Van Exel a Rocket?

[Ocotillo]

Clutch City talk shows today are talking about the possiblity of Nicky Van Smack coming to Houston. As I was in and out of my car, I could not discern if this was a rumor that the Rockets were interested or if it was simply a radio jock's wish.

Anyone else know anything about this?

[Horry For 3!]

Nope, don't know anything about it.

[tlongII]

The Blazers are waiving him so it's certainly a possibility.

[Sii]

Marc Stein says the Spurs are interested in him too. They could offer him more money than Houston and a more legit chance at a ring

[tekdragon]

Interesting...the Rockets are coming along nicely this off-season. They're going to make a big splash next year. Definitely will improve on their 50-win 2005 season.

[Ocotillo]

Radio guy in Houston said they could offer 1.8 mill.

[clubalien]

this guy played with alot of heart for dallas againts us in the wcf he also played on a dallas team at the time that had lots of options and there weren't any bad press on him

I think we should go after him

edit ofcourse not for as much money as he was making

[Sii]

Radio guy in Houston said they could offer 1.8 mill.

which is less than SA could offer

[Taking it to the Hole]

Houston is going to be waiting for us next year in the conference finals. They reloaded their team this summer and are looking like serious contenders now. Phoenix doesn't concern me as much as Houston does.

[Sii]

I would be shocked if Houston made it to the conf finals. They will be better but they wont be serious contender by next season. Get to the second round? sure..but I wouldnt be penciling them into the WCF just yet

[Mr. Body]

We could use Big Dog more than Nick the Quick. Fills a need, you know.

[Spurologist]

Nick has always wanted to play for a texas team. I'm guessing because of family. Wouldn't be surprised if he's pickuped by any of the texas teams

[boutons]

I expect NVE won't be going back to DAL. He was right, in the interviews after the 03 WCF, that when you get something good together, like the 60-W 03 Mavs, it's wrong to break it up, and the Mavs haven't been nearly as good since.

That leaves only HOU and SA. I figure he's another unhelpful deep bencher, like Glenn. Let HOU have him. We got all the guards we need.

[timvp]

I'd take NVE on the Spurs in a second. Can you imagine Horry and him on the floor at the same time?

Damn ... talk about clutch.

[T Park]

Rest of the MLE RIGHT NOW!!!!

DO IT POP!!!!

[boutons]

when was the last time Nick was clutch? the 03 WCF? yes, I have bad memories, but since? And he's about as robust as BJax or Speedy.

[T Park]

since?? lmao...

Boutons, he played on a lottery team last year, how would he exactly show that??



Would he show that about like the Rockets were division champions?!?!

[Supreme Allah]

Nick Van Exel is a perfect fit for the spurs imo. What do you people think?

[ZStomp]

He said that a looooooonnnng time ago too.

[nacho estrada]

Hell yes! I would love Nicky Van Excellent on the Spurs.. even if it was for one season. Dude has nuts the size of boulders and is clutch as hell. I remember watchin him beat S.A. on a buzzer beater back when he was with L.A. ... I do recall him saying that he was so beat up that he woke up hurting like hell every morning and just couldnt play ball anymore so.. who knows.

[snyderman]

anybody who shoots freethrows 3 feet behind the line is worth a roster spot

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This is the kind of move that RC and Pop should be all over.

[Chris]

anybody who shoots freethrows 3 feet behind the line is worth a roster spot

Yeah thats nuts

[spursfor]

What about Beno?
If We could Sign NVE we could do the 2 Point lineup like Sacramento used to. NVE/T-Park, but I don't think he'll come to SA or Hou IMO he'll go to Miami, because I don't think walker is staying and they'll have some money plus he can tutor J-Will and still have a chance at a ring.

[T Park]

I don't think walker is staying

uh he signed a 5 year deal to GO to Miami so I think hes going.......


What about Beno?


What about him?

[spursfor]

uh he signed a 5 year deal to GO to Miami so I think hes going.......



