Opportunity knocks for Weber
BOSTON — There aren’t many positives to be gleaned from the Rockets’ three-game skid, one that came on the heels of a 14game winning streak and has seen injuries to Chris Paul and Clint Capela. However, these vacancies in the starting lineup along with the absence of Luc Mbah a Moute has afforded coach Mike D’Antoni the opportunity to expand his rotation and see what he has near the end of his bench.
Signed to a two-way contract in late October, point guard Briante Weber has seen his first non-garbage time action in last two contests, averaging 17 minutes of floor time. Though Weber’s impact on the offensive end has been negligible, his quickness as a defender could prove handy for a team that has allowed an average of over 120 points in its last three contests.
“I thought he played pretty well (Monday),” D’Antoni said. “I think he’ll play better as he gets more comfortable with what we’re doing, but it’s a good opportunity for him. So far, so good.”
Though his offense has yet to blossom, studying the work ethics of Paul and James Harden has been invaluable to Weber. Playing in a similarly up-tempo style at Virginia Commonwealth, Weber shot over 41 percent from 3-point range on 1.5 attempts per game in his senior season.
The 24-year old admits the Rockets’ blinding pace is an adjustment even for him, but one he deems worthwhile.
“It’s weird because I have to get used to (the offense), but it’s definitely something that you love to play with rather than against,” Weber said. “I’m going to figure it out, and it’s going to be way better for me.
“(I’m) just trying to learn and figure out how to play with two Hall of Famers. It’s a continued learning experience. I’m going to continue to learn and continue to grow as a player behind those two guys and hopefully the minutes can increase when I can gain some trust from coach (D’Antoni).”
With Capela now out for the Rockets’ upcoming back-to-back in Boston and Washington, rookie 7-footer Zhou Qi may see his first significant NBA action in the coming days as well. Sitting at third in the NBA with a 81.1 percent defensive rebounding percentage, the Rockets need strength from Qi and Tarik Black if they hope to end their swoon.
“We have enough guys,” said D’Antoni of the recent injury plague. “It is what it is. (These upcoming games) are not indicative of where we are, who we are, how we’re going to be. We’ll get through this period, get everybody healthy and see what we’ve got.”
Added Harden: “Whether it’s Briante, whether it’s Zhou Qi who will get a chance maybe tomorrow, most of our young guys who get an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it.”