Anderson, Gordon placing bets on Harden
Free-agent acquisitions hope to prosper playing alongside Rockets star
The news conference the Rockets wanted to be a celebration was, at one point, “a funeral.”
That’s what team owner Les Alexander called it as he walked into a quiet room in Toyota Center with his two newest free-agent acquisitions, forward Ryan Anderson and guard Eric Gordon.
But about an hour later, Rockets staff and players’ family members shook hands and hugged. They clapped and smile.
Not because of Anderson and Gordon, on whom the team spent a combined $133 million with four-year contracts. Star guard James Harden triggered the celebration. The team announced he had signed a four-year, $118 contract extension.
Harden, who was set to become a free agent in 2018, will remain under contract with the franchise through at least 2019. He has a player option to stay through 2020.
The extension, general manager Daryl Morey said, became possible when the Rockets struck out on the biggername targets in this year’s free-agency class, Kevin Durant and Al Horford.
Harden, Gordon and Anderson both said, was a draw to the Rockets.
“We’ve got all these guys signed for a long time,” Morey said. “Everyone can just focus on basketball. Everyone can just focus on winning.” Ex-Pelicans a package deal
Anderson said the team has been on his mind “for a lot of years.” The Rockets have tried trading for him in past seasons, and his father, Jack, said though Anderson received an offer from his hometown Sacramento Kings, the Rockets were the “clear-cut” choice.
“I’m excited to be here and play with a guy like James, who is, in my mind, the best player in the NBA, a guy that’s going to get Eric and I a lot of wide-open looks,” said Anderson, a forward who has shot nearly 38 percent from 3-point range in his career. “I haven’t had a lot of wide-open looks over the years.”
After agreeing to an $80 million deal with the Rockets, the first call Anderson made was to Gordon. Both played for the New Orleans Pelicans the past four seasons, and Gordon said the two had discussions during the past season about joining the same team in free agency.
When Gordon met with the Rockets soon after Anderson agreed to his contract, he told the team Houston was where he wanted to be. The announcement came so early into the meeting, it got lost in the discussion as the staff continued making its pitch.
Finally, after 10 minutes, Alexander asked Gordon to repeat what he said. Done deal.
Gordon, 27, and Anderson, 28, made just one playoff appearance with New Orleans. They’ve both struggled with injuries throughout their careers. They’ve each played more than 70 games in a season just once.
Gordon called his various injuries “flukes,” and Morey said the team’s doctors are confident neither man has lingering health issues. Playing time could be tricky
The team is also confident it’ll find a way to get Gordon enough minutes. How that’ll pan out with Harden, point guard Patrick Beverley and forward Trevor Ariza — new coach Mike D’Antoni said he’s figuring that out.
“It’s important guys have a role and have a certain amount of minutes they can count on,” D’Antoni said.
The other free agent with whom the Rockets have agreed on a deal — center Nene — will sign between Brazilian national team practices and the start of the Olympics. The Rockets haven’t reached a deal with restricted freeagent forward/center Donatas Montiejunas. Anderson will likely start in front of him at power forward.
“It’s going to be a fun year,” Alexander said as Anderson held up his No. 3 Rockets jersey.
Then Harden walked into the room and announced he’ll be here for at least three more seasons.