CHRONICLE: Rockets' attention shifts to Anderson

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Aug. 6, 2001, 10:11PM


Rockets' attention shifts to Anderson

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle
The Rockets' next step might not fall into place as swiftly as the last one, but all indications on Monday were that signing Shandon Anderson could go almost as smoothly.
With negotiations to re-sign forward Maurice Taylor wrapped up and a contract in place to sign as soon as today -- pending the formality of creating cap room necessary to formally offer a deal -- the Rockets began their most serious discussions about retaining Anderson.

Both sides reported progress and spoke far more optimistically about Anderson's return than they ever could during negotiations to keep Hakeem Olajuwon.

"I feel like we're making progress," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "It's going along rather nicely so far."
Dawson, citing team policy, would not discuss details of the negotiations. The team settled with Taylor on a six-year, $48 million deal, sources said.

Excluding cap space used to retain the rights to Matt Bullard, Moochie Norris and Eddie Griffin and to sign Taylor, the Rockets could have as much as approximately $6.5 million of cap room for Anderson and any other additions to the roster.
"They're moving along," Anderson's agent, Dan Fegan, said of negotiations with the team. "Everything should be fine. From everything I've heard, we're right on track. I think we're fine."

Until signed or renounced, Bullard occupies $2.9 million of cap space. The Rockets' offer to Olajuwon, along with the space needed for Taylor and Anderson, would have forced the team to renounce its rights to Bullard and then try to sign him for the minimum, $1 million for a 10-year veteran.

Instead, the team could avoid renouncing Bullard and attempt to sign him with available cap room or go over the cap with his full "Bird" rights, particularly with few signs that it would attempt to bring in another free-agent center to replace Olajuwon.

"I'm waiting my turn," Bullard said. "I have my Larry Bird rights. I can sign over the cap. Mo Taylor's (deal) was great news."