ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
The latest is that a second Rockets white player will be "developed" overseas. Marty Leunen was a quality player in college and a potent scorer for the Oregon Ducks. The Rockets somehow couldn't find room for him on the roster over the likes of the 42 year old Mutombo and a sparkling star known as Von Wafer, so the GM said he will be happy to "develop" him overseas. They are also doing this with Australian SG Brad Newley. Leunen does need a little work on defense, but there are plenty of black "shooters" with passing vision in the NBA who are "played" for defensive "development".
Adam Haluska is another player who is playing overseas this year. Haluska plays in the Israeli league. Casey Jacobson made it back into the NBA from Europe, so we will see what happens with these guys.
There are lots of other white guys who even have starting potential that should go overseas and shine and maybe have a shot at getting back into the NBA. Among them are Luke Jackson and Matt Walsh, who were both cut again this year. Nick Fakzekas, who has played well in the NBA in very limited minutes, Jared Jordan and Gerry McNamera would likely also be able to find work overseas. Jared Jordan although a limited athlete is a breathtaking passer and is a similar player to black Marcus Williams who is in the NBA as a backup. Too bad A.J Graves of Butler doesn't want to try playing through his feet problems b/c he would be another good European candidate. We need more white guards in the NBA!
Players like the aforementioned would be treated far better in Europe and they can work on their games and hopefully return to the NBA!
Here's a snip from the Houston GM on Marty Leunen: Enjoy!
Tuesday September 23, 2008 7:42 PM
Q&A With Daryl Morey
Rockets' GM provides the latest information on Landry, Mutombo and more
Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Hard to believe, but the start of training camp is less than one week away. So to fill you in on all the lingering questions regarding the team, Rockets.com sat down for an exclusive chat Tuesday evening with GM Daryl Morey.
JCF: Well, the first question is pretty obvious: What's the latest on the unsigned guys like Joey Dorsey and Carl Landry?
DM: Joey is close to signing. By the end of the week, we should have that finished. We're looking forward to having him join. It will likely be a long-term deal that keeps him here for a good stretch.
With Carl, we have a fair offer out there and we're hoping he takes it.
JCF: And how about Dikembe?
DM: Yeah, no update on Dikembe right now.
JCF: What's the latest with Maarty Leunen?
DM: Maarty's going to sign in Turkey with a team associated with Efes Pilsen. It will be a good situation for him; he'll be playing good competition and it will help him develop overseas. And just like all our recent international players, if it looks like they're going to be ready, all of them are available to come over the next offseason.
Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Adam Haluska is another player who is playing overseas this year. Haluska plays in the Israeli league. Casey Jacobson made it back into the NBA from Europe, so we will see what happens with these guys.
There are lots of other white guys who even have starting potential that should go overseas and shine and maybe have a shot at getting back into the NBA. Among them are Luke Jackson and Matt Walsh, who were both cut again this year. Nick Fakzekas, who has played well in the NBA in very limited minutes, Jared Jordan and Gerry McNamera would likely also be able to find work overseas. Jared Jordan although a limited athlete is a breathtaking passer and is a similar player to black Marcus Williams who is in the NBA as a backup. Too bad A.J Graves of Butler doesn't want to try playing through his feet problems b/c he would be another good European candidate. We need more white guards in the NBA!
Players like the aforementioned would be treated far better in Europe and they can work on their games and hopefully return to the NBA!
Here's a snip from the Houston GM on Marty Leunen: Enjoy!
Tuesday September 23, 2008 7:42 PM
Q&A With Daryl Morey
Rockets' GM provides the latest information on Landry, Mutombo and more
Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Hard to believe, but the start of training camp is less than one week away. So to fill you in on all the lingering questions regarding the team, Rockets.com sat down for an exclusive chat Tuesday evening with GM Daryl Morey.
JCF: Well, the first question is pretty obvious: What's the latest on the unsigned guys like Joey Dorsey and Carl Landry?
DM: Joey is close to signing. By the end of the week, we should have that finished. We're looking forward to having him join. It will likely be a long-term deal that keeps him here for a good stretch.
With Carl, we have a fair offer out there and we're hoping he takes it.
JCF: And how about Dikembe?
DM: Yeah, no update on Dikembe right now.
JCF: What's the latest with Maarty Leunen?
DM: Maarty's going to sign in Turkey with a team associated with Efes Pilsen. It will be a good situation for him; he'll be playing good competition and it will help him develop overseas. And just like all our recent international players, if it looks like they're going to be ready, all of them are available to come over the next offseason.
Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
