http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...n=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1 Nine years ago the Rockets passed on drafting former Alief Elsik star Rashard Lewis during the 1998 draft. Nine years ago the Rockets passed on drafting former Alief Elsik star Rashard Lewis during the 1998 draft. Fast forward to 2007 and these same Houston Rockets, under different management, are going to do everthing they can to land the small forward who is the top free agent on the market. Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey telling FOX 26 Sports tonight Lewis is the club's number one target as free agency in the NBA began Saturday night at 11:01pm. "We are going after Rashard. We think he is the best guy out there. The best free agent around. We are in the process of contacting him to let him know of our interest," Morey said. Morey knows the Rockets are financially challenged in the sweepstakes to land Lewis, who has played nine years for the Sonics and is also Seattle's number one target. The Sonics can offer a six year contract for the league maximum at an estimated $15 million per season. Since the Rockets can only offer the mid-level exception, beginning somewhere north of $5 million, other avenues must be explored. "It has to be through sign and trade. We really want him. We think he would be a significant player for us. Rashard would have to be motivated to come," Morey said. Morey did not comment on the other free agents the Rockets are contacting Saturday night but NBA sources tell FOX 26 Sports the Rockets have targeted six other players. The list includes forward Joe Smith who split time last year with the Nuggets and 76ers, forward Alan Henderson who played last year in Philadelphia, Forward Malik Allen who has played the last two years with the Bulls, forward Melvin Ely who split time last year with the Bobcats and Spurs, and restricted free agent forward Amir Johnson who has played for the Pistons for two years. League sources tell FOX the Rockets are also expressing interest in forward P.J. Brown who spent last season with the Bulls. However, there is speculation he may retire. The Rockets are casting a wide net as they attempt to fill holes in the roster.
We need a starting four. The PFs mentioned are reserves at best. The Lewis thing is admirable even if our chances of landing him are remote. I guess you have to explore it nonetheless.
Hmmm, looks like they are putting all thier eggs in signing Rashard and, if that doesn't work out, they just sign cheap bodies to help and hopefully make a trade elsewhere. Of course, they can some how land Rashard without giving up battier (unimaginaeble), then they could deal him for PF help as well.
I think the word I am looking for is A-woo-hoo. This is what I have been waiting for baby I love Rashard his D is shaky but landing him puts us within definant reach of Phoenix. Thanks for the post. I do not think I will sleep tonight will the news that Morey is targteting my boy.
The only way lewis ends up here is if he demands to play in houston. Battier is out of the mix after seattle's draft and the rockets have nothing else to offer.
I wouldnt spend ANY of the MLE on any of those guys...yawn... I giv a 5% chance of Rashard coming here, too. Guess Im just a pessimist tonight...
Those targets are WEAK! Malik Allen probably being the best prospect but come on! We are in the West for crying out loud! I was high on Ely last year but he faded for the Spurs. Sadly PJ Brown would help us the most from that group. Might as well get Antonio Davis out of retirement. At least Verajao wasn't mentioned. I also think Morey spills his beans more so than any GM in the history of major league sports.
Morey can really butter Lewis up since he is NEW rockets management. "They made a mistake passing on you" blah blah blah
Seems like more of a PR move than a basketball move. Fans would be disappointed if the Rockets didn't make a play for Rashard - so why not tell the press and fans that Lewis is the main target of the offseason. Rockets will get outbid for Rashard's services, but the fans will know that the front office tried.
Pretty close, I think ... but I'm not quite as cynical. I think it puts the ball in Rashard's court. All along it's been the Rockets who didn't want Rashard. Now? They've come way out and put it all out there -- "We want you". They've even said he would need to be motivated to come here to make it happen through Seattle. It's a message/challenge to Rashard for his entire hometown to read.
Well all the "beans" he spilled were all worthless anyway. None of the power forwards we thought we were targeting were anywhere on his list of prospects in the draft. But yeah, that list looks pretty sorry. I do like Amir Johnson though, if we can get him on the cheap then that would be pretty damn sweet.
I know there are some lazy people who can't read more than one paragraph, so this little tidbit at the end almost seems worthy of its own thread: contacted (or to be contacted) by the Rockets Rashard Lewis Joe Smith Alan Henderson Malik Allen Melvin Ely Amir Johnson P.J. Brown (maybe) Let the armchair GM'ing begin.
I just wish when he sent up a "smokescreen" he would end up doing something smart. Being cagey prior to making a poor choice just doesn't seem to do much for me!
i think its almost as simple as lewis wanting to come here. if he does then the sonics can decide to let him go or to try and get something positve out of the rockets. its up to him maybe sura, head, (vspan or novak there choice) would be enough.
If you throw Rashard out of the mix as a very long shot and recognizing the fact that he is a 3 not a 4, you are left with some very pedestrian options at the 4. Just like the fates have smiled on us at center over the years, they keep cursing us at the 1 and the 4. Must be something in the water.
