Hakeem Live Press Conference

It just finished. Wohoo, maybe I can get my 2nd "scoop" ever on the front page. Strange that the first was Pippen's first press conference after he was traded and now this.

Random quotes and some summarizing:

On why he left-
"Change is difficult, but somtimes it is good...I'm curious and like the challenge of adjustment. In some ways it is like being a rookie again with moving to a new city and buying a new house and all. Houston is great, but I just wanted a change and most importantly, I feel that I complement the Raptors well and have the best chance to go back to the finals."

Feelings on teamates-
"They each know how I feel, Steve, Cuttino...I like them a lot. I just wanted a change."

On if he ever felt underappreciated last year-
"I don't like to force myself on people. What happened last year was a misunderstanding. People thought that I was selfish and speculated a lot of things (paraphrasing) but it was just a misunderstanding."

On being remembered as a Rocket or Raptor-
"I've spent all 17 years of my professional career in houston. I can't escape that, and I don't want too."

On fondest memory:
"Too many to remember...the championships, just too many."

What he felt was important:
"The ideal is to stay in Houston, but sometimes change is good. Both parites agreed to disagree peacefully, and that is what is most important."

To the fans:
"I am grateful to all the fans. I couldn't of asked for anything more. I just want them to know that everything ended peacefully for both sides."

This part I wasn't so sure of what he said, maybe it will be cleared up by the press, but he said it so muddled and no one followed up with another question that I think everyone was confused:
On the money situation-
"Money wasn't a factor...Rockets were not in the negotiation. It was night and day (I don't understand what this is in reference to.) So the money didn't matter.
-some parts of his statement sound like he's saying the Rocks lowballed him, but then he says money's not a factor...and it was broken words and stated in a round a bout maner so I really am unsure of what he is expressing here."