Rockets News: Former Hotshot Returns To Houston But Contract Non-Guaranteed
The Houston Rockets are looking good for the coming season but continue to look at potential personnel to help their cause. And it appears they will be adding another one, a former player they dumped last season - Ryan Anderson.
The 31-year-old hotshot was traded to the Phoenix Suns last season but eventually ended up with the Miami Heat. The 21st overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft was waived this summer and no team picked him up. Sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic that the hotshot has come to terms with the Rockets but on a partially guaranteed deal.
The return of Anderson should help the Rockets out, particularly their outside shooting. He owns a 42.2-percent field goal shooting clip and 38-percent from beyond the arc. He averages 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.9 minutes of action.
Compared to the four-year contract he signed back in 2016 worth $80 million, Anderson will be getting something lower. He is reportedly getting just $2.6 million this time around. However, he will still be getting $5.2 million from the Heat after being waived and stretched according to Ira Winderman.
The addition of Anderson is obviously to help space the floor for the Rockets. James Harden and Russell Westbrook should benefit from him, someone both can kick out to if the lanes are clogged. Should the 31-year-old recall his shooting form and perform it consistently, that should be more good news for head coach Mike D'Antoni.
The Rockets are one of the tipped favorites for the coming NBA season although they are in for rough sailing. The Western Conference is filled with teams who have improved rosters. There are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, two teams who hauled in big-name stars.
Aside from that, the Golden State Warriors cannot be counted out. The Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets are equally dangerous, meaning the Rockets need to be ready for a grinding season ahead.
Houston wants to strike now and finally end their NBA title drought. The last time they won the Larry O'Brien trophy was way back 1995. Team owner Tillman Fertita is aware that they need to make their move now even if they face tall odds in a highly competitive Western Conference.
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