The Godfather of Basketball

Similarly, for the Rockets, because they can no longer sign after the start of the playoffs, these bought out players are also the main targets for their supplementary roster.

These bought out players basically only have one year of contract left, and they are divided into two categories: one is rejected by the team and hopes to pay as little salary as possible, and they should be cleared from the team. For example, Marbury, Anthony Walker, etc.; and the other category is also mostly veterans, or those who have certain strength but have no playing time, and hope to play for a playoff team, such as the newly bought Zhu Van Howard, Diogu, and more.

On this day, the phone in Morey's office was not disconnected.

After communicating with Tang Tian, ​​the team targeted the two of them.

Theo Ratliff and Juwan Howard.

This is also based on the fact that the newly signed players will not have a lot of playing time, but can provide some players with playoff experience.

Needless to say, Uncle Huo has played for the Rockets for three years before, and has played more than 30 games with the Bobcats this season, averaging 4 points and 2 rebounds per game. There is still oil in the mailbox.

Another player, Ratliff, is the most similar player to Mutombo. He has been selected as an All-Star, three times in the Honor League, and has averaged more than 2.5 blocks per game in his career. He even has an amazing record of 4.1 blocks per game in a single season. .

Moreover, Ratliff has another characteristic. He is only 2.08 meters tall, and he is mainly a center forward, but he can also swing to a power forward at the same time, which will greatly increase his chances of getting playing time.

The Rockets provided both with a one-year veteran contract, because there are at most less than 3 months before the end of the season, and the team actually needs to pay very little salary.

The addition of the two suddenly enriched the Rockets' lineup. The so-called family has an old man, like a treasure, but veterans are indispensable for any championship team.

On March 2, the Rockets flew to Oklahoma to challenge the Thunder.

The Thunder have a clear goal this season. They will continue to level up Durant, Green and Westbrook. By the way, the team has won less than 20 games and continues to go for the No. 1 pick.

This was a game without much suspense, but the more interesting thing was that before the game, a reporter from Oklahoma City interviewed Tang Tian and asked two very interesting questions.

"What do you think of these young Thunder players?"

"Are you going to stay with the Rockets next season?"

This is a progressive question. As long as the first question is a normal coach, he will praise Durant and the others. Tang Tian did the same. It's the leader of the alliance.

And then, is the core of this question, will you continue to stay with the Rockets next season?

If you answer yes, then it means that you can only renew the contract with the Rockets, because once you go back on your word, the negative impact will be huge; if you answer no, it will definitely make the current Rockets team panic. Asking which players are interested; even giving a vague answer will have a great impact on the morale of the Rockets.

But Tang Tian's answer was impeccable.

"The Rockets would be my priority."

Prioritize the choice and put the Rockets first. The reporter can't say or ask questions, and it basically won't affect the morale of the team.

That night, the Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 112-87 victory over the Thunder.

The three players of the Thunder played well. Durant had 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Green had 19 points and 9 rebounds, and Westbrook had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

After the Thunder game ended, the Rockets returned to Houston, and Ratliff and Uncle Huo also came to the team to report.

"Zhu Wan, welcome back." Tang Tian smiled and hugged Second Uncle Huo.

Uncle Huo was one of the champion members of the team two years ago, and this Rockets team is like home to him.

Ratliff has also been welcomed by many people. This player who landed in the NBA in 1995 has played in the league for 13 years. Like Uncle Huo, such a veteran is worthy of respect.

In the training class in the morning, the experience of the two veteran players also left a deep impression on young players such as Jordan Jr., Morrow and Weaver.

After two days of rest, the Rockets sat at home and ushered in the last match against the Timberwolves of the season.

The season is coming to an end, and the Rockets have also started the season routine of resting players.

In this game, the team rested Yao Ming and Billups.

The Rockets start here: Jordan Jr., Yi Jianlian, Battier, Tracy McGrady and Sun Yue.

Timberwolves side: Al Jefferson, Love, Ryan Gomez, Corey Brewer and Randy Foye.

With the absence of the playoffs, the Timberwolves are mainly training rookies.

The game started, Jordan jumped to get the ball for the Rockets, and the visiting team got the chance to attack first.

Without Yao Ming, the Rockets didn't play systematic basketball in this game. The ball was handed over to McGrady after halftime, and he started the offense.

Brewer, the second-year student on the opposite side, lowered his weight and stretched his long arms, trying his best to defend.

McGrady held the ball high with his right hand, and after a forward press, he suddenly started, turned, half turned, and turned on the spot.

Brewer was directly thrown out.

There was an uproar at the scene.

McGrady then made a direct shot.

"Shua!"

The shot was solid.

For him, this game is to find a feel for the playoffs.

Brewer shook his head and stood up, looking helpless.

But this is the growth process of rookies.

Looking back, Foye dribbled upfield, and after Jefferson turned back in the low post, he followed and handed the ball in.

The rest of the Timberwolves immediately spaced out.

Jefferson caught the ball in the low post and hit Jordan with his back. The continuous shaking of his footsteps made Jordan at a loss. A fake shot made Jordan fly up, and he turned around one after another and easily put the basket to score.

The Rockets' offense, McGrady's singles attracted double-teams, he quickly distributed the ball to the bottom corner Battier, Battier's three-point shot hit the iron.

Jordan jumped high and grabbed the offensive rebound, and passed the ball to Yi Jianlian, who directly pressed Love for a layup.

After upgrading the confrontation, the rookie Love looked a little unsightly in front of him.

Looking back, Jefferson continued to play Jordan in a low position.

"Don't jump around!" Thibodeau stood up at this time and reminded loudly.

After turning around and shaking, Jefferson turned around directly under the basket, from the right side of the basket to the left side, and made a backhand layup.

Jordan turned around and jumped up to block the shot, but it hit Jefferson directly.

Jefferson got to the free throw line and got two free throw opportunities.

Tang Tian couldn't help rubbing his forehead with his hand at this time. Little Jordan still likes to dance. The coaching staff has been training for him for a long time, but there is still not much improvement.

If it can be exchanged for ability...

The strength of Tang Tian's hands increased unconsciously.

This cheating system started to play and disappeared like last season.