Mark Jackson is in Houston today to meet with the coaching staff and players, about possibly coming to play with Houston.
Sorry forgot to add what he said: He mentioned that he would love to play for Houston, could play the 4 or 5 for them, that they are a young, exciting, talented team. However, we realize the situation with Golden State, being able to match up to 4.25. So we will see how it plays out...
Mooch isn't signed yet. So even though he meant Marc Jackson, Mark Jackson wouldn't be a bad option as a backup PG.
Yea, but Mark with a "k" is too old...isn't he like 37 or 38? BTW - When is Moochie ever going to sign? I thought he was given an ultimatum like a month ago.
Here's another link: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1055133 The articles in the Houston Chronicle are better than the ones in the AP.
Here's the full story: HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets have met with free-agent center Marc Jackson. With center Hakeem Olajuwon gone and forward Maurice Taylor injured and out for the season, the Rockets are looking for ways to upgrade their front court. Jackson, of Philadelphia, met with Rockets coaches and management Wednesday. "I think the interest is very high," Jackson told Houston television station KRIV. "I don't believe I would be here. I don't believe they would waste my time or waste their time if it wasn't like that. So I think it's a good possibility." Working under a one-year contract last season with Golden State as a rookie, Jackson averaged 13.2 points and 7 1/2 rebounds a game. The Warriors retain the right to match any offer Jackson gets up to $4.5 million a season. Without much room to maneuver under the salary cap, Houston could offer him $3.25 million if the NBA gives the Rockets a medical exception because of the injury to Taylor. (http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0919/1253054.html
Signing Marc Jackson would be a wise move. Jackson is not only a good rebounder (9.5 in 37min) when he started, but he also has a very refined game inside/outside. He doesn't venture past 17-18ft which is good and he doesn't rely strictly on jumpers. People are quick to point out his none existent shot blocking abilities, but that doesn't mean you're a poor defender. People should also note that whn he was inserted into the starting line-up he avg 17pts 9.5 reb on about 13 shots per night. Also a added bonus was that he shot 80% from the charity stripe. Personally, I thought the Rockets should have signed him right after they lost Hakeem. After watching him last year on league pass, I thought he would be a great addition to the Rockets. He's only 26, came to the league via europe and plays hard every night. Signing Jackson could be an safeguard against the Taylor injury or better yet he could aide in the possible trade of Cato. With the tendon injury Taylor has, I would be hrd pressed to beleive that he'll be any quicker than he was last year, which we know was very pedestrian. Also, with the underacheiving Cato still drawing a check we might can either light a fire or trade him. Marc Jackson can help this team not only make the playoffs this season, but also help them become serious contenders in a couple. He can either start at the 4/5, he stays out of foul trouble, plays hard and can get you 14pts 9 rebs every night. I don't think the Rockets can ask for anything better right now. Remember, they play in the west and cuttino and francis will not be able to carry the team every night. Glen Rice has been declining every year for the past 3 yeras and Griffin is still very raw, maybe Jackson's work ethic could rub off on eddie and help him become a better player.
It actually wouldn't shock me to see the Rockets do a S&T with G State. Maybe send Mooch and another player (Walt?) to the Warriors in exchange for M Jax and maybe Vonteego Cummings (backup PG). It makes sense for both being that Hughes is going to start at Pg for G St with Jason Richardson there now. The backup PGs there right now are Blaylock and Cummings and I dont think Blaylock has more that a year or so left in his body. Just a thought
Maybe a sign and trade with GS for Jackson and Blaylock. Apparently, there is some sort of problem Blaylock has with GS. How about Williams and Langhi
Please leave Marc Jackson and Jahidi White where they are. We don't need two undersized PF centerwantabees. If we want to add another big man, go after Santiago of Phoenix (heck, he may already be signed -- I've been preoccupied with the terrorist story), Brad Miller or Dalibor Bagarac of Chicago, or Chris Mihm of Cleveland. At least all of the above have height and bulk to go along with athleticism equal to Jackson or White.
Marc Jackson, undersized? 6'10 270 is undersized? Thats one of the reason we have a shortage at center. Everyone coming out of college, 6'10, 6'11 doesn't want to play center because of shaq. Mourning stands 6'10, J. O'Neal stands 6'10-6'11, Moses Malone, Wes Unseld, and guys like that stood 6'10. Actually, Hakeem is only 6'10 but he manned the pivot. After leaving college if some of these 6'10, 6'11 guys would have put on the necessary weight and strength to man the post, it would be one of the strongest positions in the nba in stead of one of the weakest. These kids coming out want to bring their "butterfly" game instead of the "bull" game required to play pivot. Playing center is not just size alone, its skill also. Being 6'10 270lbs doesn't make a player undersized by no means. Would rather have a guy like Jackson that could get you 14-17pts 9 rebs or a stiff like Ostertag, Netserovic, Ervin Johnson, Olowakandi, McCulloch, Eshemeyer, and Santiago? I'm old school, I like my center to score,rebound, and be a presence in the pivot. Jackson is not the shot blocker that Rockets fans want since we lost the all-time leader, but he does try, and he holds his position in the post. Remember, Miami was one of the better defensive teams last year even without Mourning playing. Neither Grant or Mason are shot blockers, but they were a very good defensive ballclub. Personally, I'd take Jackson over the other guys that way the Rockets would have 4 or 5 players you have to respect instead of 2 or 3. Imagine the freedom and space Francis and Cat can get if Jackson commands attention down low? A low post threat is the recipe for the Rockets to win in the west, not totally perimeter games.
