Veteran free agents are united in desire to return to Rockets
OAKLAND, Calif. — While disappointment permeated the locker room at Oracle Arena on Wednesday night, there was also a healthy amount of hope.
The Rockets had just lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals. The season was over, and soon the players would scatter for the offseason.
They all knew that, as with any offseason, things would change. But they hoped Wednesday night wasn’t the last game they would play together.
Josh Smith, Jason Terry and Corey Brewer sat in a row, their lockers next to each other. They face free agency this summer, and all three hope they will be sporting their headbands as Rockets again.
“I love playing here,” said Brewer, a 6-9 swingman. “I hope we are back together. We made the Western Conference finals, and hopefully everything works out and we are all back together next year.”
The common thread among players after the loss was they weren’t done. After a season full of injuries and personnel changes, they thought they had put together something special.
But the summer likely will bring changes. Brewer, Smith and Terry are unrestricted free agents, and KJ McDaniels and Pat Beverley are restricted (meaning the Rockets can match offers they receive).
Terry, 37, a 6-2 guard, was picked up in free agency last summer. Brewer, 29, was part of a December trade with Minnesota. Smith was picked up after he was waived by Detroit in December.
The three were regulars in the rotation this season, and all had crucial roles in the Rockets’ advancement.
“I like the future if we can keep all the pieces together,” said Smith, 29, a 6-9 forward. “I like what the future holds for us.
“You never know in free agency what may occur. The city of Houston and this team has definitely embraced me for my individuality and the way I play the game. It would be great to do something special for the city and for this team.”
Terry said he immediately felt at home with the Rockets when training camp started last year. He said he isn’t done playing yet and would like another go in Houston.
“I want another opportunity to fight for a championship, and Houston right now is the best fit for me,” Terry said.
Their teammates echoed the sentiment. Center Dwight Howard said he would love to have all the pieces back.
“I love being out there with guys who are going to fight,” Howard said.
The headband of brothers — who were key in the Rockets’ advancing — wants to be part of that.
“I love the progression we made,” Terry said. “I love the coaching staff. I hope I am a part of the future, but I appreciate everything. I appreciate the opportunity. Hopefully, we have another shot at this next year.”