UPDATE: See video of the interview and Deke touring the Beijing Zoo: http://www.click2houston.com/video/17186696/index.html Mutombo Says He Wants To Return To Rockets, Likes Artest Trade POSTED: 10:51 pm CDT August 13, 2008 Beijing -- Dikembe Mutombo says he is ready to return to the Rockets this season and postpone any rumored talk of retirement. "I will play basketball if the Rockets give me the offer," said Mutombo Wednesday in Beijing. As KPRC-TV Local 2 in Houston reported , Mutombo is in China for the Olympics and to catch up with Rockets teammate Yao Ming. League sources told KPRC last week, that Mutombo indicated to the Rockets he would like to return in a limited minute role. Talking about a financial arrangement is the next step that is slated to occur after the Olympics close in Beijing. " I haven't gotten the offer yet from the Rockets, zero, even a dollar," said Mutombo. Mutombo reiterated he would like to return to the Rockets. " Yeah, if I get some money. I can't go work for free but we'll see." Thursday, the Ron Artest trade becomes official and Mutombo confirmed with the Beijing based KPRC crew , Artest is a good fit with the Rockets. " I like Artest, he's a great wonderful player and young man. I spent ten days in the Bahamas with him this summer so I enjoy his company with his wife and kids. We had a great time." Wednesday, Mutombo spent the day at the Beijing Zoo with his wife and kids. He'll stay in China to watch the Olympic basketball tournament. http://www.click2houston.com/sports/17186239/detail.html
Extremely good news hearing that Deke and Artest already have a good relationship, hurry up and sign already Landry so we can get everyone on board
Great news. If he does return, however, I'd like to see him get more minutes during the regular season, especially during the first half. He needs to play 5 to 10 minutes per game at least and keep Yao from wearing down.
Daryl Morey is probably waiting to finalize the Landry situation so that he knows how much room under the tax limit he can give to Mutombo.
If anyone stayed late enough to see the interview with Deke, he didnt seem to happy to me. Maybe it was because he was with his family at the zoo, but I hope he signs.
the landry situation will be taken care of first because deke and morey both know they will work something out. if landry doesn't work out, the rockets will go in another direction before adding deke.
I think the Rockets are trying to get Landry in the fold first, so they know what they have to work with, in terms of giving him anything over the vets minimum. If he will take the vet minimum, they get a rebate back from the league that is significant. Hopefully, they can work out some type of deal, where Les can do a charity function, and contribute significant dollars to his hospital or other benevolent efforts ... so he feels valued here. Its hard to believe he can still play like he does, but there isn't any better use of minimal money than Deke, IMHO.
