I don't think it requires an "insider" to figure this one out. The Rockets have 10 players contracted for 2002-2003. Ming is 11 and pick 15 is the 12th roster spot. Spot 13 will likely go to Oscar Torres. With the addition of Ming, the next pressing need is SF and IMO Walt will not return as there is no need for 4+ SF's (Rice, TMO, OT, Griffin and KT in spots, plus #15 - Nachbar?). If the Rockets get a multi-position player like Jeri Welsch (or if Woods falls far enough) at 15, then they may not re-sign OT and use his spot for Willis. Willis is also more attractive if 15 goes to Memphis. I believe the insiders have said Walt is gone, but I don't recall the specifics on Willis.
I expect Walt Williams might stay and Kevin Willis will leave. If the Rockets had any interest in keeping Willis, why didn't he get any minutes at the end of the season? Besides, a man his age probably does not have any interest in a team struggling to make the playoffs. I'd suggest to him he should sign with the Kings. Do you think they'd have lost if they had Divac, Pollard and Willis for Shaq to bowl over? Williams, despite all objections, is a decent player and a vet. He'll take a pay cut to stay with the Rockets or go anywhere else. So, no one will get to complain any longer that he's overpaid.
$1 million, but only $540k counts against the Rockets cap due to his experience and a rule in the collective bargaining agreement to encourage signing older players. I'd imagine Walt would get the veteran's exception (~$1.4m, all of which counts against the cap) from some team, if not the Rockets. Willis would be a good fit in Sacramento, but they are already struggling with the luxury tax and salary cap issues....so they'd likely have to move someone for a pick off of their roster to do it - and then, is it worth it? He may end up some place like LA that really could use him.
The Kings won't even consider him. Right now they're actually looking to unload some of that salary in order to sign Mike Bibbly to a new deal.
Even if he were up for the min? I don't think they are that pressed. Would we be insterest in anyone there? Christie . . no . . his wife and steve and cat could not get along BOBBY JACKSON! [Moochie + Willis for Bobby Jackson!!! ok I'm DREAMING!!] Rocket River
Damn, RocketRiver, I read your title and nearly collapsed. I thought you were saying we re-signed Walt. Whew... ... hello deanbcurtis...
Ship Williams and make Willis and Rice asst coaches. Or Ship Williams and Rice, and make Willis an asst. I LIKE IT!
I thought Dallas had shown a lot of interest in Willis last year. I'm positive Willis is gone this year. With Cato and Yao and maybe even EG at the 5,Willis is not needed as much as he would be by several playoff teams (LA, SAC, Dallas, etc.). As for the Wizard...he's gone. I like his offensive firepower when he's got it going but there's no way he takes a big paycut to stay here and that's the only way they bring him back (I hope).
