Bonzi Wells averaged 23.2 points in the Sacramento Kings' six-game playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs last season. It appears that his new team, the Houston Rockets, won't benefit from the veteran's production during their own postseason push.
The Houston Chronicle reported on Tuesday night that Wells, who did not show up for the team's game against Seattle on Monday, will not play for the team the remainder of the season.
Citing a person with knowledge of the situation, the paper says that Wells will be fined for missing Monday's game but that no other fines are planned and he will not be suspended or released.
Wells was not with the team during their walkthrough on Monday morning and wasn't in the arena before the game, coach Jeff Van Gundy said. Wells left a voice message for Rockets' athletic trainer Keith Jones saying he felt he was disrupting the chemistry of the team, and Van Gundy was unable to get in touch with Wells.
So much for the Rockets as the dark horse pick. I'm confident that Luther Head can pick up the ball and run with it, but losing Wells is still a huge blow to Houston. His numbers have been down, but he would have been a valuable veteran with playoff experience.
I'm guessing there's more to this story than meets the eye. I mean, when things get tough, why take your ball and go home?
(edited by It's False on 11.4.07 0000)
The Wisdom of Homsar: AaAaAa! I'm a trendy tote bag!
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14247236p-15064918c.html (bugmenot may be required) UN-believable. Do the Spurs REALLY need this kind of help to knock off the Kings?