http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6521648.html The Rockets have directed at least some of their efforts to fill their void in the middle on veteran NBA center Theo Ratliff, a person with knowledge of their free agent talks said Thursday. The Rockets and Ratliff's agent have exchanged contract proposals this week, the individual familiar with the discussions said. Ratliff, a 6-10 center/forward, has played with six teams in 14 seasons, including two stints with Detroit and Philadelphia, where he played last season. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Wednesday that he hoped to sign a free agent in the next week or two, using a portion of the mid-level exception he saved by signing Trevor Ariza to the disabled player exception the Rockets received because of Yao Ming's injury. Ratliff, 36, has averaged 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots in 26.1 minutes per game, making 49.8 percent of his shots. Morey said on Wednesday that he is seeking to find a starter at the position while Yao is out through a trade, considering a potential free agent acquisition a player to provide depth at the position. According to the person knowledgeable about the talks between Ratliff and the Rockets, Ratliff's interest has been in a role on a competitive team, rather than for the largest contract available, but is seeking a two-year deal.
Two year deal for a 36 year old player with injury history on a steep decline in production? No thank you.
If we can get him for a good price, I don't see too much downside. Everyone is screaming for a center, but every one that is proposed seems to get bashed.
LOL at people getting upset about us looking at Ratliff. Maybe we should look at other potential Cs like Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan...oh wait.... Guys, WHOEVER we get at C is going to be a 'stop gap' guy. Stop looking so linear.
Hehe... it's like buying credit default swap from Lehman Brothers or picking up spare tires with holes in them. Kind of defeats the purpose of insurance.
Stop gaps don't have to be that bad. Crap, Chuck could give you as good of numbers at center as Theo Ratliff at this point.