What about him?
First off so what if he signed for a sign and trade he'll get traded again or play half a season until he gets traded. He's a cancer and won't like the 6th man role. And for Beno, Why is everyone on NVE's nuts, Beno is just as much as a good shooter and he's at least 10 years younge stick with Beno.

[boutons]

Since the 03 WCF, I always pay attention to NVE when he plays (League Pass), but he's played hardly at all, and I haven't seen anything near the NVE of the 03 WCF.

I think you NVE fans are like Speedy fans. A couple good shots at the right time, and the guy becomes sainted, golden forever, when in fact he's a very pedestrian, earthly, fragile mortal.

[ladiesman]

First off so what if he signed for a sign and trade he'll get traded again or play half a season until he gets traded. He's a cancer and won't like the 6th man role. And for Beno, Why is everyone on NVE's nuts, Beno is just as much as a good shooter and he's at least 10 years younge stick with Beno.

Where was Beno against Detroit? He is slow on deffense, and can't handle the pressure when bringing the ball up...... Him not playing the last couple of games in the finals is a clear indication that the kid is not ready. The question is, will he ever be?

[Pandaemonaeon]

anybody who shoots freethrows 3 feet behind the line is worth a roster spot

Hell, anybody who can shoot freethrows is worth a roster spot for SA.

/gets booed and thrown litters

[Streakyshooter08]

From realgm:

"Van Exel, who turns 34 on Nov. 27, has narrowed his choices to the Mavs, Houston, San Antonio and Miami."

[Joesteds]

Rockets Eye Ex-Blazers
By: Jonathan Fiegen
Houston Chronicle

The Rockets moved quickly after the Trail Blazers' cost-cutting release of guards Nick Van Exel and Derek Anderson on Wednesday with preliminary conversations with Tony Dutt, the agent for both players.

Dutt said the two players are interested in the Rockets, and that Van Exel could be especially open to considering the Rockets' smaller salary-cap exception.

Limited by the salary cap and this week's signing of Stromile Swift, the Rockets can only offer their smaller exception, set last week at $1.67 million for the first season.

The Rockets had offered that salary-cap exception to another Portland guard, Damon Stoudamire, and did not offer the exception to Anderson or Van Exel. But Stoudamire could be close to accepting a richer contract with the Grizzlies, freeing that money to be offered to other free agents.

Anderson, the first player released in the league's new luxury tax amnesty provision, is scheduled to meet with the Lakers next week and likely will receive offers in excess of the smaller exception. Van Exel, who has also drawn interest from the Heat and Timberwolves, has often said he would like to play in Houston, his adopted hometown.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

If the Heat are going to let Damon Jones walk then NVE is probably their best option at the moment. I'd be willing to go after NVE because of two simple words: Steve Kerr. Career clutch shooter with crappy knees and very little defense? Sounds familiar. If Houston is going to be doing the PG by committee thing again this year then he'd be a great pick-up for them. He wouldn't have to give them starters minutes but would still be in a position to contribute, and their super slow pace wouldn't wear his old ass out too badly. Plus he'd be a worthwhile vet to mentor Luther Head. As for Dallas...if he really wants to play for a contender, I don't think that the road to the finals runs through Dallas this year. I could be wrong, AJ could get that team's heads screwed on straight, but going from how they looked in the playoffs, I don't think they're quite ready yet.

It all depends on what he's really after. If he just wants a ring then his best bet is probably here in SA. If he wants to actually get some PT while playing for a possible contender then I'd say Houston. He'd get minutes with Miami, but how many looks would he get on a team with Dwayne Wade, Shaq, and Antoine Walker? And things look even worse if they were to put him on the floor with JWill.

[sa_butta]

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/12301167.htm

Van Exel may make return
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By DWAIN PRICE
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Star-Telegram Staff Writer
One of the Mavericks' more popular players from a couple of years ago could be back with the team this fall.

