http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5866699.html July 1, 2008, 7:28PM Landry's agent questions Rockets' request for forward By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle With the Rockets seeking additional medical tests before extending a contract offer to restricted free agent Carl Landry, Landry’s agent shot back that the request was designed to frighten off other suitors and said the tactic has backfired. Buddy Baker said Tuesday that Landry has no health issues and that Dr. James Andrews declared Landry’s right knee to be completely sound. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said on Monday that the team would need more detailed information than available with imaging tests before it could make an offer to Landry, though it still expected to keep Landry. Such tests typically provide information related to a players’ long-term prognosis, rather than immediate ability to play. Baker, however, said Landry is generating interest around the league. The Rockets can match any offer Landry receives, as long as it fits within their salary cap limitations or exceptions. If he receives and accepts an offer, the Rockets would have to choose whether to match it without the further examination, unless Landry reverses his position and undergoes more testing. “Obviously, I view it as a move in his part to undercut his value and dissuade the interest he has garnered,” Baker said. “The reverse has happened. Teams have taken the position that he will not match offers. That has opened the floodgates. They are operating as if he (Landry) was an unrestricted free agent.” Baker would not identify the teams that have expressed interest in Landry or whether Landry has any preferences. After the season, Landry said he hoped to return to the Rockets. Baker, however, said Landry is working out with no difficulties. “Carl feels great,” Baker said. “He was completely cleared by the nationally and internationally renowned physical, James Andrews in Birmingham. Carl keeps himself in good shape and there is a lot of interest in him. There are no concerns. Carl missed a few games and came back and played with no difficulties. “It is curious that he (Morey) would make this statement on the eve of free agency.” Morey, however, said there was nothing new about his requests. “We have discussed this with Buddy and Carl since the end of the season,” Morey said. “We discussed the importance of getting more information. We plan to match any offer and expect any team that is planning to give him an offer to request the same information.” The Rockets began free agency negotiations with a call to Spurs guard Brent Barry, but indicated interest in Landry by offering Barry the lower level exception, leaving whatever portion of the mid-level that might be needed to match an offer Landry might accept. The Rockets on Tuesday named their summer league team, led by Aaron Brooks, who was named the top rookie of last season’s summer league, this season’s draft choices, Donte’ Greene, Joey Dorsey and Maarty Leunen, and returning veterans Mike Harris and Loren Woods. Former University of Houston point guard Lanny Smith and former Texas A&M center Joe Jones are also part of the team. The Rockets’ summer league team also includes former Kansas guard Russell Robinson, former UCLA forward Dijon Thompson, former Temple guard Mark Tyndale, and guard Gustavo Barrera of Uruguay.
Reverse effect? sure. This is all mumbo jumbo from Landry's agent and Morey going back and forth and we'll just have to continue to try to read between the lines until an actual offer is on the table and the ball is in Morey's court.
landry's agent sounds like an ass.... but then again, most people that have the same job are like that.
This is interesting! like a lil soap drama or something. Keep up the good work Morey! Screw that agent!
More of same crap like the first go around. He should have signed with Pelinka Kobe's agent, Duffy or Fegan. Buddy Baker what does he know? He's not even listed in draftexpress's NBA agents. http://www.draftexpress.com/agents/Agent-by-Client-NBA/Agent/
Isn't he the same guy that called the Rockets' offer last year "disturbing" and "confusing."? Landry needs a new agent.
Landry is the only player in the NBA that has Buddy Baker as his agent. http://hoopshype.com/agents/buddy_baker.htm
agreed. this guy sounds like an idiot. i don't think anyone believes that the "flood gates" of offers have been opened, or that morey being scared of his knee are getting other teams interested because they dont think morey will match the offer. lets be serious. he might get an offer or two on the table but nothing too high for the rockets to match.
i think most GMs around the league realize landry is a bench player. Whatever offers his agent can manufacture, we should be able to match. I am not overly concerned.
Geez.. Landry's agent is helping spread the news that there "could" be something wrong with Landry's knees.. Just what Morey wants.. He shoulda just kept quiet about it.
lol, that guy is an idiot... Let's recap this. 1. Landry injures himself in college. Ligament damage in the knee if I recall correctly. 2. Get's drafted in the second round. 1 year deal since he has is viewed as a bit of a gamble. 3. When Landry starts getting consistant playing time, he has a knee injury. 4. Landry never returns to form after the knee injury and season ends. 5. Landry is a restricted free agent now with multiple knee injuries at only 24 years old. 6. Morey wants test to make sure Landry and his knee are a sound investment. After events 1-5, I see nothing wrong with the route that Morey or the Rockets' organization is taking. Landry and his agent should consider themselves lucky the Rockets had faith enough to draft him in the first place. The agent here is just looking like a complete moron.
Not exactly the 'exciting off-season news' that I want to hear about the Rockets. I'd like to see who exactly has interest in Landry besides the Indiana rumor. 'Buddy Baker' sounds like the name of a used-car salesman BTW.
Buddy Baker doesn't even have anything that good as far as football players. Here's his client list. Kroy Biermann Outside linebacker Montana Buddy Baker Dorian Smith Defensive end Oregon State Buddy Baker Jehuu Caulcrick Running back/Fullback Michigan State Buddy Baker Tywain Myles Defensive tackle Tarleton State Buddy Baker Matt Lawrence Running back Massachusetts Buddy Baker In other news...comments from the Pacers board http://www.pacersdigest.com/apache2-default/showthread.php?t=40042
Buddy is Landry's agent because he has connections to Purdue. He represents a lot of players overseas though (well relatively a lot).
Can't get mad at either Buddy or Daryl... the CBA is what it is. Don't hate the player hate the game. Each of them is watching out for his client's best interest.
