Rockets News

Agent predicts Wafer will play elsewhere
Comment
July 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"With free-agent forward Trevor Ariza joining the Rockets, free-agent guard Von Wafer likely will be leaving them. A day after he was stunned with the Rockets' agreement with Ariza, Wafer's agent, Mitchell Butler, said the Rockets have shown little interest in keeping Wafer, 23, leading him to look elsewhere. Butler said he was "floored" that the Rockets pursued Ariza, rather than seeking to keep Wafer and Ron Artest, and said it is "definitely highly unlikely (Wafer) would be back." "None of it made any sense to me," Butler said. "We had a good conversation with them prior to free agency. I expected they would look at a center and then come back and look in-house." Wafer, a 6-5 guard ..."
Ariza wants chance to improve with new team
Comment
July 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Rockets offered Trevor Ariza the one thing the Lakers could not. The Rockets did not offer a greater salary than the Lakers or Cavaliers and came in with an offer almost $9 million less than the Raptors' bid. The Rockets cannot claim the immediate chance to chase another title that would come with a return to Los Angeles or jump to Cleveland. But the Rockets could offer the one thing he needed most. They really, really needed him. "I'm not a greedy person and the Lakers know I'm not a greedy person," Ariza, 24, said. "You can see it in the way I play. I just want to play for a team that wants me, the team that gives me the chance to improve my game. "I'm excited about it because I'm ..."
Rockets' desire enough for Ariza
Comment
July 4
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Houston Chronicle HOUSTON - The Rockets offered Trevor Ariza the one thing the Lakers could not. They did not offer a greater salary than the Lakers or Cavaliers and actually came in with an offer almost $9 million less than the Toronto Raptors. They certainly cannot claim the immediate chance to chase another title that would be come with a return to Los Angeles or jump to Cleveland. The Rockets could, however, offer the one thing he needed most. They really, really needed him. "I'm not a greedy person and the Lakers know I'm not a greedy person," Ariza said. "You can see it in the way I play. I just want to play for a team that wants me, the team that gives me the chance to improve my ..."
Artest trading spots with Ariza
Comment
July 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, the Los Angeles Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout Thursday and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same amount that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza told the Los Angeles Times. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask ..."
Rockets lose out on Artest, sign Ariza
Comment
July 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"While Ron Artest headed to Los Angeles and a chance to win a championship, Trevor Ariza, the small forward with a key hand in the most recent title run, agreed to join the Rockets to replace him. Ariza accepted the Rockets' offer of a five-year, mid-level exception deal late Thursday, expected to be worth roughly $33 million, an individual with knowledge of the deal said. Players may sign free agent contracts beginning July 8. The Lakers on Wednesday offered Ariza, 24, a contract similar to the mid-level exception he accepted from the Rockets, but well short of the deal he reportedly was seeking. Ariza, a 6-8 forward, averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds last season, his fifth season after ..."
Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets
Comment
July 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"In what essentially became a swap of free-agent forwards, the Lakers agreed to contract terms with former Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest while the Rockets reached an agreement with Trevor Ariza on a Thursday that proved to be as unpredictable and impulsive as, well, the Lakers' newest acquisition. Artest, who will be 30 in November, is a formidable defender with scoring skills who enjoys the Los Angeles lifestyle almost as much as the Lakers took pleasure in bringing him into their fold. He agreed to a three-year deal worth about $18 million, giving the Lakers two of the NBA's top defenders: Kobe Bryant was a first-team All-Defensive selection last season while Artest was second team. ..."
Artest signs with Lakers
Comment
July 3
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Ron Artest, who nearly derailed the Los Angeles Lakers' championship drive, will apparently be joining them for the next joyride through the playoffs. Multiple news media outlets reported Thursday that Artest had reached an agreement to sign with the Lakers. Artest confirmed the deal in an interview with CBSSports.com and in a text message to ESPN.com. "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A.," Artest wrote in the message to ESPN. A Lakers official confirmed Thursday night that a three-year, $18 million deal had been reached. The NBA has a moratorium on signings and trades, and no deal can be completed until Wednesday. Artest, a fearsome defender and a potent scorer, is coming off perhaps his ..."
Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets
Comment
July 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, The Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout the day and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza said. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for." Ariza's agent, David Lee, said the ..."
Trevor Ariza talks with Rockets
Comment
July 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Trevor Ariza NBA tour has officially begun. The Lakers' free-agent forward is meeting today in Las Vegas with Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and Coach Rick Adelman, according to Ariza's agent. "They both flew in to meet him," agent David Lee said. Ariza has also had a discussion with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James about joining the Cavaliers."
Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly make a play for Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza
Comment
July 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Two players who didn't seem like they were going to be available to the Cavaliers ended up in the team's crosshairs at the end of day one of the NBA free-agency period. According to several league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land Houston Rockets free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events. In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract Los Angeles Lakers swingman Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers' early attempts to re-sign him. Ariza's agent, David Lee, told the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise Wednesday, ..."
Confusion follows 'farewell tweet' from Rockets' Artest
Comment
July 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"While the Rockets made their pursuit of a center their initial free agent priority, there was a brief, but alarming sign that Ron Artest was ready to move on. It was a false alarm. A message attributed to Artest — "THANKS A LOT HOUSTON :) I HAD A LOT OF FUN." — appeared on Twitter late Wednesday. Artest's agent, David Bauman, said that the message was sent by an imposter. "That is not Ron's account," Bauman said. "That's what happens with the so-called new media." Bauman had said on Tuesday that Artest's "first choice" was to return to Houston. Although Bauman would not discuss anything about talks with general managers, he and the Rockets were not expected to begin negotiations until ..."
Dorsey's first year truly a season to forget
Comment
July 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Summer league was supposed to be Joey Dorsey's time. He could grab rebounds and bend rims. He planned, he said, "to dominate." Best of all, summer league was to be a time he could foul with near impunity, armed with 10 per 40-minute game. It was to be wonderful. Like everything else in Dorsey's rookie season, it did not work out as he planned. But as he looked toward turning things around, Dorsey considered his return to Las Vegas this month as a much-needed second chance after basically redshirting his way through his rookie season with the Rockets. "Last summer league, I went in there and played at a high level, and then suffered a high ankle sprain and didn't play again," Dorsey said ..."
Gortat would look great in Rockets' red
Comment
July 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Marcin Gortat told the Rockets he wanted playing time and to be part of a winning team. Welcome to the intersection of opportunity and availability. Now, if his agent will stop yapping about money long enough to let the young man sign the contract Daryl Morey offered, the Rockets will have taken a step in the right direction. "We really believe in this kid," a member of the Rockets' brain trust said. "We see him as a draft pick." That's because the 6-11, 245-pound Gortat has played just 825 NBA minutes, because he's only 25 years old and because he has many of the skills the Rockets are looking for in a big man. The Rockets have been tracking him closely for the last 18 months and believe ..."
Artest mulling options in free agency
Comment
July 2
San Antonio Express-News
 