According to league sources, the Mavs are trying to sign point guard Nick Van Exel, who was a vital part of the team's success when Dallas advanced to the 2003 Western Conference finals. Portland waived Van Exel on Wednesday, choosing not to retain him for the nonguaranteed money ($12.8 million) remaining on his contract for the upcoming season.

The Mavs also are discussing the possibility of signing potential free agent swingman Doug Christie, who might be released by Orlando through the league's new amnesty rule .

Mavs officials refused to comment on Van Exel, but a source said: "Obviously there's interest. We're looking for a backup third point guard, and he looks nice in a Mavs uniform.

"He's definitely a fit for what we're looking for. It's just a matter of him making a decision."

Van Exel, who turns 34 on Nov. 27, has narrowed his choices to the Mavs, Houston, San Antonio and Miami. Van Exel lives in Houston during the off-season, and he has a son who lives in Garland.

Last year, Van Exel averaged 11.1 points and 4.3 assists in 53 games for the Trail Blazers before going on the injured list March 12 for the rest of the season with an arthritic left knee.

Dallas originally acquired Van Exel from Denver on Feb. 21, 2002, in a deal that included current Mavs coach Avery Johnson. After the '03 playoffs, the Mavs traded Van Exel -- in a deal that again included Johnson -- to Golden State on Aug. 18, 2003.

Van Exel and Johnson have remained close friends, which could help facilitate a Mavericks-Van Exel reunion.

"[Van Exel has] got a real good relationship with a lot of guys in the Mavs' locker room," the source said. "And he and Avery have a good relationship."

Christie played only 21 games for the Magic last season after a midseason trade from the Sacramento Kings. Christie was unhappy with the Magic, demanded a trade and, eventually, had left ankle surgery.

Christie, 35, is approaching the final year of a contract that pays him $8.2 million this season.

If the Mavs trade Michael Finley or use the amnesty clause to release him, Christie could fill that void.

"He's a [shooting guard/small forward] with some playoff experience," the source said of Christie. "And that's what we're looking for."

[Vashner]

ANYWHERE but here.. Van Exel is older than dirt...
Might as well re-activate Avery Johnson... We don't need old legs..

[T Park]

Might as well re-activate Avery Johnson

oh yeah, just like that..

morons......

[Kori Ellis]

ANYWHERE but here.. Van Exel is older than dirt...
Might as well re-activate Avery Johnson... We don't need old legs..


Umm... he's 33.

[boutons]

"arthritic knee" ? bad enough to terminate his 05 season early?

known around the league by some GMs, going back to 03, as an "asshole" ?

Certainly the Spurs, who don't really need much at this point, can do better than NVE.

[timvp]

Van Exel leans to Rockets
Mavs made contact, but guard thinks Houston is good fit
By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News

Free-agent guard Nick Van Exel apparently is leaning toward signing with the Houston Rockets.

Van Exel told a Houston radio station that he considered the Rockets a good fit. Soon after Van Exel was waived by Portland, Rockets officials talked with Van Exel's agent, Tony Dutt. So did Mavericks officials, but Van Exel has long had an affinity for Houston.

Dutt could not be reached Thursday.

Miami and San Antonio are also possibilities for Van Exel.

The Mavericks could be interested in swingman Doug Christie if Orlando releases him. Christie is one of the NBA's best defensive players when healthy. An ankle injury that required surgery limited him to 52 games last season.

[T Park]

If Houston gets Van Exel they become contender numero uno to the Spurs

Van Exel
Mcgrady
yao
Swift
Mike James
Jon Barry


thats a tough mofo of a team

[Mr. Body]

The prospect is exciting, but he's a streaky shooter who needs a lot of shots to get going. Take a look at his game logs from last year or so. As some have pointed out, he was stone cold when the Spurs dropped the hammer in Game 6 in '03.

But he's a ballsy player who wants to win. Two, three years ago, I might have taken him as a back-up point guard, but it looks like he's breaking down. If he consents to only the guarantee of being a 3rd guard, then it's worth a shot.

