Live Chat w/ Battier 3pm

[jove9]

Battier is chatting live on the chron website RIGHT NOW!!!

http://blogs.chron.com/sportsupdate/arc ... rocke.html

[MaxRider]

he hasn't answer my question yet

[jove9]

Don't feel bad. He hasn't answered any of mine.

"Cheetos" and "Ramsay" have each gotten to ask two so far.

[MaxRider]

Don't feel bad. He hasn't answered any of mine.

i guess they try to summarize all those same topic together
but he only answer half of my question in one of those

[grond]

hah! Cheers jove9. Got in a question. Hope it gets through.

[jove9]

I got one finally! It's under my real name, though, so I won't tell you what time. It's before the 30 minute mark.

[grond]

Hello Marc!

[jove9]

Nope. That's not me.

[grond]

Yeah, I was kidding.

My serious guess was 'Ben' and the Artest question.

[jove9]

Nope, that's not me either.

Somewhere between 0-30, I do ask a question, though. You have about 6 or 7 names to choose from, but I'm not going to tell you which one.

Anyway, the chat's almost over. I didn't learn anything particularly pressing. It was interesting that he said, in regards to the Rafer trade, that trading players is "rarely" personal. Was it personal in Rafer's case? I wonder....

[moofs]

Someone I work with got a question in there, but not me!

So Shane, what's it like being the smartest player in the NBA, and how would you handle it if someone asked you that question?
Who usually wins the no-doubt frequent battles of wit between you, Scola, Yao, and Mutombo, and how do you suppose said contest would be altered if Duncan were thrown into the mix?
Re: "I can actually dunk again, believe it or not." - Where'd they set up the trampoline?
‎‎Do you guys have any plans to lobby for a salary raise for Cook if he can reach certain high-five milestones as guys come back over to the bench?
‎‎In response to the devil icon: "figure out how to turn that red one blue and you're set"
‎‎Shane, given your unselfish nature, how in the world did Billy Knight manage to talk you into taking over 12 hots per game your rookie year?
‎‎Haha yeah, nice job mugging for the camera after all that all-star break tanning

I think those were great questions

[grond]

And fin. Agree, nothing spectacular. Fun nonetheless. Gracias.

edit: lol at that smartest question

[moofs]

Don't know if it's postable here, but...

