FromWayDowntown
03-01-2006, 05:39 PM
Jon Barry (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3693918.html), that is.
Rockets will waive guard Jon Barry
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
The Rockets will waive guard Jon Barry today, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said, to give him a chance to hook up with a playoff team or retire.
Players must be free agents by today to be eligible for the post-season if signed later. Barry, who has not returned to the Rockets rotation since coming back from a strained right calf Feb. 14, might have a better chance to play with another team, particularly the Denver Nuggets, who have been looking for a perimeter shooter.
Barry declined to comment until he reaches a decision whether to continue playing or retire, a decision he said he would likely make by Friday.
"I talked to him about (that) we need to pick up a point guard, and also he had an opportunity out there to go and I think play for Denver," Van Gundy said. "We talked about it. I think he decided it was not something he was interested in doing. We told him we were going to waive him. He decided I think to retire. I hope something works out to where he can stay in the Rockets organization. He's a great guy. Even though we were only together for a little more than a year, I was as fond of him and (Bob) Sura as any two guys I've ever coached. Personally, it hurts a lot that both had injuries that impacted them and us."
Barry, 36, has only played in seven games since Nov. 25 when he suffered his first injury this season, a sprained right foot. He did not play at all in the Rockets past two games.
Though Barry indicated he would "leaning toward" retiring, Van Gundy said the Rockets chose to make the move today to give him the option to play with a team looking for help this was season and in the post-season.
"Jon and I had a long conversation over a burger. The conversation came up because Denver had called inquiring. I knew it was really a struggle for him not playing for us because he contributed so much to us last year not only on the court but his whole spirit," Van Gundy said. "He prepared himself so well. Circumstances broke health-wise and out record-wise, when he came back we already set the path we were going.
"He's had a remarkable career. I think he doubts health-wise whether he can still do it. He's not sure. I was not sure, either. I might even miss that stupid . . . three sign those two clowns gave us last year, I miss those guys so much."
With the open roster spot, the Rockets will likely try to add a point guard. Van Gundy said there were a number of players the team is considering, but would not say if they might bring back John Lucas III, who played 13 games with the Rockets this season.
Rockets will waive guard Jon Barry
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
The Rockets will waive guard Jon Barry today, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said, to give him a chance to hook up with a playoff team or retire.
Players must be free agents by today to be eligible for the post-season if signed later. Barry, who has not returned to the Rockets rotation since coming back from a strained right calf Feb. 14, might have a better chance to play with another team, particularly the Denver Nuggets, who have been looking for a perimeter shooter.
Barry declined to comment until he reaches a decision whether to continue playing or retire, a decision he said he would likely make by Friday.
"I talked to him about (that) we need to pick up a point guard, and also he had an opportunity out there to go and I think play for Denver," Van Gundy said. "We talked about it. I think he decided it was not something he was interested in doing. We told him we were going to waive him. He decided I think to retire. I hope something works out to where he can stay in the Rockets organization. He's a great guy. Even though we were only together for a little more than a year, I was as fond of him and (Bob) Sura as any two guys I've ever coached. Personally, it hurts a lot that both had injuries that impacted them and us."
Barry, 36, has only played in seven games since Nov. 25 when he suffered his first injury this season, a sprained right foot. He did not play at all in the Rockets past two games.
Though Barry indicated he would "leaning toward" retiring, Van Gundy said the Rockets chose to make the move today to give him the option to play with a team looking for help this was season and in the post-season.
"Jon and I had a long conversation over a burger. The conversation came up because Denver had called inquiring. I knew it was really a struggle for him not playing for us because he contributed so much to us last year not only on the court but his whole spirit," Van Gundy said. "He prepared himself so well. Circumstances broke health-wise and out record-wise, when he came back we already set the path we were going.
"He's had a remarkable career. I think he doubts health-wise whether he can still do it. He's not sure. I was not sure, either. I might even miss that stupid . . . three sign those two clowns gave us last year, I miss those guys so much."
With the open roster spot, the Rockets will likely try to add a point guard. Van Gundy said there were a number of players the team is considering, but would not say if they might bring back John Lucas III, who played 13 games with the Rockets this season.