From Hoopsworld 07/03-WE AIN'T LEAVIN'- To a man, every free agent in Houston is saying they are waiting to talk with Houston before talking to anyone else. Maurice Taylor joked with media saying he wasn't even answering his phone until he talked with Houston. Moochie Norris has gotten an offer to visit from the Dallas Mavericks, who are rumored to be willing to offer him a sizable chunk of their median exception. Norris said he was unsure whether he'd visit the Mavs, saying he too wanted to wait out the Rockets. Rockets gunner Matt Bullard made it clear, he would retire a Rocket given the chance, something that's expected. Shandon Anderson who most have written off the Rockets roster says he very interested in a return and labels this Rockets team as having no missing pieces, saying they won 45 games last year and should have won about 10 more. Anderson told media he felt with some more time together, this could be a seriously great basketball team, and he was not about to walk away from a chance to be great. The big block for all of these guys is not he July 18th signing date, its the status of Hakeem Olajuwon. The Dream accounts for a cap hit of just over $24 million (200% of his previous contract), until the Rockets resolve him they are sitting on no caproom. The Dream has said he'd like to return but also hinted at a possible move to Washington to play with the Wizards and the Heat have openly labeled him as a guy they'd love to add also. Mid-way through the season, Hakeem had hinted he wanted to join a veteran club, and the Jazz seem to remember that as Jazz sources ay they plan to offer Hakeem a chance to join their club. So for the Rockets, who are still hoping to get an audience with Chris Webber, they have a line waiting a Carroll Dawson desk for new deals, and if nothing else works for Houston, they added Eddie Griffin and all the guys want to come back. ------------------------------------------- Good news. Especially glad to hear Mooch wants to stay. Hope Shandon isn't too greedy, Cuttino needs some rest every once in a while, and we need Shandon's D. Hakeem, get your a*s back here, pick up your cell, whatever... Forget CWebb, forget AD, let's keep this team together. ------------------
I don't think there's anything more disgusting than the thought of Dream playing for the Jazz. ------------------ This post contains no smilies, you must judge my seriousness on your own... "I'm a Level 18 mage, wanna form a party?" -- Dr of Geekdom in search of a Dungeons and Dragons buddy...
Being currently unemployed and a Rocket fan to the end...I am willing to make the ultimate sacrifice...I WILL GO TO JORDAN!! Listen up Rockets mgmt., Balke, Clutch, etc. We need to show Hakeem how much we would like this matter resolved and the #34 retiring in rockets pj's. Send me to Jordan!! Business class tickets are cheap right now and I require only minimal living expenses. I will faithfully carry your message to Hakeem, proposed contract in hand, and resolve this standoff amicably. Yours truly, "AT" of the Clutch BBS ------------------
AT: I'm actually a little worried about this "Dream is unavailable at the moment, could I take a message" crap we're hearing. I find it very difficult to believe that there's no contact/discussion going on. Don't these people have cellphones? I'm sure talks are going on... ------------------
Dream is in the Middle East somewhere on his annual vacation and his cell probably doesn't work there. Who is to say they are not talking to him or his agent right now. We can't sign anyone until the 18th anyway, so don't worry so much. Everyone will back. ------------------
It is strange that his family isn't with him in Jordan, but I won't conclude anything from it. He has an agent, and I'm sure the agent is in the States and talking with the Rockets. Dream wasn't around for the Rockets to do corny courting tactics (like calling at 12:01 am), but that doesn't mean there aren't negotiations going on. ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
Dream better take a pay cut, I am thinking about 5 mil a year, so we can resign our players and go after a good FA or two, such as Nazr Mohammed or Marc Jackson. Now, if Webber or AD really wanted to come here, I would be all for going after one of them. BTW, is it possible to sign AD and keep Mo? AD and Eddie could make up for Mo's severe rebounding defeciency. ------------------ "I look kind of dumpy. Look at my butt. And what kind of shoes do they have me wearing? At least they got the chinstrap beard right." -Kevin Garnett on the KG bobblehead dolls during KG bobblehead doll night at the Target Center [This message has been edited by LiLStevie3 (edited July 03, 2001).]
Can anyone see Shandon coming back to play 20 min per game? I'd hate to see him take minutes from Griffin or T-Mo. Are the Rockets willing to give this guy 4-5 million dollars to back up Cuttino? I sure hope not, send him to Chicago where he can back up Ron Artest. ------------------
Thanks Rudy for making this team chemistry so great that nobody wants to leave. ------------------ "Instinctly u recognize things,now take advantage of what u just recognized!".. Hakeem..
We don't know the reason Dream is in Jordan. Just because he is in a foreign country does not mean he is on vacation. For all we know he could be doing charitable work. Don't be too quick to accuse Dream and Fegan of pulling a fast one on the Rockets. ------------------ Dream On!
Dream on vacation...w/o his family? I smell 2 rats, one who's name rhymes w/ pagan and the other one who rhymes w/ olajuwon. U don't think dream knows that he is the key to our season (not the main acquisition, but b/c he has so much of our cap space that we are at his mercy to some extent). He knows we want to bring him back cheaper than what he is asking. What better way to try and get more money than to make the Rockets sweat about not getting a deal done quickly so they could go get their other players. He knows the fans and the Rockets franchise want him back so he could retire w/ the same team that drafted him and w/ that, he could also hold out for more money. He's playing w/ our hearts to benefit himself. Dream was a legend in Houston and there was no denying that he deserved everything he got and possibly more, but now, in his current state, I think he is just thinking about getting as much $$$ b/f he retires. ------------------ [This message has been edited by rocketteen (edited July 03, 2001).]