[Kori Ellis]

Mavs can be a top bidder for Van Exel
By DWAIN PRICE
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/12310525.htm


If Nick Van Exel goes to the highest bidder when he signs his free-agent contract, he'll probably play this season for the Mavericks or Miami Heat.

The Mavs, Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are the teams that have inquired about Van Exel, who was released Wednesday by the Portland Trail Blazers. Of that group, the Mavs and Heat are the only teams who still have their $5 million mid-level exceptions -- something that is attractive to Van Exel.

Tony Dutt, the Houston-based agent who represents Van Exel, said he and his client are weighing free-agency options. He also acknowledged that the Mavs are in the middle of the action, although no firm offers have been made from any team.

"The Mavericks are an option, and we're talking to them, but there's nothing imminent or anything," Dutt said. "We've got three or four teams that we're talking to at this point, so we're just trying to see what's out there."

The Rockets used their $5 million mid-level exception Tuesday to sign forward Stromile Swift of the Memphis Grizzlies.

And barring a trade to free up more money, the Grizzlies have only $1.67 million exception left to pursue Van Exel.

The Spurs used half of their $5 million mid-level exception to sign center Fabricio Oberto of Argentina to a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

The Mavs might have the inside track on signing Van Exel to become their third point guard behind Jason Terry and Devin Harris, but they could be facing a serious roadblock.

When the Mavs obtained Van Exel from Denver on Feb. 21, 2002, owner Mark Cuban wouldn't complete the deal unless Van Exel agreed to make the final year of his original contract non-guaranteed. Van Exel would have been paid $12.8 million during the 2005-06 season.

Dutt was against Van Exel agreeing to those terms. But Van Exel told Dutt to complete the transaction, believing he would be with the Mavs for the duration of the contract, and the $12.8 million would eventually wind up in his bank account anyway.

The Mavs, though, traded Van Exel to the Golden State Warriors on Aug. 18, 2003, stunning the veteran who had become one of the team's premier players and a team leader. Whether Van Exel can put that trade behind him may determine if he'll ever wear a Mavs uniform again.

"Obviously, there's no question he was disappointed the Mavs traded him," Dutt said. "He gave up an awful lot to go there. I told him not to do it. In my mind, you don't put yourself in someone else's hands when it's in your hands."

Van Exel, though, was so desperate to get out of a losing situation in Denver that he jumped at the opportunity to play for the Mavs.

"That was a big, big deal, and he was willing to do that," Dutt said. "But that's a credit to Nick, because Nick was so attuned to winning."

Van Exel's friendship with Avery Johnson has continued. The two were teammates with the Nuggets, Mavs and Warriors, they both live in Houston suburbs and now Johnson is the Mavs' coach.

In fact, Dutt also represents Johnson, which could help the Mavs' cause in their attempt to sign Van Exel.

"Obviously, Nick has a very close relationship with Avery," Dutt said. "So that's a big plus for the Mavericks."

[Vashner]

It's not that I don't respect Van Exel for being a pro baller. I am just saying if you want to win another ring he would not fit well with the Spurs Formula IMO*.

[spur219]

I know Exel wanted to play for a Texas team.

[Kori Ellis]

Most people thought Van Exel would go to Houston. Right now they only have the LLE left and seem to be targeting a swingman (meeting with Derek Anderson and Latrell Sprewell in the past few days).

I think that makes it more of a possibility that Van Exel might consider San Antonio. He reportedly wants to be in Texas.

[Dex]

Since the Mavs have all-but-signed swingman Doug Christie, do you think this might put them out of the race on NVE, or are they still looking to add to their backcourt? Will they still have the money to throw at him?

I would venture to say that being stuck as third-string point gaurd wouldn't do Nick much justice, with Terry and Harris pretty much gauranteed to be ahead of him in the rotation in Dallas. Then again, if he came to San Antonio, he'd have to beat out Udrih for the backup role if he didn't want to be stuck in the same boat.