2:50
[Comment From Cheetos]
Shane...how's your health first of all?? are you 100% as of right now?
2:56
Shane Battier: Welcome all. I look forward to answering some of your questions today. Let's keep them above the belt!
2:56
[Comment From Diana]
You are getting lot of attention after that NYT article was written about you. What did you think of that article?
2:57
Shane Battier: I thought it was a fantastic article. I was really pleased with it. Michael Lewis is an amazing writer and I was obviously the beneficiary. I think it shed great insight into what goes into my prep for a game. I recieved some great feedback as well.
2:57
[Comment From Scott]
As the defensive guru, do you see the Rocket's defense improving?
2:58
Shane Battier: We are improving on the defensive end, no questions about it. We finally have some continuity and health and those were the two things that kept us from being a great defensive team in the first half.
2:59
[Comment From cath]
Who's the most relaxed player off the court on the team?
2:59
Shane Battier: I think Yao is probably the most relaxed. He never really goes out. He just goes home and reads or plays video games. He's very chill.
3:00
[Comment From Jay Z]
Hows the transition to the "new" makeup of the team?
3:01
Shane Battier: It will take time for our team to come together, but we are lucky to have a group of guys who come to work everyday and want to improve. We will be a faster team and it will take time to maximize our team.
3:01
[Comment From KevinInSpring]
Shane, with T-Mac out for the rest of the year, how do you foresee your role changing on the court?
3:03
Shane Battier: I'll probably score a few more points, but for the most part, my role won't change much. My job is to get the ball to Yao, to spread the court, play great defense, get back in transition, and be a communicator. Those are all things that I do regardless of who is playing.
3:03
[Comment From Sam]
Shane, thanks for taking some time for us fans, it's really appreciated. What was your initial reaction to the Rafer Alston trade? Are the 2 games since an indication of a new tempo with Aaron Brooks or it is too soon to contribute the two wins to the change in PG? Thanks again Shane.
3:05
Shane Battier: Trades are always a bit shocking. Especially since we were hanging out with Rafer the night before at our Tux-n-Tennies event. We all understand that this is a business and that the GM's and Coaches are paid alot of money to improve the team, it's never (well, rarely) personal.
We are implimenting a faster style with Brooks and Lowery, it will take some time to see the finished product, although we are encouraged with the first week.
3:05
[Comment From Jayce]
I have always wondered whats the conditioning like in the pros. Is practice more of scrimage like or do you run suicides the whole time?
3:07
Shane Battier: You really don't run wind sprints after training camp is done. We play so many games that the practices can't be too taxing or we'd all be exhausted by Christmas. We do scrimmage daily though and allow some of the guys who don't play as much some time to get up and down the court. In the pros, it's all about game performance and not so much about practice (Practice? We're talking about practice??????) sorry, it makes me laugh everytime
3:07
[Comment From ghost rocket]
how many practices has the core of Brooks, Battier, Artest, Scola & Yao gotten? and is Aaron being vocal out there?
3:09
Shane Battier: We have had one practice together as a starting unit. We have a busy schedule this month, so we won't have too much time to practice, we'll have to figure it out on the fly.
AB is doing better comminicating. He understands that the ball is in his hands and he has to do a good job of organizing the group.
3:09
[Comment From Erik]
Do you feel you'll can make it past the first round with the team you have?
3:10
Shane Battier:

I feel our best basketball is ahead of us. As we saw last year, a determined team with a purpose (22 game win streak) is dangerous. So yes, it would not surprise me if we made it past the first round


