ClutchFans front page is on top of it also... http://www.clutchfans.net/news/1362/bonzi_takes_physical_in_houston/
He's officially signed. http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Wells_signs_with_Rockets-190131-34.html Rockets acquire biggest name on the free agent market in Wells Bonzi Wells is heading to Houston after one season in Sacramento. Damien Pierce Rockets.com Staff Writer HOUSTON -- Bonzi Wells is bringing his physical game to the Bayou City. The Rockets signed the biggest name remaining on the free agent market Monday when the versatile swingman agreed to a multi-year deal with the team. Besides providing immediate depth to a roster that was ravaged by injuries last season, the acquisition of Wells elevates the Rockets into a legitimate contender for the Western Conference crown. Wells, 30, is a physical swingman and defender who can score in bunches as a third scoring option alongside Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. "It wasn't about money," said Wells, who was one of the few significant free agents remaining unsigned until Monday. "I've played long enough and I've made enough money. I want to win a championship and I have a chance to win a championship here." During his only season with the Sacramento Kings in 2005-06, Wells averaged 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. He ended up becoming one of the top free agents available heading into the offseason after boosting his numbers to 23.2 points and 12 rebounds in Sacramento's first-round playoff series against San Antonio. He has averaged 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over his eight-year career. After adding Shane Battier and Wells over the offseason, the Rockets are expected to compete with Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio in a deep Western Conference title chase. "Bonzi is an excellent player that will add a lot of depth to our roster," Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander said. "To succeed in the Western Conference you have to have a deep roster and players that can play multiple positions. Bonzi is a proven player with six years of postseason experience in this league. Adding him next to Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and Shane Battier makes us a more complete team." Wells could play anywhere between shooting guard and power forward. He is expected to compete for a starting spot along the wing in training camp, but might end up coming off the bench. In either scenario, he should boost Houston's scoring. "Bonzi is a very talented offensive player," said Rockets forward Shane Battier, who played with Wells for two seasons in Memphis. "He's the sort of player that you want to throw it to down on the block because he can create. He can draw a foul or score baskets in a hurry." Since the Rockets have dealt with a slew of injuries in recent seasons to its star players, Wells provides some insurance on the offensive end. Houston struggled to find a consistent scoring threat last season when McGrady and Yao missed a combined 60 games because of injuries. That won't be the case this season. Wells is a player who can create his own shot and provide a scoring boost if Yao or McGrady are out of the lineup. "The organization did a great job this summer," power forward Juwan Howard said. "Bonzi is a veteran player with plenty of toughness. He's a fierce competitor and brings a workmanlike attitude to the floor. He's a tough matchup for any team." Despite such scoring potential, Wells said he understands the offense will continue to revolve around McGrady and Yao when the two stars are on the court. He has even accepted the possibility that he could be coming off the bench. "The Rockets have two franchise players," Wells said. "I've never played with two All-Stars before. I'm looking forward to it. I understand how I will fit in and that I'm playing off those two guys." He also understands what his signing means to the Rockets. "When you look at the team from last season, they had as much talent as anyone in the league," Wells said. "They just got injured. The team has more depth now and has all the ingredients to make a deep run."
Official Houston Rockets 2006-2007 Training Camp Roster 12 Rafer Alston 4 Kelenna Azubuike 31 Shane Battier 52 Matt Haryasz 44 Chuck Hayes 2 Luther Head 5 Juwan Howard 7 Casey Jacobsen 15 John Lucas 1 Tracy McGrady 55 Dikembe Mutombo 20 Steve Novak 35 Scott Padgett 13 Kirk Snyder 10 Vassilis Spanoulis 3 Bob Sura 6 Bonzi Wells 11 Yao Ming
Media day is coming so it wont take long to see him in a rockets jersey posing next to the big 3 front line of yao battier and tmac.
The funny part is that he says its not for the money. If it wasnt for chasing the big 5-0 he wouldnt be here in the 1st place. o the irony...i hope he plays as if it is for the money.
Along with the terrific Shane Battier, the Greek Silver Star Vasillis Spanoulis, the addition of the magnificent Bonzi Wells magnitudinously increases the possibility of the Rockets winning the 2007 crown.
