http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Notes_Mutombo_ponders_future-190533-34.html?rss=true HOUSTON -- During a pickup game this summer at Georgetown, Dikembe Mutombo decided that he wasn't ready to end his playing career. He's unsure how long he's going to feel that way. The Rockets reserve center, who showed up at Memorial Hermann-HBU Wellness Center Monday with other teammates for his physical, said he will determine by the All-Star break if the upcoming season is going to be his last in an NBA uniform. "I told my wife by February, at the All-Star break, I'll evaluate myself and see where I am mentally," Mutombo said. "I'll make a decision then." Mutombo, who turned 40 in June, considered calling it a career this summer after 16 seasons in the league. Then, he went back to his alma mater. Despite being twice the age of most of the players on the floor, Mutombo was swatting shots and outplaying his counterparts. He believes the performance was enough to warrant his return for another season. "I was asking myself, 'Am I going to show up or stay at home?'" Mutombo said. "I continued working out and then I went to Georgetown. I was blocking the dunks of these kids and I didn't want to give it up. I still feel like I can play at a high level." Mutombo is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history. He is third on the all-time blocked shots lists and was the NBA's first four-time recipient of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Since joining the Rockets in 2004, he has served as Yao Ming's backup. Despite nearly opting for retirement this summer, Mutombo said he could end up playing beyond this season. "Some of my friends have told me I could play two or three more years," Mutombo said. "But they do not have to deal with the pain. I will make my own decision." Sura staying put: Rockets guard Bob Sura, who has not played in over a year, will remain in Houston for the start of training camp to continue rehabilitation on his right knee. Sura underwent knee and back surgery in Sept. 2005 and has been attempting a comeback this offseason. Rockets general manager Carroll Dawon said the team will determine Sura's availability for the upcoming season in the coming weeks. The team is holding the first four days of camp in Austin, beginning on Wednesday. Yao's foot: Rockets center Yao Ming ignored on an opportunity to explain why he declined a starring role in Rush Hour 3. However, he made sure everyone knew it wasn't because of his foot. Yao, who broke his left foot at the end of last season, said the injury has healed and he's ready to play. "I feel great," Yao said. "It's 100 percent." During this summer's FIBA World Championships in Japan, Yao showed as much by leading all scorers at the tournament with 25.3 points per game. He also said he had plenty of bed rest. "I spent the first half of the summer in my bed," Yao said. "I had to rest my foot. But I am very healthy and ready to go." No worries, here: Despite the addition of Shane Battier and Bonzi Wells, power forward Juwan Howard isn't worried about his role with the Rockets. Howard is slated to be the team's starting power forward heading into training camp, but could end up sharing minutes with Houston's two new additions. "Not at all," Howard said when asked if he was concerned about his role. "I've remained in this league because people know what I can do. I'm going to get plenty of playing time and I'm going to get plenty of opportunities." Howard averaged 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. Padgett signs: Scott Padgett is coming back to Houston. Padgett, a free agent forward, reported to Rockets training camp Monday after signing with the team. He'll have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. "I'm excited to be back," Padgett said. "It's a fresh start, but I know the system and have some experience with some of these guys." Padgett, a 38-percent over his career from three-point range, spent two seasons with the Rockets before signing with the New Jersey Nets in 2005. He was waived in June after averaging 3.4 points per game last season.
Personally, I thought Deke was done last year. I doubt he ever plays this year, maybe like 5 minutes a game versus teams with big centers which there aren't many anymore. JVG seemed to think the same thing and Deke barely played any last year, Stro was Yao's backup.
Um... this isn't true. He may not have been as effective as he was in 2004-05, he got essentially as many minutes, 14.9 MPG last year versus 15.2 MPG in 2005-06. The main issue with Stro was why he couldn't break out even when he was given the chance (i.e. Yao was injured). Mutombo's minutes stayed pretty flat, even though he didn't play as well.
Mutombo is one of the few genuine good ones. Hope for his, and our sakes, that he gives us at least one more, and who knows maybe a couple more good years. The way he's taken care of his body is amazing, and he's a defensive presence still. For 5-10 minutes a game I think he can remain effective. big question mark on who else can provide Yao some rest. We basically have Haryasz, who still may not even make the team. there just has to be a trade coming before too long.
Dam i was planning to goto the wellness center to ball but i backed out. Its good to know that this place is Rockets reserve center. I have already seen Hakeem and Emeka over there. Now maybe i will get to see other players too.
No easier way to boost your confidence than to play against a bunch of scrubs.. jk, I hope Deke does well this season!
a few things stuck out to me: lets hope that we are among the leagues elite and that mentally he wants to keep going (at least until the end of the season). i'd hate to see his body force his mind to tap out during the season a la jon barry. deke is one of the most important players on this roster because there isn't another shotblocker. interesting. even if sura wants to come back i think we might see him cut or retired based on the loaded backcourt. unless he's 100% and win's a spot over someone else. JVG is old school. he respects his vets. howard was our starter for the past 2 seasons. it's his spot to lose going into camp. fair enough. my money is that shane beats him out for the spot. JVG is about loyalty, but he is more about winning. these guys are locks: yao-deke shane-jho-hayes tmac-snyder-novak wells-head rafer-spanoulis-jl3 that leaves 2 spots for 4 guys. bowen and sura are the favorites to earn them, but i wouldn't be surprised to see jacobson and scotty on the final roster. the extra shooting may be too good to pass up.
Maybe Deke will take less money on his next deal because of all the money he will save with his AARP discount.
nah he needs all the cash he can get to keep his hospital up and running... I hope he is fit and will stay on for a few more seasons, he's one of the most important players as backup for Yao, esp. with stro gone...
