While there has been no resolution yet to the Carmelo Anthony situation in Houston, the uncertainty surrounding the 10-time All-Star hasn’t been a distraction for the rest of the Rockets, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.
“In this league, man, you’ve seen it all, especially the vets,” forward P.J. Tucker said. “You see all kinds of crazy situations. There’s different things going on. You’re a professional. You go out. You play the other team. The situation is unfortunate, but in this league, you got to say, ‘Who’s up next,’ get ready to play and go out and play your (butt) off.”
As Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com relays, league sources still believe that Anthony has played his last game with the Rockets.
As we wait to see what happens with Carmelo, let’s round up a few more items on the Rockets…
- Within his look at the Rockets’ offseason changes, MacMahon observes that Michael Carter-Williams has been just as disappointing as Anthony, with Houston having been outscored by 45 points during his 97 minutes on the court. James Ennis has been better, but a hamstring issue has prevented him from developing chemistry with his new teammates. “I don’t think they’re all on the same page,” a Western Conference scout told MacMahon last week. “I think that’ll come. I think they’ll get it. It’s still a long season, still remains to be seen. They’ll figure it out and be fine.”
- When the Rockets re-signed Chris Paul to a four-year deal this summer, they knew that the fourth year, worth $44.21MM, probably wouldn’t provide good value, writes MacMahon. However, they do expect more from Paul this season, with the veteran point guard off to a slow start. “That’s a lot to do with it,” Paul told ESPN. “I look at myself first in this situation. I know I’ve got to play better, and that’ll help us play better.”
- One scout who spoke to MacMahon believes Paul looks “a step slow,” but CP3 points out that he’s having no problem creating shots — just making them. MacMahon also suggests that some people believe the Rockets are dealing with a “hangover” from last season in the early going this year. “We didn’t win,” Paul said. “So we can’t have a hangover.”
- Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta personally recruited defensive specialist Jeff Bzdelik to get him to rejoin the team, offering a significant raise and making him one of the NBA’s highest-paid assistants, according to MacMahon. Bzdelik won’t be back with the organization on a full-time basis until after Thanksgiving, MacMahon adds.
I’m surprised no one has reported that Bzdelik didn’t want to come back because of Melo. Bzdelik was Melo’s first coach in the NBA, and his agent orchestrated Bzdelik’s firing.
The fact that Bzdelik is in and Melo is out doesn’t seem like a coincidence…
I don’t think that has anything to do with it. They need Jeff for defense and Melo is being just as stubborn as he was last year in OKC and Houston doesn’t want any part of it. Says a lot about his character when his homie D Wade has no problem coming off the bench and letting younger guys get minutes. Melo is just selfish
Don’t disagree with you, though the Rockets don’t even have anyone playing better to give minutes too. Rockets are desperate enough to give a bought-out Melo 30 minutes a game.
Bzdelik was reported about 2 weeks ago and was cited as a family issue. I think you might be connecting to many dots.
Fair enough. It’s pure speculation on my part.
I suspect the dots connect somehow. “Family issues” is always a standby excuse. . . and posssibly for Bzdelik’s standby employment situation!
They gave up on Melo suspiciously fast. I think there was a realization that Bzdelik was more important than Melo, that he affected the quality of play and cohesion of the other players.
It’s interesting if Bzdelik has a grudge vs Melo. What’s the story?
Bzdelik coached Melo his first 1.5 seasons in Denver, and he had the audacity to call out his rookie in the media. Rumor has it that Melo demanded the Nuggets fire Bzdelik, which they did.
In fairness to Melo, there were other reasons to fire Bzdelik (not great reasons, mind you, but still). However, the Nuggets fired Bzdelik mid season with no ready replacement. The rumor at the time was that Melo wanted him gone. Kenyon Martin liked Bzdelik and wanted him to stay, but here we are.
Notably, Bzdelik found great success as the coach at the Air Force Academy later.
Wow, trade three #1 picks for a guy, then ignore him.
As for Bzdelik’s next step. . . I suspect no third-class cadet has ever run out an Air Force academy coach!
That CP3 contract was just dumb. He’s for sure lost a step and constantly got hurt in his 20’s. I can’t imagine he ages we’ll. Plus we’re there really other teams knocking on the door to pay his old a$$. 40 million for 4 years?!?! I doubt it..
It really was more of a gamble than securing services for a fair amount. They have an owner who’s willing to pay to win. I agree it’s a stupid contract but that’s how this league is.