Deadline’s passing may help situation
When the trade deadline passed Thursday, the Rockets had sent out two players ( Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton) without bringing in anyone to replace them.
But they also felt there could be a sense of relief, even determination, knowing it will be up to the 12 players at Thursday’s practice to turn around the season. ( Terrence Jones remained in Houston while in the NBA’s concussion protocol.)
“I think that’s the message,” interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Around this time of year, it’s difficult for a lot of people. There’s a lot of things being said. There’s a lot of verbiage. There’s a lot of rumors. This time of year is always tough for teams.
“It’s over. The decisions have been made. You have your group going forward. You understand that. The guys understand that. It reinforces the commitment to one another.”
Guard Jason Terry said he already has seen a better attitude and greater commitment, though he was not certain that was because of the passing of the trade deadline.
“I’ve been on teams where it has put guys at ease,” Terry said. “They don’t have to worry if they’re getting moved or not. You can’t count on that. You still have to come out and perform. The time is now. There is nobody coming in here to
save the day. This is the team we have. Understand your role and what you do well and do it every single night.
“I’ve seen a much more intense team. I thought the attention to detail and focus has been a lot better. I think for some reason the last month has been a distraction, whether it was the trade deadline or guys didn’t like playing with each other or whatever. That distraction has been lifted. Guys have been more positive, more in tune to what’s going on.”
With that, he added one more message.
“We will be in the playoffs,” Terry said. “Don’t write us off.”
Terry ready for bigger role
With the deal to move Marcus Thornton, Jason Terry could pick up more consistent playing time as a backup shooting guard and said he is ready for the increased workload.
“I could have gone for 82 games, but it was a situation management wanted to look at different guys and know what I bring to the table. I was willing to be patient and wait my time. That’s part of being a team player. But now, we know what we have. Coach understands my role. I’m ready to do that every night. I’ll be ready.”
Terry, 38, has been held out of many shootarounds and one game in back-to-backs, but he said he’ll have “no problem” playing every game the rest of the way.
D-Mo has regrets about leaving
Donatas Motiejunas said he was finally at 100 percent in his return from last season’s back injury, making the Rockets’ decision to trade him “strange.” But he looks forward to playing for the Pistons.
“I’m a little bit surprised,” Motiejunas said. “I spent 3½ years in Houston. The city became my family. It’s sad to leave, but it’s part of the business, and that’s how it should be.
“I’m going to Detroit with my heart open. I’m hoping the fans and the team will take me in. I really hope to make Detroit my second home. It’s a little bit strange, but the team was struggling and made a change. I didn’t play much this season. Now, I’m healthy. Instead of risking me, they traded me. Where I am now, I’m fully healthy, 100 percent, and think I will give a boost to Detroit to make the playoffs.”