"If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is taking calls. The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says. David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team - and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming's broken left foot keeps him out for the season. Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to James and Bryant if the Cavaliers or Los Angeles Lakers were ..."
As NBA free agency starts, Rockets target center
Comment
July 1
Houston Chronicle
 
"While their cornerstone center considered treatment options, the Rockets began the free-agent shopping season at the front door of a player they hope will fill in for him. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey began his recruiting efforts to sign Magic backup center Marcin Gortat at 11:01 p.m. Tuesday, the first minute teams could begin speaking to free agents. Though free agent guard Ron Artest has indicated that his decision will not be impacted by the uncertainty surrounding Yao Ming, and the team held out hope that Yao would return next season, the Rockets wasted no time starting the chase for a backup big man to fill the middle while Yao is out, and beyond. Players cannot sign ..."
The News on Yao Shakes The Rockets' Foundation
Comment
July 1
New York Times
 
"The makeshift Houston Rockets pushed the Los Angeles Lakers harder than any other team in the playoffs. The Rockets might have lacked multiple stars, but in their place was resolve. Now the team seems to be star-crossed as the free-agency period begins. Houston, built upon the marquee names of Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest, may not have any of them when next season begins, either because of injury, rebuilding or free agency. Yao, whose injury history is nearly as lengthy as his 7-foot-6-inch frame, sustained a hairline fracture in his left foot during the second-round series against the Lakers. The initial diagnosis said that Yao would be sidelined 8 to 12 weeks. But the team ..."
Foot injury leaves Yao's future in doubt
Comment
June 30
Houston Chronicle
 