3:10
[Comment From Ramsey]
Hey Shane, do you have any aspirations to continue working with the NBA after you retire? In coaching or possibly administrative duties, i.e. Commish?
3:12
Shane Battier: I have no idea what I want to do after I get done playing. I would like to stay connected with the game but there are a lot of other things I want to accomplish in my life. I want to work with kids and help the underserved.
3:12
[Comment From Lady Nonny]
What is the name of your baby girl?
3:12
Shane Battier: I only have a son, his name is Zeke and he is the best.
3:12
[Comment From Rockets Fan]
Are you 100% healthy now? Or Are you Still bothered by the injury?
3:13
Shane Battier: I feel pretty close to 100%, my foot feels great, but now I'm battling a sore hammy. If it's not one thing, it's another, but I feel a 1000 times better than I felt earlier in the year.
3:13
[Comment From Chris]
Hi Shane, first off let me say that you are one of my favorite Rockets and that I'm a fan who recognizes all the intangibles you bring to this team! So wanted to ask ya, do you feel a new energy in this team after the trade, and with Ron in the starting lineup?
3:14
Shane Battier: Thank you for the compliment!
I do feel a new energy. I think the trade has revitalized our team and given us a chance to renew our commitment to winning.
3:14
[Comment From Ramsey]
How did you feel about the way T-Mac informed everyone about the decision to do the season ending surgery?
3:16
Shane Battier: I learned a long time ago to worry about the things you can control (how hard you play, your preparation, your effort) and not to worry about things you can't control. It didn't effect me.
3:16
[Comment From Luke]
With all of the talk about bringing in Ron Artest, how has he been in the locker room and as a teammate this year?
3:17
Shane Battier: Ron's a normal NBA guy. He cracks jokes on guys, he gets cracked on (which is all that an NBA lockerrom really is........joke crackers) He has played hard and tried to do the right thing, that is all you can ask from a teammate.
3:18
[Comment From Cheetos]
How's the ankle? I heard that you took rehab to another level.
3:19
Shane Battier: My ankle feels great, much better than before. It just needed time and treatment to get right. I can actually dunk again, believe it or not.
3:19
[Comment From Dusty]
What teams do you think the team matches up well in the West?
3:20
Shane Battier: Every time presents us with opportunities and problems. Every playoff team in the West is tough, I don't think that one matchup is better for us than another.
3:20
[Comment From ht]
how did the left handed hook become your goto shot? any history behind it? it's automatic!
3:21
Shane Battier: I never had a left hand hook until I started practicing it everyday in the summer after my rookie year. I needed another move and just kept shooting 1000's of lefty hooks in the summer, all the work paid off.
3:21
[Comment From Dusty]
Who has been your favorite coach that you have played for? Van Gundy, ur current coach, or Coach K? Have they all rubbed off of you in some way?
3:23
[Comment From Shaun]
Hey Shane! Big fan here. This is a weird question, but have you thought about what you'd like to do once you retire? I know everyone jokes around about you becoming NBA Commissioner, but, with your knowledge of the game, I think you could become a pretty good coach.
3:23
Shane Battier: I am really lucky to have played for some of the best coaches in the game of basketball, between Coach K at Duke, Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello, Jeff Van Gundy, and Rick Adelman, that is a ton of wins between all of them. I have learned a ton from all of them, but don't have a favorite.
3:24
Shane Battier: I have no clue what I want to do when I retire. I know how hard I work and prepare for every game and if I didn't get that committment from my team, I would die a slow death, I don't think I could coach.
3:24
[Comment From eric]
Shane so far who do you think is the MVP of the league?
3:24
Shane Battier: LeBron. He's carrying the best team in the league.
3:25
[Comment From D_rocket]
Who do you fear in playoff contention?
3:26
Shane Battier: To be the best, you have to beat the best. You never call anyone out nor duck them. you play whoever's in front of you.
3:26
[Comment From Alan]
What's your take on Brian Cook? Will he get regular playing time, or (like Novak) is he going to be another player who gets spot minutes?
3:27
Shane Battier:

