(Jon) Barry to be waived

[FromWayDowntown]

Jon Barry, 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. Cir stances 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.

[ALVAREZ6]

you asshole

[Peter]

I liked him back when the Rockets picked him up. Not sure about now. Definitely a gamer.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Some people have stated in here that of the two Barry's, he's the better one.

[Spurminator]

Hmmm, intriguing on several levels...

[bdubya]

He brought great energy as a Piston but his D was a little iffy; seems like Brent is more consistent.

[timvp]

When Brent was signed, I was on record as saying Jon would be the better fit. However, now I'm not sure how healthy he is and the Spurs already have a good amount of shooting guards.

[FromWayDowntown]

Hmmm, intriguing on several levels...

I'm with you on that.

[FromWayDowntown]

When Brent was signed, I was on record as saying Jon would be the better fit. However, now I'm not sure how healthy he is and the Spurs already have a good amount of shooting guards.

Speaking of which . . . I guess there are no real reports concerning Mr. Sprewell's whereabouts today.

[ChumpDumper]

Really slim pickings for free agent point guards. JL3 makes some sense. Andre Barrett is the only other D-Leaguer that might help at this point. Goldwire is still out there in Yakima. Suppose it depends on how serious they are about a playoff run. MAybe they lose their minds and sign Tim Hardaway.

[island_dude]

Well I have about as much dislike for that guy as Dirk did in the playoffs last year. He and Sura were being y sum es flashing hand signals when they hit a three. That all came to bitter end in game 7 they got spanked by 40 though.
http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/n...owitzki_et.jpg

[spurs=bling]

thats too bad for Jon.

[Peter]

I doubt the Spurs add his brother because, after all, neither would be here next season.

[spurs=bling]

I doubt the Spurs add his brother because, after all, neither would be here next season.

that is true.

[DMFFL341]

After game 5 of the playoffs last year.

[Peter]

Man, this team needs some life off the bench. NVE's brought some this season, but not enough. A JBarry or a Sprewell would at least give the Spurs someone who could come in and spark a run. As it stands the team has to wait until Manu comes back into the game.

[island_dude]

After game 5 of the playoffs last year.

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/n...owitzki_et.jpg

[spurs=bling]

After game 5 of the playoffs last year.

[angel_luv]

Ah, that is too bad. Sorry Jon.

[zero signal]

After game 5 of the playoffs last year.

What the , he looks like he just bowled a turkey

[ALVAREZ6]

u would have gotten more hits if u had juss Barry in the thread name

He did, but I think Kori changed it.

[Kori Ellis]

He did, but I think Kori changed it.

No I didn't.

[MI21]

Spurs have enough 2 guards, but Barry would fit in somewhere playing 10-15mpg. A team with a strong inside game would probably benefit from his presence.

Shouldn't Denver be all over this?

[FromWayDowntown]

No I didn't.

I did. I didn't want a thread of flames from folks pissed that it was Jon and not Brent. I had it as "Barry to be waived" for about 2 minutes and got called "an asshole" by the first person to respond. That was enough.

[ShoogarBear]

I had it as "Barry to be waived" for about 2 minutes and got called "an asshole" by the first person to respond. That was enough.

Damn, pretty thin-skinned for a lawyer.