[Press Conference] Tuesday August 2 (UPDATE - Swift signing is official)

Thanks Matt, man. I was like I just read through 3 pages of this thread and got NOTHING!

 

Who is Matt Jackson? How the heck did he know the inside stuff?

 

Matt, dont over exert yourself with the 14th post big fella!

 

He works for 610 AM radio.

 

Matt Jackson from the night shift on Sports Radio 610.

 

Thanks for the recap Matt!

 

Thanks Matt (whoever you are? ;Im new) <-- nevermind I just found out

I also don't know what to think about the three year deal? maybe if it had a team option on the end

 

SNAP!!!

 

Appreciate the update Matt. 3 years w/ player option? I was hoping we'd be able to lock him up for longer, but this is a good insurance policy for both sides. 3 years at the MLE is basically nothing, so I guess the Rox can't complain. And if Swift plays up to his potential, he will only be underpayed for 3 seasons and can opt out for more cash if he wants.

 

True, a very safe deal for all sides invovled. Happy it's finally offical.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=2122713

 

I am conflicted about the 3-year contract as Matt J reported, if true it can have its positives and its negatives.

On the positive side, this would give Stro a big incentive to reach his max potential (entering his prime years) with the Rockets, which could only mean good things as far as the Rockets are concerned. He could solidify himself as a premier PF or a career underachiever. It's entirely up to him. Also, this doesn't lock the Rockets in for too long in case Stro flops here in Houston and he can't do well.

On the negative side, however, this means that if Stro does really well he will command major dollars when his contract is up in 3 years, which obviously might make it rather difficult to re-sign him if someone forks up big dollars for him (say $12 mil or something).

Anyways, I am not too concerned about the 3-year contract thing, I think it will be a good thing for the Rockets at the end, it gives the team a chance to re-evaluate the whole Stro experiment 3 seasons from now.

 

thanks for the link

 

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Swift_Top_Story-147977-822.html

After coming to a verbal agreement on July 19, Memphis Grizzlies free agent forward Stromile Swift officially became a member of the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, August 2nd. The Rockets’ got the man they targeted for this offseason, despite strong advances from the New Jersey Nets and the Seattle SuperSonics. A five-year veteran of the NBA, Swift brings averages of 9 points and 5 rebounds a game, as well as a much-needed dose of youth and athleticism to a ballclub in dire need of those traits.

“It was an easy decision for me, “ Swift said when asked about his choice of Houston as a destination. “To be apart of this organization, I’m excited. I’m really happy and my family’s happy.”

The second overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft by the then-Vancouver Grizzlies, Swift has mostly been a bench player throughout his professional career, starting only seventy out of a total of 352 games. However, it was his energy, youth and athleticism that made the Rockets pursue the 6’9”, 230-pound power forward, and the possibility of disrupting the chemistry of last year’s close-knit team proved to be unfounded.

“If you have a race out there (on the court), he may win the race,” Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. “He’s very athletic for his size. Our chemistry was excellent last year. I think this will do nothing but add to it.”



The Rockets’ pursuit of Swift as the apple of their eye began early July, as soon as negotiations between teams and free agents could start. Along with the idea of playing only a three-hour car drive from home, Swift, a lifelong Rockets fan and graduate of Louisiana State University, was also won over by Rockets forward Tracy McGrady’s personal recruitment of him.

“Tracy sent me a text message and told me how nice it would be if I came here,” Swift said with a smile. “That was a big part of it (the decision).”

At only 25 years old, Swift still has room to grow. His athleticism allows him to take advantage of rebounding and scoring off putbacks. He also has a nice medium-range jump shot that will allow him to be successful in the Rockets’ halfcourt game as well. Yet fans come to see a show, and with his assortment of rim-rattling dunks and monster blocks, “The Stro Show”, as he has so often been referred to, is ready to blastoff as a Rocket.

“Hopefully I can come in here and bring my game and take them to the next level,” Swift said. “I can bring some excitement, athleticism. I’ll be here for the fans.”

Rockets officials are just as enamored with the running game that the acquisition of Swift encourages. In an era of high-scoring, athletic and long basketball players, Dawson appears ready to bring a new look for Houston Rockets basketball.

“This guy can really be something special,” Dawson said. “He can bring you out of your seat.”

 

This is a very fair deal for Stro! He took less money to play for the Rockets. Because if he wanted to, as "Stupid" as some GM's are", the millions would have been there for a talent like Swift. GM's will always give talented players tons of money, even if they never produce. I read a poster say before that the only reason he took the Rockets deal was because it was the best deal left out there for him. However, this is why West wanted to give him $8 million a year as some of you guys have stated. Stro wants to be a part of a winner, and Houston just like New Jersey offered that to him!! I'm glad he picked Houston!

Swift gets to start all over again. He isn't going to be asked to be the star of the team, but he is going to be asked to be the anchor of the defense next to Yao.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that Stro gets to become an All-Star!!!

Plus the Barry and Mutumbo signings are BIG!!!!!!!

 

what jersey number did he pick?

 

looks like he picked "4"

 

Now we're talkin'! It's official... sweet!