B Cook could see some action in certain matchups, like if we want to surround Yao with shooters. It's just tough to find playing time when Luis and Carl are so good for us.
3:27
[Comment From Ben]
Talk a little bit Ron A. Is he integrating well with the team? With Tracy out, I assume he's going to have an even bigger role on the offensive end. Also, talk a little bit about the intensity he brings.
3:28
Shane Battier: Ron plays hard everynight. His effort is undeniable. Sometimes we tell him to tone it down, ha. Obiously with McGrady out, Ron will pick up some of the offensive load, but I don't think Ron minds
3:28
[Comment From marc]
Shane, so you think portland going to give you match up problems this Tues?
3:29
Shane Battier: I just noticed you can do this
3:29
Shane Battier:
3:30
[Comment From marc]
Shane, i like our new point guard
3:30
Shane Battier: Portand is playing great, especially at home. They are tough because they can be effective small, playing Aldrige at the 5 which is a tough cover for Yao, but we must punish them on the offensive end when we can.
3:30
Shane Battier: I think you will like Kyle Lowry, he plays really hard.
3:30
[Comment From Chris]
Are you ever going to grow your hair out?
3:31
Shane Battier: Nope, the wife likes it short. When mom's happy, then dad's happy.
3:31
[Comment From Matt]
Thank you SO much for connecting with fans Shane! What kind of shooting practice do you run through? I would love to give an example to my players (as a coach).
3:33
Shane Battier: As a spot shooter, I focus on hitting an open shot. It is the one shot that sounds simple but very few can perform on a consistent basis. If you can hit an open shot you will always play on your high school team. Practice spot shooting......alot. 200 makes a day.
3:33
[Comment From ScottC]
Do you feel you have the pieces to win a title this year. Without T Mac?
3:34
Shane Battier: We have talent, we play hard, have a good coach. If we can put it all together and maximize this team, then nothing would surprise me.
3:34
[Comment From Jared]
Going back to college. How did it feel when the 'timeout' ended the game?
3:35
Shane Battier: uhhhh, wrong team dude, I went to Duke. Not Michigan.
3:35
[Comment From Bob]
How far do you think we can go with Aaron Brooks starting at PG?
3:36
Shane Battier: I don't think too many people are upset at Greg Popovich after three titles with a point guard who was 'too small' to guard big guards. AB is really good and will only get better.
3:36
[Comment From glo]
shane can you talk about adlemans offense, it seemed in the begining of the year you guys struggled to run his offense and now things are looking a lot smoother the last 4-5 games. Is this due to the change in personel(tracy and rafer out)?
3:37
Shane Battier: Coach Adelman's offense is not complicated, but it is predicated on ball movement and player movement. We did not do a good job of this earlier. We are starting to figure it out a little and as a result our offense is better.
3:37
[Comment From Matt]
Thank you Shane you are the best
3:37
[Comment From Fan]
The last time the Rockets played Portland, Roy hit a 3 at the buzzer to win the game. Espn showed the clock didn't start for a few seconds so in reality the Rockets ahould have won that game. What is your opinion on the controversy
3:38
Shane Battier: hahah, a slow trigger finger on the clock for the home team is all part of home court advantage. Works both ways. hhahahha.
3:38
[Comment From Guest]
Shane, I'm a big Bue Devils fan but man, there looking a little shaky this season. although they had a big win against Wake the other night. What are your thoughts?
3:39
Shane Battier: It was a great win against Wake. I like the Blue Devils this year, it will depend on their matchups in the tournament. If they can avoid uber athletic teams that offensive rebound then I like our chances.
3:40
[Comment From Rajeev]
I am a season ticket holder. I along with most fans think the Rockets are better off without McGrady. There seems to be better ball movement and defense the past few games without him. In addition, his presence on the team created uncertainty amongst other players regarding their role. What are your thoughts?
3:42
Shane Battier: There is no question thatwith a healthy McGrady playing at a high level we are the most dangerous. Because of the talent vacuum that was created when he left, we know we have to play harder and more together to win games. Teams that have the most talent and play the hardest win ulitmately.
3:42
[Comment From Eric]
Hey Shane, I noticed you had a quicker release on your shot recently.. is this something you've been practicing or is it because the defense closing in?
3:43
Shane Battier:

The only change in my shot is that more have gone in. Nothing mechanically has been changed. And I have been getting better passes. Good passes make good shots.
3:43
[Comment From Ross]
Shane ... your favorite restaurants in town?
3:45
Shane Battier: Dolce Vita, DaMarco, Vic and Anthony's,
3:45
[Comment From Tom]
Hey Shane, you and Luis are my favorite Rockets. Have a question about Yao tho'. Is he still sitting our practices to relieve stress on his feet? Earlier there was talk of watching his minutes, but i haven't seen this in games. Also he looks less bulky than in previous seasons. Basically, I hope he's taking precautions and would be relieved to hear someone on the inside confirm this. thanks!
3:45
Shane Battier: and El Tiempo
3:46
ChronicleSports:

Thank you for all your questions and comments. We will try and get to as many as we can. There's 15 minutes remaining in the chat.
3:46
Shane Battier: Unfortunately, Yao has to play big minutes for us to win. But I do think he is doing more things off the court to relax and not tax his body as much.
3:46
[Comment From Capt.Boom]
Shane any big off-court projects in the works. I know your big with NBA cares.
3:48
Shane Battier: I have a lot of things in the hopper. I am expanding the work of the Battier Family Foundation to start a scholarship in Houston as well as continuing to start some outside business ventures. I keep pretty busy.
3:48
[Comment From nice tan]
If you could play with any player in the NBA who would it be besides anyone on the rockets?
3:49
Shane Battier:

Kobe. He only cares about winning. Like me.
3:49
[Comment From Shane]
Shane, who's tougher to guard, Lebron or Kobe? And why?
3:50
Shane Battier: They are different. LeBron is tougher in transition because he is bigger than Ray Lewis and faster than Larry Fitzgerald, try stopping that. Kobe is tougher in the halfcourt because he has a little deeper range, when it's said and done both will be top 10 all time players
3:50
[Comment From Chris]
With Tracy out for the year, do you see Yao taking on more of a leadership role? Like when he plays for his national team? That would really help.
3:51
Shane Battier: Yao leads in his own way. He is reserved, that's who he is, but will speak up when he feels he has to.
3:51
[Comment From Earl]
Shane - What was the biggest shot you have ever hit in your career? For you, not necessarily the stage or setting.
3:53
Shane Battier:

The national championship game in 2001, I had three straight possessions that I tipped the ball in off the back of my hand, had a tip dunk, and a dunk in the half court that took the game from a 3 point game to an 8 point game with 3 minutes to go. It was the best sequence of my life on my biggest stage.
3:53
[Comment From Bill in Spring]
How much does fan support in the stands matter to you? Does it boost you when you need a boost? Should we yell more? What works for you?
3:55
Shane Battier: You can't win without fans. There is a reason that teams always play better at home than on the road. It's the fans. There is nothing more demoralizing that making a coach call a timeout after a huge bucket, dunk or three pointer and the crowd goes wild. Those moments with the crowd win games.
3:55
[Comment From mikey]
Shane who's the best 3-pt shooter on the team?
3:55
Shane Battier: If I had one 3 point shot and my life depended on it........Brent Barry
3:56
[Comment From Capt.Boom]
Do you get a little more fired up when San Antonio or Dallas come into town?
3:56
Shane Battier: San Antoino, because of their championships
3:56
[Comment From Lost]
Who would win in a one-on-one match up you or Scola?
3:56
Shane Battier:

Scola
3:57
[Comment From DangerB]
Shane, I read you are married, so I can tell my wife to stop dreaming!!!!
3:57
[Comment From BAM]
What are your favorite tv shows to watch?
3:57
Shane Battier: haha. I appreciate that, alas, I have a beautiful wife and son. I am blessed.
3:58
Shane Battier: I really only watch the Office and sometimes Bus of Love starring Bret Michaels. Other than that I really don't watch television.
3:58
[Comment From Joe Shafer]
Dunk? When are we going to see it!!! Who is your favorite player to guard?
3:59
Shane Battier: I promise one dunk a year. That's it. I enjoy the challenge of Kobe and LeBron. I wouldn't call it fun, but it is never boring!
3:59
[Comment From Tyson]
Just wanted to say a big thanks for what you do for our team and city!!! You have a much broader appeal than those just those under 12 and over 60. My wife and I are both huge fans!
4:01
Shane Battier: Well, thank you very much. My wife and I love Houston and we both hope we are here many, many years.

Thank you so much for your questions, they were all great ones. Continue to support the Rockets at Toyota Center this year, I think we have a chance to do something special to make Rockets fans proud.

Take Care
sb

[TMU]

Going back to college. How did it feel when the 'timeout' ended the game?

uhhhh, wrong team dude, I went to Duke. Not Michigan.

[MaxRider]

I can't believe he answered that one and none of mine.
I guess mine were kind of answered in other questions.

[moofs]

My theory is that the questions that got picked were from the Chron staff, so they picked ones that looked like they appealed to broadest readership...

[jove9]

My theory is that the questions that got picked were from the Chron staff, so they picked ones that looked like they appealed to broadest readership...

But that doesn't explain Jared's Michigan question.

And there were two or three about Ron, and a few more about Battier's own health. How many times did we have to hear about that?

[moofs]

Yeah, that occurred to me, but nothing else made any more sense. Think of it from the perspective of "Hm, well if they had Fran picking the questions.." (maybe even Solomon, but less likely)