It’s full speed ahead at camp
When the Rockets’ final practice of the week was complete Friday, guard James Harden and forward Trevor Ariza, the two most tenured members of the team, wanted more. They took to the Toyota Center steps and began sprinting up and down the lower bowl.
“I do it a lot, fairly often,” Harden said. “Just put in the work, man. Give yourself the best chance every single season. That’s everything. Diet and getting your proper rest is a big part of that, but making sure the conditioning, not just any conditioning but proper conditioning, ties in with your basketball skills.”
Coach Mike D’Antoni said the first week of camp has gone particularly well because there was no need to concentrate extensively on conditioning and that veteran newcomers have picked up the system quickly. D’Antoni has been able to go full speed every day and not had to slow down to teach as much as last season.
“Credit to Javair (Gillett), strength and conditioning coach, and our staff for knowing how to train us, not just running us to the ground,” Harden said. “There’s different ways of training, smart ways. Our team and our coaching staff has done a great job of that. We have to continue to build, continue to get in top shape and then offensively, get on the same page, get clicking together and then, the sky’s the limit for us.”
Smooth transition for Mbah a Moute
Luc Mbah a Moute has spent his nine-year NBA career as a small forward. But with his move this season to the Rockets, a team in which the forwards are generally interchangeable on the offensive end, he has spent the first week at both forward spots.
Mbah a Moute has been one of the standouts of the first week, shooting well and quickly adjusting to the Rockets’ pace and style.
“The way we play here, the three and the four are pretty much interchangeable,” Mbah a Moute said. “They both stay on the perimeter, whether it is in the corner or on the wing. The only difference is where I set the screen. Our offense is so fluid, we play multiple positions. It doesn’t really matter who is there. It is just about the action.
“It’s been really fun seeing the nuances and the actions and seeing all the cuts, all the reads. It’s very exciting.”
Though Mbah a Moute has so far largely been in the corner as he was in Los Angeles, there is potential in some lineups to set the pick-and-pop screens typical from Ryan Anderson.
“Being able to be on the wing is good, too,” he said. “I can shoot and drive and make plays from that position. It puts a lot of pressure on the defense.”
Tucker ready to go full tilt
Forward P.J. Tucker had increased his workload in his rehab from a strained right hamstring each of the past two days and is expected to be fully cleared for the Rockets’ next practices, Sunday’s two-a-day sessions.
“He did a little more,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He hasn’t gone five-on-five totally. He’s trying to get out there. He said after today’s practice, he’s officially in. Sunday he’s practicing. He’s ready to go 100 percent.
“We’ll make sure he’s OK. It’s always a worry because hamstrings can be nagging. You have to be careful. He’s champing at the bit. I’m glad we kept him out the last two days because he wanted to play, tries to sneak in every once in a while. He’s ready to go now.”
Tucker’s availability will be determined in part by the findings on the load monitors the players wear.
Nene and Clint Capela also have been held out of portions of practices, but did not have any issues heading into Saturday’s day off.
Ex-player James turns to coaching
Former Rockets guard Mike James is back with the team as a player development intern, working with John Lucas in a role he hopes will be the start of a coaching career.
“It feels good,” James said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. I look forward to taking full advantage of it. I love the teaching aspect of the game. I’ve always been one that took guys under my wing. I’ve always been able to help develop a lot of ballplayers. Now, to help develop pro ballplayers is even more fun.”
James, 42, played for 11 teams over 14 NBA seasons, averaging 9.9 points per game. He worked with Lucas for many years before Lucas joined the Rockets’ staff last season.
“When you know you have something to do with the development of a player and you help them and then you see them playing in the game and they’re doing things you went over with them, that’s a personal satisfaction,” James said. “Before, it was what I saw myself doing individually on the court. Now, it’s about what I was able to bring to the game, being able to bring that to the players here, helping them understand how to make the game easier for themselves.”