"Casting a degree of doubt on Yao Ming's immediate and long-term NBA future, Rockets team physician Tom Clanton on Monday described the extent of the center's foot injury. And with the league's free-agent shopping season set to begin at 11 p.m. today, the Rockets will quickly discover how far the shock waves reach. The fracture in Yao's left foot has worsened and could be severe enough to threaten his entire next season or even his career, depending on the success of potential treatments he could choose, Clanton said. Less than two weeks ago, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said the team is committed to building around Yao. "Yao," Morey said before the latest test results, "is the ..."
Rockets may want McDyess
Comment
June 30
San Antonio Express-News
 columnist Mike Monroe
"Now we know why Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was trying to trade into the upper reaches of the draft on Thursday night and buying second-round picks after he couldn't get a spot in the lottery level: The Rockets need healthy players. The surprise is none of the three second-rounders the Rockets acquired were big men. Who does Rick Adelman start at center next season now that it appears Yao Ming won't be available? Carl Landry? Chuck Hayes? If Yao's broken left foot keeps him on the sidelines for the entire 2009-10 season, and perhaps beyond, the team that played the NBA champion Lakers tougher than anyone this spring won't have to worry about trading up to the lottery level ..."
Rockets could lose Yao for season, if not longer
Comment
June 29
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As the NBA draft approached, the grim truth about Yao Ming's broken left foot hung like an anvil over the Houston Rockets. The fear isn't that he's just lost for next season, but longer. The Rockets and Yao's reps are frightened over his future, and the concern is the most base of all: Does Yao Ming ever play again? "The realization has hit them that this is grave," one NBA general manager said. For now, the Rockets have privately told league peers it could be a full season before Yao might be able to return to basketball. Multiple league executives, officials close to Yao and two doctors with knowledge of the diagnoses are describing a troubling re-fracture of his navicular bone. Three ..."
Rockets take control of D-League team's operations
Comment
June 29
Houston Chronicle
 
"Seeking another way to help develop one team, the Rockets are about to begin running another. Today in McAllen, the Rockets will announce an agreement to take over the basketball operations of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League, making the Rockets the first NBA team to adopt the league's new "single affiliate partnership model." The Rockets have had an association with the Vipers since the 2007-08 season, serving with other NBA franchises as an affiliate. By gaining control of the Vipers' basketball operations, the Rockets can be assured that players they assign to the Development League team will put in the role and system they choose. The Rockets will have as much ..."
Postolos firm looks to purchase Bobcats
Comment
June 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"A group headed by former Rockets president and chief executive officer George Postolos has entered into negotiations to purchase the Charlotte Bobcats, a person with knowledge of the talks said Saturday. Postolos, who shepherded the Rockets through the arena referendum and move to the Toyota Center and helped the value of the franchise grow from $166 million to $422 million during his tenure, left the team in May 2006 after 7½ years to form The Postolos Group, a company that helps with the acquisition of sports franchises. Postolos, 45, declined to comment Saturday, but in 2006 he said he hoped to be part of an investment group purchasing a team. "I could be part of a group that owns a ..."
Morey sets up priorities
Comment
June 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"Lesson one came on day one. A day after the Rockets acquired second-round draft picks Jermaine Taylor and Chase Budinger, both were careful to say the right things, but did not quite say the magic words Rockets general manager Daryl Morey made sure they would hear. Asked how they can grow from prospects with potential to players that can help their new team, they spoke of their willingness to play and work hard, to follow instructions and pay their dues. "When you first get to a team, you have to work hard, and work your way into the system," Budinger said. "We're going to have to work extremely hard to earn that playing time, to earn that respect of the other players, to earn the respect ..."
Rockets use second-round picks to select scorers Taylor, Budinger
Comment
June 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Rockets never quite got into the first-round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, but once they began getting picks, they did not stop until they had three selections in the second round. And they might not be done yet. The Rockets bought three second-round picks and used them to acquire high-scoring Central Florida guard Jermaine Taylor, Real Madrid point guard prospect Sergio Llull and athletic Arizona wing Chase Budinger. They went hard after several early first-round picks, and an NBA executive with knowledge of their trade talks said late Thursday that the Rockets are among several teams still trying to acquire Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, one of several point guards selected by ..."
Believe it: Rockets can feel your pain
Comment
June 26
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"The Rockets aren't jinxed. The Rockets aren't jinxed. The Rockets aren't jinxed. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I hope it was as therapeutic for you as it was for me. Why won't the basketball gods cut this franchise some slack? I'm just asking. Leslie Alexander is the kind of team owner every other should be measured against. His general manager, Daryl Morey, is one of the best at what he does, and coach Rick Adelman is terrific. The Rockets have a nice place to play and very nice-looking uniforms. We've got almost everything. What's wrong with this picture? Why do the Rockets keep getting punished? Can't we have just one season without a shattering injury? If that's too much ..."
Rockets use second-round picks to select scorers Taylor, Budinger
Comment
June 26
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Rockets never quite got into the first-round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, but once they began getting picks, they did not stop until they had three selections in the second round. And they might not be done yet. The Rockets bought three second-round picks and used them to acquire high-scoring Central Florida guard Jermaine Taylor, Real Madrid point guard prospect Sergio Llull and athletic Arizona wing Chase Budinger. They went hard after several early first-round picks, and an NBA executive with knowledge of their trade talks said late Thursday that the Rockets are among several teams still trying to acquire Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, one of several point guards selected by ..."
Rumor Roundup: Brand, McGrady, Rondo, Darko, Farmar
Comment
June 25
SI.com
 
