Houston Rockets reach agreement with Dikembe Mutombo...

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Rockets bring Mutombo aboard
Center says he's in shape, needs time on court

By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Dec. 30, 2008, 2:52PM

The Rockets reached an agreement with veteran center Dikembe Mutombo on Tuesday, Rockets GM Daryl Morey said.

Mutombo was signed for the remainder of the season at a pro-rated veteran's minimum contract.

"I let a lot of money go. I felt a lot of pressure Yao Ming and Tracy (McGrady) every day calling me, (saying) 'We need you. We need your leadership in the locker room. We need your spirit, something to get us going,' " Mutombo said. "Yao called this morning and said, 'I don't want to hear bad news. I need to hear good news.'

"It was very difficult the past four months. I didn't know what would happen," Mutombo said. "I was surprised to see Houston come into the picture. I thought it would be Boston or San Antonio. I told the kids Daddy would be playing there."

Mutombo said he is in good enough shape to play but needs time on the court.

He was not sure if he would join the Rockets for a five-game trip that begins Friday at Toronto but added that Yao has insisted he be with the team. The Rockets host the Milwaukee Bucks on New Year's Eve.

"I almost haven't touched a ball in six months. I shoot the ball in the park with my kid. I am not a shooter anyway," said Mutombo, a career 52 percent shooter. "As long as I can rebound and block shots, that's what's important."

Mutombo appeared in 39 games with the Rockets last year, starting 25 primarily while Yao Ming was out with a foot injury.

In 1,187 career games, he has 3,278 blocked shots and trails career leader Hakeem Olajuwon by 552.

When he makes his debut for the Rockets, Mutombo, 42, will be playing in his 18th season.



Old ass muufucka! Houston can still use him, though.

[OG Hack Wilson]

that bastard.

what a moron.  he got fooled.

enjoy the 1st round exit over a title w/ Boston.

[you gon always be my latin queen bitch]

damn hes 42??

[7even]

enjoy the 1st round exit over a title w/ Boston.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

^you really think Boston will repeat?

[you gon always be my latin queen bitch]

that shit looked like pierce traveled last night?
think it was pierce!!!
but they didnt say nuthin

[7even]

^you really think Boston will repeat?

With Mutombo, they'd have a chance realistic enough to fight for

[OG Hack Wilson]

^you really think Boston will repeat?

yes.  Lakers are too soft.

[west koasting]

Damn he's old