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As expected.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl...kn/5866699.html
July 1, 2008, 7:28PM
Landry's agent questions Rockets' request for forward
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
With the Rockets seeking additional medical tests before extending a contract offer to restricted free agent Carl Landry, Landry’s agent shot back that the request was designed to frighten off other suitors and said the tactic has backfired.
Buddy Baker said Tuesday that Landry has no health issues and that Dr. James Andrews declared Landry’s right knee to be completely sound.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said on Monday that the team would need more detailed information than available with imaging tests before it could make an offer to Landry, though it still expected to keep Landry.
Such tests typically provide information related to a players’ long-term prognosis, rather than immediate ability to play.
Baker, however, said Landry is generating interest around the league. The Rockets can match any offer Landry receives, as long as it fits within their salary cap limitations or exceptions. If he receives and accepts an offer, the Rockets would have to choose whether to match it without the further examination, unless Landry reverses his position and undergoes more testing.
“Obviously, I view it as a move in his part to undercut his value and dissuade the interest he has garnered,” Baker said. “The reverse has happened. Teams have taken the position that he will not match offers. That has opened the floodgates. They are operating as if he (Landry) was an unrestricted free agent.”
Baker would not identify the teams that have expressed interest in Landry or whether Landry has any preferences. After the season, Landry said he hoped to return to the Rockets. Baker, however, said Landry is working out with no difficulties.
“Carl feels great,” Baker said. “He was completely cleared by the nationally and internationally renowned physical, James Andrews in Birmingham. Carl keeps himself in good shape and there is a lot of interest in him. There are no concerns. Carl missed a few games and came back and played with no difficulties.
“It is curious that he (Morey) would make this statement on the eve of free agency.”
Morey, however, said there was nothing new about his requests.
“We have discussed this with Buddy and Carl since the end of the season,” Morey said. “We discussed the importance of getting more information. We plan to match any offer and expect any team that is planning to give him an offer to request the same information.”
The Rockets began free agency negotiations with a call to Spurs guard Brent Barry, but indicated interest in Landry by offering Barry the lower level exception, leaving whatever portion of the mid-level that might be needed to match an offer Landry might accept.
The Rockets on Tuesday named their summer league team, led by Aaron Brooks, who was named the top rookie of last season’s summer league, this season’s draft choices, Donte’ Greene, Joey Dorsey and Maarty Leunen, and returning veterans Mike Harris and Loren Woods.
Former University of Houston point guard Lanny Smith and former Texas A&M center Joe Jones are also part of the team.
The Rockets’ summer league team also includes former Kansas guard Russell Robinson, former UCLA forward Dijon Thompson, former Temple guard Mark Tyndale, and guard Gustavo Barrera of Uruguay.
poor spurs fans..
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