"The 76ers have shopped Elton Brand. ... Other teams "very aggressive" in pursuit of Tracy McGrady, according to Rockets GM Daryl Morey. ... The agent for Rajon Rondo, the subject of trade rumors, is unhappy with Celtics boss Danny Ainge. ... The Knicks are close to acquiring Darko Milicic. ... The Lakers have contacted Houston about acquiring Jordan Farmar or buying their first-round pick."
Amare Stoudemire-Tracy McGrady swap being discussed?
Comment
June 25
New York Post
 
"According to the same source that disclosed Terry Porter was about to be fired as Suns coach, the Rockets are leaning toward swapping Tracy McGrady's expiring $22M contract, Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks for Leandro Barbosa and Stoudemire, who owns an escape clause after next season and is demanding an extension this summer to waive it."
Rockets draw overtures about trade for T-Mac
Comment
June 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"While the Rockets spent the days leading up to tonight's NBA draft trying to acquire the selection they lack, other teams have been interested in something the Rockets already have. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey described other teams' pursuit of Tracy McGrady and the final season of his contract as "very aggressive." Morey seemed more interested in finding a way into the draft. But unlike last year, when he considered McGrady untouchable and even had him in Rockets owner Leslie Alexander's office on draft night, Morey said he would consider offers. "We're getting a lot of interest on Tracy, and I do have to listen," Morey said. "It's my job to make this team as ready to win the title ..."
Foot fracture yet to heal for Yao
Comment
June 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"Nearly seven weeks after the Rockets were shocked by the injury that ended Yao Ming's season, they were as stunned Wednesday to find it has not healed. A bone scan late Wednesday evening showed that the immobilization of Yao's left foot has not healed the hairline fracture he suffered May 8 during the Rockets' second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. A statement released by the team said Yao and his doctors will consider other treatment options. Those could include anything from wearing a cast, rather than the walking boot used since the injury, to surgery. "Yao is not experiencing any pain in his left foot. However, the results from the CT and bone scans we performed ..."
Shooter decides to return
Comment
June 23
Houston Chronicle
 
