Rockets get Stro

[23]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3271334

July 18, 2005, 6:56PM

Swift agrees to terms with Rockets
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Forward Stromile Swift, the only player the Rockets have targeted in free agency, agreed to terms with the Rockets on Monday evening, Swift's agent, Andy Miller, said.

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Swift spent almost two weeks since visiting the Rockets considering his options, including a strong push by the New Jersey Nets, but Miller said Swift, 6-10, decided the chance to play with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming inspired him to take the Rockets' offer.

The Rockets, who are over the salary cap, could offer only the midlevel exception, expected to be worth between $28 million and $32 million over five years. He likely could have received greater offers, particularly in a sign-and-trade deal, but decided to end his free agency.

Swift, 25, has averaged nine points and five rebounds in five NBA seasons.

"He has decided to become a Houston Rocket," Miller said. "He's absolutely excited about playing with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The Houston organization has been very consistent and adamant about getting him."

[bigeastbumrush]

Re: Rockets get Stro

This is an excellent pickup IMO. Hopefully, Luther Head can become something special, quickly.

[HMcCoy]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Stro has always seemed to be an athletic "garbage" guy to me...he should do well feeding off of Yao/McGrady doubles. This also takes alot of pressure off Ming defensively, as Swift is a much better weakside defender. Yao should have an easier time staying aout of foul trouble. Good pickup for the Rox.

[Slymm]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Rockets are getting tougher and deeper. Not good for the rest of the west.

[3rdAnswer]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Stro has always seemed to be an athletic "garbage" guy to me...he should do well feeding off of Yao/McGrady doubles. This also takes alot of pressure off Ming defensively, as Swift is a much better weakside defender. Yao should have an easier time staying aout of foul trouble. Good pickup for the Rox.

I agree 100%

[Streets]

Re: Rockets get Stro

This is a great pick-up for the rox! The oldest team in the league last year now has a nice young core that will hopefully grow together, in Yao, Mac, and Stro, as I'm sure you all can guess, I'm extremely happy. alone, he's nothing exceptional, but as Mccoy said, his youth, athleticism, and weakside defense is a perfect fit for this rox squad. He should benefit from playing alongside tracy and yao (tracy especially, since he's so good at creating for others, finally he'll have someone who can finish strong).

[RoyalBoyle78]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Sweet just sweet, i'm a hue Rockets fan and love the signing.

[cdubdiggity]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Agreed...Stro is a good fit but wht will they do about the PG SG and other lose ends that kept em out of the second round

[Slymm]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Don't they hav Sura, Wesley, Barry, Head, Barrett, and maybe Mean Mike James.

[HMcCoy]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Don't they hav Sura, Wesley, Barry, Head, Barrett, and maybe Mean Mike James.

Sura played well late, but he's not a starting quality PG, IMO. I'm surprised they haven't tried to get better at the point. Head is the future, and MJ is a great bench guy, but to compete with the SA's and PHX's, they need to upgrade.

[23]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Well they are talking to Damon Stoudamire, but the GM Carroll Dawson wont say what free agents he's talking with.

[HMcCoy]

Re: Rockets get Stro

Well they are talking to Damon Stoudamire, but the GM Carroll Dawson wont say what free agents he's talking with.

That's smart. I hate that the Cavs made public displays of affection towards their FA targets.

[billmatic]

Re: Rockets get Stro

i actually think the rockets are getting a bargain (relatively speaking). stro can do all the dirty work that yao doesn't seem willing/able to do.

[garnettrules21]

Re: Rockets get Stro

i think the rockets will be a serious contender next year.

[keRplunK]

Re: Rockets get Stro

I do like what Stromile can bring, but he's still not really an impact player.

Unless he has some go to moves that he's been keeping under wraps or the Grizziles just weren't giving him the ball enough....We'll see how good he is next year I suppose.