Now that Halstead's got his first few games in, how 'bout a little love for my other rookie?
Over the Hill
It was Monday, January 3, 2011. After Sunday night's game at Denver, the Rockets flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and booked practice time in the Timberwolves' practice court.
"Have you been in contact with Donte lately?" asked Aaron Brooks. "Yeah, he said he's fine, when we get back to Houston, I'll visit him at the hospital," answered Kevin Martin. They were both lacing up their shoes to get ready for practice. "Damn, I still can't believe somebody would do that, he's not the type that goes looking for trouble," said Brooks. "I have a pretty positive idea on who it was," said Martin.
"Who do you think did it?" asked Aaron. "Isn't it obvious, man?" Martin said as Brad Halstead came into the locker room. "You're late," said Rick Adelman angrily. "I'm sorry coach, I was just chatting with the ladies," he answered. "What, ladies like men with small heads now?" joked Shane Battier. The whole locker room laughed, including Rick Adelman. "Fuck you Shane," answered Halstead angrily.
"From now on, call me Sir Shane, it's about time somebody taught you manners, boy," said Shane in a serious tone. "I don't need manners, manners are for pussies," he answered. "We'll see," said Shane, and walked out of the locker room to warm-up for practice. Everyone else left too, and Brad was left alone in the locker room, except for Kevin Martin.
"Confess now, while you're alone," said Martin, staring Brad down. "Confess that I hate your guts and that you're nothing but a mere fluke in the NBA?" asked Halstead. "No, it was you, wasn't it? It was you who shot Donte Greene in the leg, do you deny it?" asked Martin. "What're you talking about? Who's Donte Greene? And poor bloke, I hope he's okay," replied Brad.
"Don't act all innocent, you know and I know very well you did it to get a spot on the team. Watch, I'll uncover the truth from you one day, and justice will be served!" continued Martin, and walked away. "What the hell's wrong with him?" Brad asked himself.
During practice, Thierry, who had been promoted to assisstant coach of the Rockets, was working with Yao Ming and Gregory Costa on low post play. "You're a great player Greg, never have I seen a rookie play that way offensively," Yao compimented Greg. "Thanks, Yao," said Costa. Thierry stroked his beard, and went to Rick Adelman to ask him for a team scrimmage. Adelman liked the idea, and assembled 10 players for a scrimmage, sitting Yao, Martin, Halstead, and Shane on the bleachers.
"What, I'm not playing?" asked Halstead. "No, it's your punishment for showing up late to practice," Thierry answered him. Halstead rolled his eyes and sat down on the bleachers, between Shane and Martin. "One thing you should learn, show up early to practice, that's how you get somewhere in the NBA," Shane Battier scolded at Halstead. "I don't care about practice, games are what count," Halstead reassured himself. "Which is why you're a scrub who came onto this team because of a mere tragedy," answered Shane.
Halstead stood up suddenly, and stared down Shane. "I'm getting tired of you bullshit," Halstead told him. "It's not bullshit, it's the truth," Battier answered him, not concerned at the cold look Brad was giving him. "Now sit your ass down, before I get physical with you," Shane threatened him. Halstead sat back down, and did not talk for the rest of the scrimmage they were watching.
Aaron Brooks threw a lob pass to Jordan Hill, who slammed it down with authority. "AWW!" yelled Hill. He was on the floor, stroking his ankle, grimacing in pain. Rick Adelman and Thierry went over to him, "What's wrong, man?" asked Thierry. "I rolled my ankle when I landed," Hill answered him. "Get a doctor," Adelman ordered Thierry. "Right away, sir," Thierry ran. Moments later the team doctors were examining Hill.
"He won't be able to play in about a week," said the head doctor. "Oh, great, another player down," Rick Adelman said. "I suppose Greg can take over," he told Greg. A huge grin appeared in Gregory Costa's face, as he knew this was his opportunity to show his talent. "I won't let you down, coach," he assured Adelman.
Can't wait to see Costa in action!
... of course he is behind AI and Wes and even Grant Hill!