"Rockets forward Brian Cook, who could not crack the rotation after moving to the Rockets in a trade-deadline deal, exercised his option on his contract for next season, rather than to become a free agent, Cook's agent Mark Bartelstein said on Monday. Though Cook played in just nine regular-season games with the Rockets, averaging just 2.8 minutes, the final year of his deal is worth $3.5 million, considerably more than he likely would receive as a free agent. In six NBA seasons with the Lakers, Magic and Rockets, Cook, a 6-9 forward noted for his shooting range, averaged six points on 44.9 percent shooting, making 39.4 of his 3-pointers."
Rockets' plans remain open to change
Comment
June 21
Houston Chronicle
 
"Time was short, Daryl Morey said Thursday. He really did not have too much free time to talk. He was, he said, squeezing in a few minutes before a round of golf. The Rockets general manager was joking about the draft preparations for a team without a pick. By Saturday, even he likely would not have found it funny. For the Rockets, preparing for Thursday's NBA draft is much more difficult than if they had a pick. It could be easier if they assumed they would sit out this year's dance. That's not the plan. Instead, they have acted as if they might get any pick while Morey worked to acquire one. Coming up empty Morey said he is not confident he will complete a deal for a pick. After months of ..."
Yao dismisses rumor about move to Cavaliers
Comment
June 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"A day after Rockets center Yao Ming sidestepped questions about the idea of joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 to play for the Cavs' Chinese minority owners, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was far more direct about his plans. "Yao," Morey said via email, "is the cornerstone of our franchise now and in the future." Amid speculation in China that Yao would consider leaving the Rockets for Cleveland after next season, Yao dismissed such an option as "unknown." Speaking to a Shanghai television station, Yao said, "Whether he (Huang Jianhua, who heads the Chinese minority ownership group) is Chinese or foreign, they are just bosses. "I've already been with Houston for such a long ..."
Lakers-Houston Western Conference semifinals were physical
Comment
June 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"This series never lacked story lines. Houston's Game 1 victory in Los Angeles again raised questions about the Lakers' commitment to playing hard every game and to the team's toughness, an issue in last year's NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. In Game 2, things got physical. Derek Fisher was ejected for throwing an elbow as forward Luis Scola tried to set a screen on him near the top of the key. Rockets guard Ron Artest fumed about an over-the-back foul when he thought Bryant should've been called for throwing an elbow. Artest ran across the court to Bryant to voice his displeasure and was ejected. The Lakers then took Game 3 and regained home-court advantage and apparently the upper ..."
Skipping between Lou and Rafer
Comment
June 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"Rafer Alston had waited long enough, as long as the emotions and confidence welling up inside him would allow. The time had come for Rafer to step aside and for Skip to My Lou to take over. Alston flashed a 360-degree spin to swim past Derek Fisher. He slowed for a hesitation dribble to surge past Lamar Odom. He leaped and reached around Pau Gasol, then flipped his drive in off the glass, as if, instead of playing the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, he was back at Rucker Park. The Orlando Magic had arrived in the Finals, their offensive revival epitomized by the point guard who went from atrocious to on fire. "After the first one, Dwight (Howard) … was like, 'Do it again, do it ..."
Alston ready to play role, play nice for Orlando
Comment
June 6
Houston Chronicle
 
"Rafer Alston on Thursday said his second-half struggles were in part from sitting out the second quarter while Jameer Nelson played point guard, his first playing time since February. He softened his stance Friday. "It was odd. I mean, I think everyone can see that," Alston said. "That's unusual to start the game and then you don't even touch the court in the second quarter. But there's no pouting, there's no getting mad, there's going to be no coach and Alston meeting about it. I'm going to go out here and get ready for Game 2 and prepare myself like I have been all playoffs." Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he left Nelson on the court for too long, but that it should not have impacted ..."
Despite poor economy, NBA will not eliminate luxury tax
Comment
June 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Although several teams have taken a hit financially, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Thursday the league has no plans to eliminate the luxury tax until the economy recovers. With his team's player payroll projected to exceed $76 million, Hornets owner George Shinn could have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million next summer. The Hornets were one of the 12 teams that received loans from the league this spring. Since 2003, 17 of the league's 30 teams have borrowed $2 billion since the league began establishing a line of credit for loans used by teams. "There's a difference between choosing to and having a need to," Stern said at state of his league address before Thursday's ..."
Harris quits after 50 years of coaching
Comment
June 3
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Del Harris wasn't sure about this coaching thing. He wanted to be a minister, or so he thought. But Harris started out coaching the seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls at King Springs Elementary School in Johnson City, Tenn., in 1959. That's where he caught the coaching bug, and he caught it good. "We scored over 100 points four times, playing 6-minute quarters," Harris recalled. "I said, 'Maybe this is a better plan for me.' After 50 years, it probably was the right thing." Harris, former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, officially announced his retirement Tuesday to complete 50 years of coaching at all levels, including the National ..."
T-Mac has arthroscopic surgery on shoulder
Comment
May 30
Houston Chronicle
 
"Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on Friday to ease or end the discomfort he had in his left shoulder the past two seasons, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. The surgery was timed to allow McGrady to resume basketball-related work when his rehabilitation from microfracture knee surgery will allow."
More work ahead for Brooks
Comment
May 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"Guard Aaron Brooks went from playing in the summer league last July to becoming the Rockets' second-leading postseason scorer (after Yao Ming), an experience he said has ended his doubts but made him hungry for more. "You always have questions about yourself, about the starting point guard thing, if you're ready," Brooks said. "I think I answered that. I can compete at a high level. I'm looking forward to playing again. The season is over, but next season starts in about two weeks. "I'll work on getting stronger, work on my defense, watch a lot of film, work on my passing. What don't I want to work on? I want to work on everything and get better in every area." Coach Rick Adelman is ..."
Rockets hardly content
Comment
May 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"There was the now-familiar talk about attitude and achievements, of success greater than in any Rockets spring since 1997. Yet rather than sound satisfied, willing to do no more than tinker with their "good core group" and let their key young players continue to grow, the Rockets head to the offseason with the appearance they'll be at least as aggressive as when they were considerably further from contending. Pledging a willingness to buy a draft pick, raid the rosters of cost-cutting teams and even exceed the luxury-tax threshold for a difference-making player, the Rockets seem determined to make moves despite a far more stable and successful roster than they had heading into previous ..."
Best course: Keep Big 3 together
Comment
May 19
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jerome Solomon
"This was not a great Rockets season. That needs to be said. Any hesitation to be the one to rain on the parade is obliterated by this question: Who the heck says a team deserves a parade for simply getting out of the first round of the NBA playoffs? Be proud of your Rockets for making a bit of a playoff run. Revel in the memories of a limping Yao Ming giving his all for the team, a bleeding Shane Battier taking no quarter, and a knocked-down-but-not-out Luis Scola getting up off the ground after a dirty blow. Remember the times Aaron Brooks made the Lakers look slow, Carl Landry made them look weak, and Ron Artest made them look scared. Close your eyes and envision Chuck Hayes being in the ..."
Rockets have much to consider
Comment
May 19
Houston Chronicle
 
"There is an easy way to proceed should the Rockets choose it. Still feeling the rush of getting within one game of the Western Conference finals and the dissatisfaction of failing to make their run last beyond the first minutes of Sunday's Game 7, the Rockets could understandably consider the roster decisions to come with an urge to stand pat. They could base their plans around the hope they will get and stay healthy and that their young talent, so vital to this year's postseason run, will continue to blossom. They won't. The Rockets feel better about the nucleus of their team than they would have if the season ended with another first-round flameout. But after the Lakers sent them to the ..."
Lakers center Bynum comes up big
Comment
May 18
USA Today
 
