What If Houston Had Three Baseball Teams?
Week Around The Ists
Houston Rockets power forward Carl Landry is currently a restricted free agent who appears to be quietly drawing interest within NBA circles. The Indiana Pacers are the first of possibly several teams that have and will express interest in Landry's services.
As a rookie last season Landry emerged as a long awaited front court presence to alleviate the pressure off of All-Star center Yao Ming, averaging 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 42 outings. However, it was the second-round draft pick's 61% field goal percentage, gritty performances during Houston's 22-game winning streak, and overall ferocious tenacity that showed his true worth.
Landry gained national notoriety during the third game of a first-round playoff match up with the Utah Jazz. The former Purdue standout lost a tooth in a scuffle, yet continued to play and went on to seal a victory with a game-winning block in the closing seconds of the game.
Landry's hustle has caused teams to glance in his direction as they attempt to round out their rosters during an already bustling offseason. As a restricted free agent, Landry is subject to the Rockets' right of first refusal, meaning the 6'9", 248 lb power forward can be signed to an offer sheet by any team in the league, but Houston has 15 days to match the offer to keep Landry within 15 days.
One such team conveying interest in Landry is the Indiana Pacers, who have a $5.58 million mid-level exception that they can commit to the local collegiate hero. Pacers president Larry Bird has stated that power forward is an area of the roster he would like to improve in the near future, and Landry may be the ideal fit.
Before the Pacers make an offer, they will likely take into account the fact that the Rockets have yet to sign Landry to a contract - due to concerns about his knee. Landry tore his right ACL in college and missed seven games with the Rockets last year because of a sore knee. The team has expressed concerns about his durability and is requesting further tests to be run on Landry's knee before a contract offer is made.
Surely the Pacers and other organizations will proceed with caution before signing Landry to an offer sheet. However, that won't stop teams from window-shopping in the mean time.
Photo: flickr user jeffbalke
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I really hope the Rockets keep Landry, he's all hustle and he dunks on everyone. He put the smack down on Indy with his best game of the regular season. That performance saved the game in the early part of The Streak if I recall correctly.