a ninth guy off the bench? Probably not. And, I'd like to point out that the Suns are running eight guys these days. During Wednesday's win over Seattle, the Suns only had three players log significant minutes off the bench. Sure, three additional guys ended up playing two minutes each at the end of the game. But that wasn't part of Phoenix's primary rotation.

에이브리 존슨 감독이 벤치의 9번째 선수를 위해 플레이오프에서 노비츠키의 출장 시간을 감소하려 들까요? 아마도 아닐 겁니다. 그리고 최근에 선즈는 8명만으로 달리고 있죠. 수요일 시애틀전에서 겨우 3명의 벤치 플레이어에게만 상당한 시간을 부여했습니다. 물론 또다른 3명의 선수가 마지막 2분을 소화해냈지만, 그 선수들은 피닉스의 주 로테이션에 포함된 게 아니죠.

With all that said, here's what really matters: The Rockets have, for the most part, played their best with an eight-man rotation. That might very well be because those guys at the end of the bench didn't get more playing time earlier in the season, but even if that's the case, that's not a reason to extend their minutes right now, heading in the playoffs.

정말 중요한건 다음과 같습니다. : 로켓츠는 시즌 대부분을 8인 로테이션으로 소화하면서 최고의 모습을 보였습니다. 시즌 초반부터 벤치의 나머지 선수들의 시간을 제한했기에 잘된 건지도 모르겠지만, 만약 이 경우에서 조차 플레이오프를 앞둔 지금 당장 벤치 선수들의 출장 시간을 늘려야하는 이유가 되지 못합니다.

As for resting starters, Van Gundy will be playing his primary options the same amount of time whether he has a bench that goes three deep or six deep. So that, to me, is really a non-issue.

주전 선수들의 휴식을 위해서, 밴 건디는 벤치의 3명에서 6명 정도의 선수들에게 주전들과 같은 시간을 부여할 겁니다만, 중요한 의미를 부여할 정도는 되지 못합니다.

The bottom line is the Rockets are be going with a rotation that has shown the best results over the course of the season.

결론은 로켓츠는 시즌 내내 최고의 결과를 가져다 주었던 지금 로테이션을 계속 유지할 거라는 겁니다.


What the heck happened with Bonzi Wells and is the situation a distraction for the team?  
-- Jorge Lopez, Houston

도대체 반지 웰스에게 먼 일이 일어난 것이고 그게 팀 내 상황에 혼란을 가져다 줄까요?
--
Jorge Lopez, Houston


Frankly, I would just be speculating to come up with answer. Here's all you really need to know: Bonzi Wells was placed on the inactive list after missing Monday's game at Seattle and he isn't expected to activated for the remainder of the season.

솔직히, 저의 추측에 불과합니다만, 정말 아셔야 하는 건 : 반지는 시애틀 전 이탈로 이후 인액티브 로스터에 올랐고 남은 시즌에는 더이상 출장하지 못할 거라는 점입니다.

As for the second half of your question, I don't think the situation has been a distraction. The issue was handled fairly quickly and the team appears focused on making a playoff push.

2번째 질문에 대해선, 특별한 혼란을 가져다 주진 않을 거라고 봅니다. 반지의 이탈에 대해서 매우 빠르게 대처했고 우리 팀은 플레이오프에 모든 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.



What happened to Steve Novak? In the beginning of the season, he was making three pointers as if it were no problem. I haven't seen him play in a long time.

-- Sadiq Amir, Houston

스티브 노박은 어떤가요? 시즌 시작무렵 문제가 없다면 3점 슈터가 될거라고 했었죠. 하지만 저는 노박이 긴 시간 뛰는 걸 본적이 없네요.
--
Sadiq Amir, Houston





I'm happy to report that Steve Novak is still a heck of a shooter. However, the rookie is not in the rotation because he's still improving his strength and developing his defensive skills.

노박이가 여전히 뛰어난 슈터라는 걸 말씀드릴 수 있어서 행복합니다만, 근력과 수비 스킬의 발전이 필요하기에 아직은 로테이션에 합류될 수 없습니다.

How is Novak handling the situation? Glad you asked. I actually talked with him about how he was handling the lack of minutes about two weeks ago in Los Angeles. He said that he'd obvioulsy like to be playing, but he understands that he's got veterans playing in front of him and that he has to improve in certain areas. He said that he's added about 10 pounds to his 230-pound frame since the season opener.

노박이는 이 상황을 어떻게 대처하고 있냐구요? 저는 대략 2주전 LA에서 출장시간 부족에 대해서 노박이와 얘기를 나눈적이 있습니다. 노박이는 분명 뛸수 있게 된다면 좋겠지만, 자신보다 베테랑들이 중용받는 것에 대해 충분히 이해하고 있고, 자신에게 발전해야 하는 부분이 있다는 것도 잘 알고 있었습니다. 또한 시즌이 시작된 이후 거의 10파운드의 근육을 더했다고 얘기하더군요.

There's no queston that Novak is a skilled shooter. He could earn himself some playing time next season.
 
노박이가 뛰어난 슈터라는 건 의심의 여지가 없습니다. 다음 시즌이면 좀 더 많은 출장 시간을 얻을 수 있을 겁니다.



Do you think that Yao Ming needs to work on his strength and ability to get the ball in the post? He recently had major problems getting the ball against the Warriors.
-- Fred Tavalaian, Houston

야오가 포스트에서 공을 잡는 능력과 힘을 더 길러야 한다고 생각하나요? 워리어스 전에서 야오는 공을 잡는데 큰 문제점을 보였습니다.
-- Fred Tavalaian, Houston



I'll suggest to Yao that he should start lifting weights. OK, I'm kidding. Since I started covering the Rockets, I haven't seen another guy work harder than Yao. He's typically in the weight room after most games, even after logging 30-plus minutes on the hardwood.

야오에게 이제부터 웨이트를 시작하라고 말하는게 나을까요. :) 저는 로켓츠를 담당한 이후로 야오보다 더 열심히 하는 친구를 본 적이 없습니다. 매 게임을 마치고 나면 웨이트 룸에서 시간을 보냅니다. 30분이상 소화한 게임 후에도 말이죠.

In other words, I wouldn't equate his inability to get touches against Golden State on April 4 to his lack of strength. The Warriors were certainly physical with him, but what limited Yao's inside looks was the fact that three defenders were hovering around him. He couldn't get the ball inside even when he reached his spot because the Rockets' guards couldn't find an opening in the defense.

바꾸어 말하면, 골든 스테이트 전에서 공을 잡기 힘들었던 것이 단순히 야오의 힘이 부족해서 그렇다고 보진 않습니다. 워리어스는 확실히 야오를 피지컬하게 수비했지만, 3명의 수비수들이 야오를 둘러싸고 시야를 막았습니다. 로켓츠 가드진은 워리어스 수비 때문에 야오가 자리를 잡아도 공이 인사이드로 연결할 수 없었습니다.

What would have opened things up for Yao is better shooting and more efficient passing. The Warriors dared Houston's collection of perimeter players to beat them. And on that night, they didn't. They shot 41.3 percent, made 15 of 37 three-point attempts and had 24 turnovers.

야오가 좀더 자유롭게 하려면 더나은 슈팅과 효율적인 패스가 필요합니다. 워리어스는 야오를 막기 위해 퍼리미터 수비를 버렸지만, 휴스턴의 선수들은 그걸 이용하지 못했습니다. 휴스턴은 41.3%의 야투율과 37개의 3점시도중에 15개를 성공했지만 무려 24개의 턴오버를 범했습니다.



We can't get home-court advantage because the Jazz won their division. So why do they keep saying we can? Under the new rules, a division winner will not be seeded any lower than fourth. The new rules only assure that the two best teams are seeded No. 1 and No. 2 so they can face each other in the conference finals. If I'm wrong, please clear that up for me. Here are the rules: http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html
-- Jason, Humble

재즈가 디비전 우승을 거뒀기에 로켓츠가 홈코트 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 없다고 봅니다. 그런데 왜 우리가 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 있다고 계속 말하나요? 새 룰에 의하면, 디비전 우승팀은 4위 자리 밑으로 내려갈 수 없습니다. 그리고 최고 승률 두팀이 1,2번 시드를 보장 받고, 컨퍼런스 파이널에서 만날 수 있게 되어 있습니다. 만약 내가 잘못 본거라면, 확실히 풀어주세요. 여기 룰 변경에 대한 링크 주소가 있습니다. : http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html
-- Jason, Humble




I'd suggest reading the rules that you sent to me. Here's the part that you might find interesting: Home-court advantage for any series is determined by record, not seed. So, it's possible that the 5 seed could have home-court advantage over the 4, or that the 6 seed could have home-court advantage over the 3. 

룰을 다시 한번 자세히 읽어보세요. : 어떤 씨리즈이든지 홈코트 어드밴티지는 시드가 아니라 승률에 우선한다. 즉, 5번 시드 팀이 4번 시드 팀에 앞서서 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 있고, 6번 시드 팀 역시 어드밴티지를 가질 수 있다.

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킹콩이 살이 ;;;


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야오의 걸프렌드 예리



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야오 예리 커플과 쉐인 배티에 하이디 부부



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자선행사를 개최한 로펌의 릭레이븐(좌), 휴스턴 시장인 빌 화이트(우2)

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Clutchfans.netClutchCityReturns라는 분이 편집하신 동영상입니다.

아래는 다운로드 링크 주소입니다.(167MB)
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