| Stalling Rockets, Awaiting Vet Backcourt Authored by Marcus James - July 23, 2005 - 4:59 am
After agreeing to terms with Stromile Swift, the Rockets frontline seems to be finished. But work still needs to be done, apparently the backcourt is still awaiting some moves. The Houston Rockets have tried to bring Damon Stoudamire to Houston via the LLE, both sides are happy about the discussions, but just nothing's official.
The Rockets still have a glaring hole at the 2-guard position. Suitors exist such as Greg Buckner, but the Houston Rockets are waiting on Dallas Mavericks Guard/Forward, Micheal Finley. It is apparent, that the Rockets are stalling for a veteran backcourt, with some long-range shooting, intelligence, and intangibles that can help out the versatile front-line.
Finley, who most likely will be cut from the amnesty clause, has options such as the Heat, Suns, Pacers, and Rockets. Steve Nash, Finley?s former teammate and MVP this year, has already expressed his interest in Finley returning to play with him. Considering the Suns have already locked up their money in on Raja Bell from the market, and the contract situation involving Joe Johnson and the Suns, Micheal Finley may be a little too hard to get. Finley feels he is still capable of starting, but that is no guarantee in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have an open spot at the 2-guard, previously mentioned, which Micheal Finley can fill in very nicely. He provides the shooting, intangibles, and the overall basketball IQ that could eventually lead the Rockets further than they suppose. With Damon Stoudamire showing heavy interest in the Rockets, a deal could come sooner and would be even sweeter if he heard Micheal Finley is coming to Houston.
What?s next on T-Mac?s to-do list?
Possibly calling out Finley,too.
Remaining in Texas, joining the team that you bumped out of the playoffs last season, starting in a team that could compete heavily for the championship is all in Micheal Finley?s plan.
As for Stoudamire, staying at home, in Houston, joining a team purely for winning purposes and getting to play along side two All-Stars, in the caliber of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, is an enticing deal too.
There?s 1 roadblock. How would the money be distributed?
Would Finley be willing to come here at the vet?s minimum and Damon at the price of the Lower-Level Exception?
Doubt it all you want, but if they hear one way or another that they both could possibly come to Houston, it would just make it that much nicer and the veteran backcourt could join forces in Houston. |