[Dre_7]

I would venture to say that being stuck as third-string point gaurd wouldn't do Nick much justice, with Terry and Harris pretty much gauranteed to be ahead of him in the rotation. Then again, if he came to San Antonio, he'd have to beat out Udrih for the backup role if he didn't want to be stuck in the same boat.

If he went to SA hed be the #2 PG.

Come on NVE, come get a ring!!!

[Kori Ellis]

The Mavericks signed five players (including Darrell Armstrong for backup point). I don't think they are interested in Van Exel anymore.

[picnroll]

Cuban said the Mavs are done after signing Christie and Diop.

" Owner Mark Cuban said the transaction completed the Maverick's summer although the team has a history of making major acquisitions just before training camp. "Different era ... different coach, different approach" Cuban siad "so we're done".

link (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/registration/register.jsp?fw=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/081905dnspoearlymavs.865b6dc4.html)

Some reports have Denver intereested in NVE though.

[marcus]

I really don't see Van Exel as a rocket. It seems Van Exel would like to be in Houston or San Antonio but Houston don't need another pg.

I saw San Antonio offering for Van Exel but not Houston. They are actually looking to get Anderson or McKie.

Houston depth for pg position:
James
Wesley
Ward
Norris
Van Exel?, lol

If Van Exel's decision is between Houston or San Antonio then i say "SAN ANTONIO"

[Solid D]

Van Exel is one of those veterans who is losing his quickness and skills as each season goes by, yet can still be an occasional explosive scorer. Very explosive...but it's sporadic.

He does have the knack for knocking down big-time shots though.

An example last year, Portland was playing Charlotte and Nicky V. had made only 7 shots out of his last 40. With the score tied and the clock running down, Charlotte doubled the ball in the corner - much like Detroit did Manu in Game 5 before he passed it to Horry. The ball went to Nick 5 feet behind the arc and he nailed the dagger three to win it. That's Nick in a nutshell.

[T Park]

come on down Nicky.

More than welcome to play for the Spurs :)

[marcus]

It seems Van Exel's decision will come after Anderson's decision.

If Anderson decides to go to Houston which is very likely as he already expressed a lot of interest then i guess Van Exel will be a spur.

"Months after he thought he would become a member of the Rockets, Derek Anderson finally made it to Toyota Center on Thursday with a chance to make it home. Anderson, a free agent who wanted and expected to be sent to the Rockets in a February trade with Portland, visited with coach Jeff Van Gundy and other club officials Thursday as the Rockets sought the versatile guard for their last roster spot." Houston Chronicle

"Free agent point guard Derek Anderson says the Houston Rockets may be the best fit for him at this point in his career. The former Portland Trail Blazer tells says his meeting in Houston yesterday with Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy went well. Portland waived Anderson on August Third under the N-B-A's one-time amnesty program. The Blazers owe him almost 19 (M) million dollars. Anderson agent Tony Dutt says Anderson plans to make a decision by Monday." KLTV.com

"One team might as well be heads. The other might as well be tails. That's the difficulty of the decision free-agent guard Derek Anderson faces this weekend. Anderson will choose in the next 48 hours whether to sign with the Lakers or Houston Rockets, agent Tony Dutt said Friday. Anderson, the NBA's first luxury-tax-amnesty casualty, is seeking a one-year deal with a player option for a second season. "He's decided he's not going to base it on money, he's going to base it on opportunity," Dutt said. "He wants to go somewhere he can have a big year this year and then see what happens." Los Angeles Daily News

[boutons]

"7 shots out of his last 40"

As with Glenn, Nick won't get many minutes and less shots, nor will he be on the floor in crunch time to try to duplicate his amazing heroics with DAL '03.

As with Glenn, if Nick comes, he will be way down the bench, waving towels (I don't get the impression Nick is much of a towel waver). Pop will want to play Beno first to see if Beno improves as a sophomore.

These two guys, even they are Spurs, will be marginal in the season, and invisible in playoff rotation.

[marcus]

Van Exel can bring leadership and that is good.

If he would have been with us during the serie against Detroit i am sure he would have absorbed all Udrih's minutes and done much better.