I had the opportunity to interview Spudspace regarding his 1^st round matchup vs the Dallas Mavericks.  Spud had nothing but high praise for his opponent GM Smokey, so much so that it read pitifully boring.  So I decided that his interview needed a little sprucing up, to help create some bulletin board fodder!

*Disclamer --- This is a work of fiction.  Ideas expressed here do not necessarily reflect the Houston Rockets or any member of their organization.

Interview with GM Spudspace, of the Houston Rockets by GM Pennywise

PW: Spud, can I call you Spud? 

SP:  Sure, Penny.

PW: So what’s your thoughts on your chances against the Mavs this round?

SP:  We match up very favorably from a starting lineup standpoint.  Honestly, with Jrue out, I think we have the upper hand there!  Sure, his bench is better, but so what?  Most of them don’t play more than 20 minutes a game and we have a good enough bench to help negate those guys.

PW:  So you think you can beat them?

SP:  Look, I’m just saying that the regular season matchups didn’t mean much.  Yeah, they won 3 games to 1, but neither team was at full strength for ANY of those games, so this is essentially 2 different teams playing now.  Even though our records may not indicate it, we don’t look at ourselves as underdogs.  In fact, we think with Jrue out, we should beat them!

PW:  Whoa!  Bold words there Spud.  So you don’t think a team as good as the Mavs should be favored?

SP:  I have to give mad props to Smokey.  He’s done a wonderful job with his team depth, but let’s be brutally honest, he has no ALL NLL type player.  In fact, the only advantage he has is that he’s had more years to build his team up, but we both have the same template when it comes to building a roster.  Now, I will say that I was coveting some of his bench and young players, but Smokey really wouldn’t listen to any offers we would try to make for any of them.

PW:  Wait, so you were trying to work out trades?  It’s getting interesting here.

SP: I do gotta say, I felt like I got the cold shoulder in any possible trade negotiations. I felt like if I wasn’t gonna close my eyes and spread ‘em for the Mavs, they weren’t going to sign off on any deal netting me a guy I’d have interest in.

PW:  Damn, Spud.  You’re not pulling any punches today.

SP:  I just think it’s a laugh that these Rockets don’t get the credit they really deserve.  Let’s be clear, if my guys can put a lid on Lou Will and Thad Young, and we don’t turn the ball over more than 12 times in a game, expect to see us in the 2^nd round.

PW:  I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting such bravado when we sat down…..  Who do you think is the big surprise for the Mavs this year.

SP:  Mudiay, without a doubt.  He’s a rook, but the guy plays like a seasoned vet.  He’s gonna have a height advantage against IT3, but I have confidence in my point!  Expect Isaiah to have some great games this series.

PW:  Well, I think you’re gonna open some eyes with this interview, Spud.  Any last words and a prediction on the series?

SP:  We would like to wish the Mavs good luck on the series.  We just hope they don’t hold a grudge when we send them packing next week!  Rockets in 6!