Up Tempo

Can we actually believe it this time? Every year on every team in the league, owners and coaches give lip service to grooming the team to be more "up tempo" this year. They sign a couple of young speedsters and claim they want to run the court this season. I guess it sells more tickets than saying, "Come watch us win 80-79". So why is this year any different?

For one thing, Rick Adelman has always been a running coach. He was saddled with a plodding team when he took over the Rockets, partly because that's what his predecessor espoused and partly because his best player can't run very fast. So with Yao Ming on the shelf for the next season, what better time for Adelman to finally play his game. They drafted players that can run and traded for Trevor Ariza, who they believe will thrive on the move.

More importantly, the edict has come from on top. Les Alexander stated for the record today:

"For eight years I have wanted to move to a running style of play. If you play good defense and run consistently you are tough to beat as your edge in easy baskets is difficult for the opposition to overcome. The basketball staff this year from the first day of training camp will put in place a top notch running game."

Yeah, yeah, that's what they all say.

I have never loved Les Alexander and I don't really even know why, although those pajama uniforms in the nineties are reason enough. I am, however, the first to admit that I've never heard him lie. Also, he sets goals, then gives his general manager and coaches the latitude to achieve them. I also concede that he has never failed to spend money to make moves that he believes will get the Rockets into the playoffs. What more can one ask of an owner? Maybe it's where he comes from or the accent. Or maybe I've just watched too many salsa commercials (Neeew Jer-sey????!!!!). OK, Les, you've earned some respect. I'll clean the slate and start trying to love you. Especially if the Rockets really do increase the tempo this season