http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5150105.html Sept. 19, 2007, 11:40PM Rockets to pick up Head's option GM Morey sees more competition with glut of guards By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle TOOLS Email Get section feed Print Subscribe NOW Comments Recommend Courtside with Blinebury Feigen on NBA Yao Central with fan blogger Ren Hsieh Speak up in the Rockets forum Complete Rockets coverage The Rockets are moving toward the start of training camp with as many questions as players in their overstuffed backcourt, but a decision on third-year guard Luther Head already has been made. The Rockets will pick up their option on Head's fourth season, general manager Daryl Morey said Wednesday. Including Bonzi Wells and Tracy McGrady, who also play small forward, and Bob Sura, whose career is considered over, the Rockets have 10 guards signed to guaranteed contracts. But Morey said that even with the offseason additions of Steve Francis and Mike James and the return of Wells, Head figures prominently into the team's plans. "He is a tremendous shooter, and I know coach (Rick Adelman) is really looking forward to seeing what Luther can do," Morey said. "He had watched him play at Illinois and feels there is more to his game than maybe Rockets fans have seen. "We'll definitely pick up his option. He is worth more with his option picked up, and he is a part of our plans for the future." Head averaged 10.9 points last season, making 44.1 percent of his 3-pointers and ranking fourth in 3-point accuracy . Head is due to make $1.22 million this season and $1.96 million in 2008-09 if the Rockets pick up his fourth-year option — a move they can only make before the season starts. "He loves it in Houston and with the Rockets," said Mark Bartelstein, Head's agent. "He would love to be a free agent. His value is greater than his contract. But that is their right. It's the system." Bartelstein said Head was not concerned with the many options the Rockets have in the backcourt. "He expects to have a great year," Bartelstein said. "Luther is a competitive guy. He'll do what he can do, and the coaches will figure it all out." In the past two seasons, only Rafer Alston and Juwan Howard played had more minutes for the Rockets than Head. "I think in the first few years, players make large strides and the history would be that a player like Luther who got a lot of early minutes takes another huge step forward in the third year," Morey said. "I think there is going to be more competition. We'd rather have more talent than less." jonathan.feigen@chron.com Didn't see this posted...is he signed to booste his value for a possible trade?
"[Chron] Rockets To Pick Up Option On Head's Fourth Season" How the hell could you not see a thread on the 1st page with that long and descriptive title??
