http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/3317098 Aug. 18, 2005, 11:50PM Rockets make their case with Anderson Versatile guard to weigh options, decide next week By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Months after he thought he would become a member of the Rockets, Derek Anderson finally made it to Toyota Center on Thursday with a chance to make it home. Anderson, a free agent who wanted and expected to be sent to the Rockets in a February trade, visited with Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy and other Rockets officials on Thursday as the Rockets sought the versatile guard for their last roster spot. "I think it went real well," Anderson said. "They were real upfront and honest with me and that's what I wanted." Anderson's agent Tony Dutt said Anderson would consider his options over the weekend and choose a team next week. Anderson is also considering the Heat, Lakers, Pistons and Timberwolves, with the Rockets, Heat and Lakers considered the front-runners. The Heat have also pursued Michael Finley and the Pistons could be close to a deal with Latrell Sprewell. "It went well," Dutt said. "At this point, we're going to take the next couple of days, look at all our options and make a decision next week. We have to talk about everything said to him by everybody, put it all in perspective and make a decision." When Anderson became a free agent Aug. 3, he seemed out of the Rockets' range with the Lakers holding their full mid-level exception of $5 million. Over the salary cap, the Rockets can only offer their $1.67 million salary-cap exception. But the Lakers reportedly have offered only half their exception, and Anderson has seemed to be searching for a fit as much as the richest contract. "Derek has been pretty clear that the situation, the minutes and the opportunity would take precedence over money," Dutt said. Closer than it looks The NBA formula to be used in Anderson's situation could bring the Rockets' and Lakers' offers even closer. Because Anderson had a guaranteed contract when the Trail Blazers made him a free agent by releasing him in a luxury tax amnesty move, a portion of his new contract will be deducted from the Blazers' $18.84 million obligation. When applying the league's formula in such situations, the Rockets' likely offer would earn Anderson $1,155,974 beyond the money still owed him by the Blazers. If the Lakers offer $2.5 million, he would actually earn just $1,570,874 in addition to his Portland salary. The Lakers, who also could look at former Philadelphia guard Aaron McKie, could offer Anderson a more defined role as a point guard in the triangle offense. The Heat and Rockets have more depth in the backcourt, but Dwyane Wade is entrenched as the shooting guard in Miami. The Rockets' shooting guards, David Wesley and Jon Barry, are 34- and 36-years-old, respectively, and are signed only through next season. Anderson, 31, has averaged 13.1 points on 41.1-percent shooting and 34.3-percent 3-point shooting in eight seasons with the Cavaliers, Spurs, Clippers and Trail Blazers. Versatility draws interest Anderson's ability to play three positions and to contribute either as a guard to initiate or finish offense drew the Rockets' attention long enough for Anderson, 6-5, 196, to notice and to say he felt appreciated. "That (a trade to Houston) was the situation that was supposed to happen," Anderson said. "Portland didn't do it for whatever reason. Maybe it will all work out the same, but I was ready to come (to Houston).. "It's a good time, but a little bit (stressful). It will be a good time soon, hopefully. I felt real comfortable. I think they felt comfortable with me. Loyalty is my thing. Hopefully, it will all work out." jonathan.feigen@chron.com
See, just as I feared. He's still spewing that famous loyalty mantra that was the centerpiece of his interviews in SA. What's scary is that any little thing is potentially a huge sign of disloyalty to him. If JVG projected 24 mins playing time and he starts averaging 22, etc. And there's the other shoe. You have to be very, very careful what you tell this guy during recruiting. Everything seemingly has to happen exactly as you promised or else it's pouting and poison locker room time. Man oh man, I sure hope this guy works out or that the Rockets cut him at the first sign of trouble.
After 4 treacherous years with the Blazers, a change of scenary is exactly what DA will appreciate. Especially getting a chance to be on a team that's so close to the top..... it'd be an honor for DA. I highly doubt he will pout and or complain.
and with such a minisucule contract for such a short amount of time if he does we can cut him or whatever we want cause its less than 4 million over 2 years. i mean the biggest loss is we lose the exemption next year, ( i can already see the threads now next summer about why we can't sign someone with our LLE)
I hope he is able to stay healthy if he signs here. good thing we have the best trainer in the league.
DA is better than what we had right now, so I'm all for getting him. However, I don't know how he would hold up thru the whole season, he's prone to injury.
I agree with SA Rocket and so I question your optimism. This guy has a consistent history of whining and complaining. It's not like he's never played on a good team before. The Spurs were the favorites to win it all when he was there, and the Blazers were in the playoffs the first two years he was there. There's no reason to think he will suddenly change and do a 180, although anything's possible.
Well, with Wesley and Barry there to help shoulder the load at the swing positions, I don't think he'll have to undergo as much stress as he would if ew had less depth. If he plays 20-25 minutes per game it'll mean that both he and Wesley will be able to stay fresher and be less worn-down and injury prone as the season wears on.
I like the idea of signing DA. We would then have DA, Sura, Barry, Wesley, James & Head manning the guard spots. That should make everyone fresher for the playoffs. DA, Sura & Barry could also back up T-Mac at the 3 to make him fresher also. Yao and T-Mac with any combo of the 6 guards would also make a great small ball team.
Anyone else surprised at the amount of quality cheap options we have at this point? Especially considering what we're paying Baker, Mooch, Spoon. I didn't expect a DA to be available for less than 2 mil! What a steal!
