Anything is Possible
The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.August 2001
Based on the last week or more, I could say August has been an uneventful month in the NBA world. However, that would be a huge mistake. The first part of August for the Rockets' organization typified all that is good and bad about life in the NBA.
On August 1, the Houston Rockets were informed by Hakeem Olajuwon that he was going to sign with the Toronto Raptors thereby ending the 17 - year relationship Hakeem enjoyed with the organization. Head coach Rudy Tomjanovich cut his press conference short because he was in no mood to answer questions about Dream's decision; his leaving; and what it means to the Rockets. That definitely qualifies as big news. On August 3, Hakeem held his own press conference; and, while all of the local media outlets weren't present, those who were there (including yours truly) witnessed exactly how much Hakeem meant to Rockets' General Manager Carroll Dawson. CD got emotional when he began to speak about the relationship he enjoyed with Hakeem and how he'll miss Dream and his professionalism. It's not every day you see a grown man tear up; but, it was clear to all of us, CD was very sincere in his feelings.
The next two weeks were much better for the Rockets. The team announced the re-signing of F Maurice Taylor on August 7. The mood at that press conference was much more relaxed and up beat than just six days earlier. Mo's re-signing was never in doubt; but, it was good for the team to be able to quickly recover from losing Hakeem and keep a player they believe is a cornerstone for the franchise. Three short days after Mo's press conference, the team announces they acquired sharpshooting forward Glen Rice from the New York Knicks in a three team, five player deal which sent swingman Shandon Anderson from Houston to the Knicks. The deal was announced on Friday, August 10. However, the fun was just beginning.
The Rockets scheduled a press conference to officially welcome Rice as a Rocket. The media arrived and set up their equipment. Then, we waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, the Rockets announced the press conference was postponed until later in the evening. The reason for the postponement was Glen hadn't been cleared by the Rockets' physicians because of plantar fasciaitis (sore heel) in his left foot. For the next few days, rumors began swirling that the deal was dead because the Rockets were holding out for first round draft picks from Dallas and New York; that the deal was being delayed because the Rockets were dragging their feet (no pun intended) because team owner Les Alexander wanted to be sure his team wasn't about to acquire permanently "damaged goods".
As the league imposed one week deadline for a trade to be made official (noon, Friday, August 17) was about to occur, the Rockets scheduled another press conference. Earlier Friday morning, a New York paper said the deal was dead because the Rockets were asking for too much compensation in return from the Knicks and the Mavericks. Well, that paper was incorrect. At the press conference, CD announced Rice was officially a Rocket. Team physician Dr. Walter Lowe was also present to answer any questions about Glen's health. Dr. Lowe admitted that Glen wasn't healthy to play right now; but, he should be ready by October and the start of the season. CD was thrilled to finally have Rice; and, he proudly discussed how well Glen's style of play will fit with the club. (We'll see about that.)
Therefore, in a span of 17 days, the Rockets went from sadness and disappointment in losing an icon to another NBA team; re-signing a key free agent; announcing the acquisition of an All-Star shooter; waiting for medical clearance; to relief and excitement in officially announcing the acquisition. While the NBA is a billion dollar business, no one should believe life in the NBA is easy. To further illustrate that point, the Rockets are now in negotiations to re-sign free agent guard Moochie Norris. Moochie is represented by the same agent who represents Hakeem and Shandon. Hmm. Both of those players aren't Rockets any longer. Hmm...Training camp starts on October 2. We shouldn't have to wait that long before Moochie's situation is resolved; but, who knows. As this August has shown, anything is possible.
