Mutombo Off The Market

by Jeff Clark on Dec 30, 2008 3:54 PM EST in News/Links Comment 17 comments

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.'

...more quotes from that article:

"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."

...and my favorite:

"I almost haven't touched a ball in six months."

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Mutumbo

You are a tease, Deke.

Reporter: About a year ago I asked about the Celtics-Lakers thing and you said you'd really only seen it on TV. Now you've been through it, can you talk about playing the Boston Celtics for the NBA championship?
Kobe: It Sucks.

by indeedproceed on Dec 30, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

looks like Doc was right

despite rumors that Houston wasn’t interested

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Dec 30, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Boo Deke. That boy is a tease.

by RebusRankin on Dec 30, 2008 4:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

drama queen...

i know he’s supposed to be a great guy, but gee wiz does he wear his negotation tactics on his sleeve.

by ssspence on Dec 30, 2008 4:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

time for Paul and KG...

…to start recruiting PJ Brown again

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Dec 30, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

no surprise there

Mutombo signed with the Rockets last year when they had absolutely no chance at winning a title; you knew he was gonna re-sign with them now that they have a slightly better than zero chance at winning it all. But that thing about “I let a lot of money go”? How so? I doubt there were any teams offering more than the league minimum.

by CelticsWhat35 on Dec 30, 2008 4:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Boo

by TheAncientRivalry on Dec 30, 2008 5:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was between the Spurs and Celtics. Well, Mutumbo can enjoy another season without a ring because I doubt Houston is winning one this year.

by NoraG1 on Dec 30, 2008 5:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"I almost haven't touched a ball in six months."

Wish I knew that before I voted that we sign him. Glad that potential debacle is over…

by BleedinGreen417 on Dec 30, 2008 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is ...

Fred Roberts available?

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Dec 30, 2008 6:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Anybody for Darko?

I only suggest this assuming we could get him for next to nothing from ex-Celtic dumkopf, Chris Wallace. Since Kevin McHale isn’t shopping his groceries anymore, Wallace is only patsy out there.

by Wildblu1 on Dec 30, 2008 6:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I wish...

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=32271021301221714973242&teams=92929292&te=&cash=

"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"

by Jeff_Fuller_49 on Dec 30, 2008 7:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Expected

but it’s a pity.

by cordobes on Dec 30, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Crud. I'm having a hard time getting any enthusiasm up for Joe Smith.

And by the way, Kevin McHale used to always claim to never having touched a basketball for months before he would show up for training camp.

by no kidding on Dec 30, 2008 11:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great signing for Houston. This sets them up nicely in the West.

I think they’re the only team in the West capable of beating the Lakers when LA is playing well.

by Who on Dec 31, 2008 4:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dont forget the silent assasin in the west..

San Antonio Spurs…

And btw Shaq game is going up and if the whole Suns find their Rhytm, then they are up to challenge.

by spoiled on Dec 31, 2008 8:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think the Spurs can beat LA when the Lakers are playing well. If LA under-performs I think the Spurs and others can beat them, but not otherwise. Same for Phoenix.

Houston are the only side I regard as capable of beating LA when the Lakers perform well.

Portland are a wild card who aren’t there presently but might be able to get there by the end of the season.

by Who on Jan 2, 2009 5:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs