House Getting A Chance

It was an unscheduled office visit, and it reinforced Pat Riley's feelings about Eddie House.

When Anthony Carter went out with a strained groin, House checked in with Riley, to ask how he could improve.  Riley appreciated the gesture, from a rookie guard he calls "a wonderful kid".

But the coach had a simple message:

"It's time to play," Riley said.  "You've been improving all summer, you've been working hard in training camp, you've been working before and after the practices.  The coaches have taught you everything you need to know.  It's time now to play consistently, to help us win."

House has done that.  The college gunner has been solid in Carter's absence, handling the point-guard position, and allowing starter Tim Hardaway to get his normal rest.

"He's getting to know what he can do, and what he can't do," Hardaway said.   "He's anxious, he wants to do a whole bunch of things right now.  But sometimes, it's not the right time.  He just needs to come in there and run the show, and get people involved."

House reminds Hardaway of someone.

"He is just like I was, when I was coming from college," Hardaway said.

House, like Hardaway, is self-assured.  To a point.

"Eddie is worrying about some mistake he made three weeks ago," Riley said.   "it stays on his mind.  Las night in the game, he had the palming [violation].  Five minutes later, during the timeout, he says 'Coach, what did do on that?'  I said, 'Eddie, leave it alone."

Updated:  March 04, 2009

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