NBA Draft Night at T.C.

Wednesday night at Toyota Center was, to say the least, interesting.

Sitting in the media work room, we were kicking around the possibility of Brandon Roy becoming a Rocket; however, as soon as he was chosen, we assumed the Rockets would choose Rudy Gay out of Connecticut. Then, the proposed trade of Gay for Shane Battier was mentioned on the tv. Our collective response was "Huh?"

Shane Battier is Rockets' player -- a Jeff Van Gundy player. Shane is a clockwork kind of guy because you know what you're going to get from him on a game by game basis -- positives.

Rudy Gay has tremendous potential; however, the Rockets didn't particularly like him at all; so, trading a player you don't like for someone they do like was a no-brainer for the Rockets. Toss in the ever inconsistent Stromile Swift into the deal as another player the Rockets don't like, JVG and Carroll Dawson are probably giddy with delight. For their sakes, I hope they're correct.

Rockets trying to get Brandon Roy?

The 2006 NBA Draft takes place tomorrow and, naturally, trade rumors are swirling around involving every team in the league.

One rumor involves the Houston Rockets obtaining Brandon Roy, (6'5, G, Univ. of Washington) from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Duke F Shelden Williams and Rockets' guard Luther Head.

If that rumor is accurate, the Rockets should make that deal in a heartbeat!

Brandon Roy is a definite upgrade over Luther Head in the Rockets' backcourt.

WNBA Attendance is Down (again) in 2006

I cover the WNBA, specifically the Houston Comets, on a daily basis. I've seen the level of play and the level of competition improve from year to year. However, as the talent improves, the attendance continues to decline.

Here are the home attendance figures (through June 23, 2006) for the 14 WNBA teams:
Charlotte -- 4,654.
Chicago -- 3,294.
Connecticut -- 7,237.
Detroit -- 8,877.
Houston -- 6,743.
Indiana -- 7,378.
Los Angeles -- 7,495.
Minnesota -- 6,332.
New York -- 9,809.
Phoenix -- 6,852.
Sacramento -- 8,639.
San Antonio -- 6,665.
Seattle -- 7,794.
Washington -- 6,775.

WNBA AVG. ATTENDANCE -- 6,913.

It's widely believed a WNBA team needs to average at least 7,500 fans in order to "break even". If that belief is correct, nine (not counting the 7495 of the LA Sparks) WNBA teams will lose money this season. That means more than half the league's teams could be in financial trouble. If more than half the teams are having financial difficulties, then the WNBA may be experiencing similar money troubles...

I'm not going to discuss the actual "butts in the seats numbers" because I believe those attendance numbers would make the situation more dire. However, I will state this:
I don't believe nearly 7,000 people per home game have seen the Comets play this season.

Sheryl Swoopes: "...I have no idea..."

After today's Houston Comets' practice, I interviewed Sheryl Swoopes and Van Chancellor.

Please listen to these two mp3s of their comments...

Sheryl Swoopes: "...I have no idea..." -- Greenwise Investments

Van Chancellor: "...more quality basketball teams..." -- Greenwise Investments

Heat Wins it All -- I was wrong

I was wrong.

I predicted the Dallas Mavericks would defeat the Miami Heat in six games.

Well, congratulations to the Miami for beating the Mavs in 6 to win their first NBA title in franchise history.

I thought Pat Riley was nuts for acquiring Jason Williams, Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, and James Posey during the offseason. Wrong again.

Congrats to Miami Heat fans everywhere! Your team got the job done when many people doubted them.

I hate being wrong; but, I do admit when I'm wrong.

Good luck, Daniel and Sydney

I want to wish good luck to two young people who are products of HISD (Houston Independent School District): Daniel Gibson (Jones HS) and Sydney Crosby (Westside HS) on their recent important decisions.

Daniel, a sophomore at Texas, decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft. Personally, I wish he would have decided to return to UT; but, nonetheless, I wish Daniel the best and I hope he makes the most of his opportunity in the NBA. The NBA Draft is June 28.

Sydney will be a senior at Westside this fall; but, last Monday, she made a verbal committment to attend Texas A&M University and play for Coach Gary Blair and his up and coming Aggies.

Swoopes and Hoops

It's been more than a week since my last my blog entry; but, working 8 to 5 and no laptop put a crimp in my daily routine.

Anyway, Houston Comets forward Sheryl Swoopes was able to practice today; however, she's still a game time decision for tomorrow's match-up with the Sacramento Monarchs. Notice, I typed "tomorrow's match-up" with the Monarchs because yesterday, the Houston Chronicle incorrectly listed the game as taking placing on Friday, June 16, instead of Wednesday, June 14.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

btw, What has happened to the Washington Mystics' home attendance?! The Mystics used to draw 12,000 plus per home game; now, they're lucky if they draw half that many fans to the arena!

Also, the Houston Rockets announced today that the team has picked up the option on the contract of forward Chuck Hayes. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Houston Comets get ready for the Minnesota Lynx

Please listen to these latest mp3s from the Houston Comets brought to you by The Houston Roundball Review

6/3: Comets Dominique Canty and Kayte Christensen after Practice:
Dominique Canty: "...just one bad game..." -- Italian Ice Hut
F Kayte Christensen: "...so happy for her..." -- Kashmere Pharmacy

6/3: Swoopes Discusses the Lynx and Seimone Augustus
Sheryl Swoopes: "...it's going to.be a battle..." -- Down Home BBQ
Sheryl Swoopes: "...respect for what she's done.." -- Human Touch Massage