"Now arriving in arenas near you (if you happen to live close to Los Angeles or Denver), just in time for the Western Conference finals:Return of the Twin Towers. GAME 7: Lakers advance with win over Rockets That is, if what happened Sunday in the Lakers' Game 7 defensive demolition of the Houston Rockets, fueled by 7-footers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, is any indication. Then again, if Bynum pulls another no-show Tuesday in Game 1 between the Lakers and the Nuggets, the title might have to be Where Invisibility Happens. Bynum has become something of an X-factor for the Lakers, who mirrored his mercurial efforts in the last three games of a rugged Western semifinal series. • In Game 5, a ..."
Dose of reality cures what ailed Lakers, at least for a day
Comment
May 18
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Mark Heisler
"Thanks for coming, Rocket men. Happy days aren't necessarily here again in Lakerdom, although local fans are definitely relieved to learn there will be more days. Overwhelming Houston without Yao Ming in Staples Center, as the Lakers did Sunday, spares them the biggest embarrassment/learning experience of all, going down as the patsies in the biggest upset in NBA history. Of course, one win doesn't mean they're back. And even they may now understand they won't stroll through the West finals, even if they're 10-1 against Denver over two seasons (they were 5-2 against Houston over two seasons). And if the Lakers do make the NBA Finals against Cleveland, they'll be the underdogs. On the other ..."
Lakers dominate the Rockets to win Game 7
Comment
May 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"Lakers fans can rest easy, at least for today. The Lakers will continue their march toward an NBA championship, their Western Conference semifinals series against a tougher-than-expected Houston Rockets team that pushed L.A. to seven games now over. The Lakers built a 28-point lead en route to an 89-70 victory over the Rockets in the deciding Game 7 this afternoon at Staples Center. The Lakers move on to the conference finals to play the Denver Nuggets, who have been resting since Wednesday night after they eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the other Western Conference semifinal series. The Lakers were 3-1 against the Nuggets during the regular season. Like they did in Game ..."
Destiny doesn't deal an upset
Comment
May 18
Denver Post
 
"On a chalkboard in their locker room, right above the time they're supposed to report to begin preparations for the Nuggets and the Western Conference finals, there was a single number, a simple message for all the Los Angeles Lakers to see. 8. That, of course, is the number of games the team would have to win to become NBA champions, a countdown that continued as a result of Sunday's 89-70 victory over Houston in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. The triumph may have saved the Lakers - for now - from the ignominy of falling woefully short of a title that seemed to be virtually conceded to the supremely talented squad from the moment the basketballs were rolled onto the floor last ..."
Lakers roll past Rockets in Game 7
Comment
May 18
Denver Post
 
"Moments before the start of Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal series between Los Angeles and Houston, the JumboTron at Staples Center showed a montage including a series of "Ones" to describe the Lakers, featuring Team, Passion, Strength and Vision. But Sunday's contest also represented another important single digit - one last chance to advance in the playoffs; one final opportunity to avoid the ignominy of falling woefully short of a championship that seemed to be virtually conceded to the supremely talented squad from the moment the basketballs were rolled onto the floor last autumn. But while there may still be another day of reckoning to come for the Lakers - perhaps ..."
Wafer a free agent, but wants to stay with Rockets
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May 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"With Von Wafer a free agent again, he said he hopes to be done seeking a new home, preferring to stick with the Rockets, his fifth team in four NBA seasons. "I hope I'll be back," Wafer said. "I love Houston, I love this organization. They gave me a chance, so I'd love to be back." Wafer had by far his most productive NBA season, averaging 9.7 points (his previous best was an average of 1.7 points) on 44.7 percent shooting. Back to work Though Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said the team's front office will have to move quickly on draft and free-agent preparations, he does not expect to quickly get over the Game 7 loss that sent the Rockets from postseason to offseason Sunday. "I ..."
Rockets' offense fizzles
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May 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"It didn't take the Rockets long Sunday afternoon to learn what kind of offensive misery awaited them in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets, who entered the game averaging 94 points and shooting 43.5 percent from the field in the first six games of the series, missed their first 12 shots and 13 of their first 15. Things didn't get much better, with the Rockets suffering a season-ending 89-70 loss to the defending Western Conference champions. "We just had an off game," said Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, who was held to 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting. "They stepped up their intensity, we fumbled a little bit and they got off to a great start. ..."
Artest wants to return in '09-10
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May 18
Houston Chronicle
 
"Ron Artest made his free-agent hopes clear in ways subtle and obvious. He spoke about next season, about growing with the Rockets' young players and going farther in his second season with the Rockets than in his first. Asked if he wants to be back with the Rockets, he said, "Yes, God willing. It's not up to me." The answer is 'yes' If that still did not spell out how he hopes things will go, he was asked if his preference is to return if things work out in contract negotiations. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes," Artest said. "That is yes. I just know this team was so good, I think we'll grow together." The Rockets have been just as clear about their hopes. "He has a desire to come back," Rockets ..."