It was a strange feeling when I walked into the lockerroom last night following the Rockets’ win over New Jersey. For the past four months, everytime I had stepped foot into that sacred space, I knew that despite not knowing what I could possibly ask anyone else that could be of any personal interest, there would always be something to inquire of small forward Shane Battier. For the first time in four months, the middle locker in the room’s right side was vacant. There was no man in khakis and cardigan, cartoonishly foreign to his surroundings. Yes, Shane Battier, the very symbol of an entire era in Rockets history, is now gone and with him has departed a fountain of knowledge that so many in my trade came to take for granted. There was so much more to ask him that will never have the chance.
At times last night, the Rockets looked beyond impressive, making one forget it was the lowly Nets whom they were facing and causing hope that maybe this plan–this glut of B+ young talent–could work. They didn’t play much of any defense, but they attacked relentlessly to the delight of their home crowd (though perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Kim Kardashian–sitting courtside to cheer on her Nets beau–who drew the largest ovation from the stands.)
- I came away extremely impressed by Goran Dragic. You could easily see why he drew the interest of Daryl Morey because he’s very similar to Kyle Lowry in many respects. Whereas Aaron Brooks uses the jumper as his weapon of choice, Dragic barrels headfirst to the basket at every opportunity. For an organization that fetishizes fouls drawn, this comes as gold. I don’t know what Dragic will eventually become, but the foreigner will absolutely cement himself as a fan favorite.
- Terrence Williams was impressive in his short stint, wowing the crowd with his passing abilities. The former #11 pick should be given all the minutes he can handle because amongst his teammates, his potential is unparalleled. In the lockerroom after the game, Williams appeared a different man: where before the forward would hurriedly dress and depart, last night he joked with teammates, by far the loudest voice in the room.
- At one point in the 2nd quarter I watched as the team stood around in their timeout huddle. I saw a very tall man amidst many shorter ones, still dressed in warmups that possibly would not be removed. The sight evoked emotions and realizations I had already considered: Thabeet represents the hope you dare not indulge in entertaining. So tall, so promising, but so likely to disappoint. One must be strong and not hurt themselves again, placing faith in something that might not ever happen. Late in the fourth, the giant stood in his slot during free throws, opposite second-year man Jordan Hill, an almost equally scintillating specimen. I looked away and closed my laptop. I dared not dream. It will only end in pain.
