Desperate for a center, Houston makes trade with Atlanta for David Andersen
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009 6:41 PM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2009 ClutchFans.net
The Rockets have had a gaping hole in the middle since news of the severity of Yao Ming's injury hit, and Tuesday night they worked to fill that need, acquiring the rights to Australian center David Andersen from the Atlanta Hawks.
Almost a stereotypical European talent (offensively-gifted, defensively-challenged), the 6-foot-11, 29-year old Andersen has made his name overseas, playing for CSKA Moscow for years and most recently FC Barcelona in 2008-09. He sports a very solid jumper that stretches out to the three-point line, using it to average over 11 points on nearly 51% shooting (over 40% from trifecta) in just over 20 minutes per in last year's EuroLeague.
Rockets Director of Scouting Gersson Rosas talked on local radio 610am about what Andersen brings to Houston.
"Offensively, he's special," said Rosas. "He's a guy who can face up, find cutters, play at the elbow. He's very versatile, kind of like how Pau Gasol is in the offensive post. He's a skilled passer from the high post. I think what makes him special is his ability to pick and pop. He's a little bit like [Toronto forward] Andrea Bargnani."
However, Rosas added that while Andersen is a "willing defender" and gives the Rockets length and size, he was clear that "physicality will probably be an issue for him" and felt Chuck Hayes would be used to balance the team out defensively.
Taken by the Hawks in 2002 with the 36th pick overall, Andersen had been frustrated with Atlanta for years for not bringing him over, and recently requested a trade after being unable to come to terms financially on a contract. Adding to the timing of the trade was the fact that July 15th (tomorrow) was the deadline for Andersen to exercise an NBA escape clause in his contract with Barcelona.
The Rockets currently face much bigger questions for this next year than how Andersen will fit in, but this move is reminiscent of Daryl Morey trading for Luis Scola two seasons ago. Andersen is very experienced overseas and ready for the NBA, he plays a huge position of need for the Rockets and the trade cost Houston virtually nothing (cash).
Low risk, low cost, high potential upside -- that's Morey's way. However, adding potentially solid role players is more exciting for the fans when there are stars on the roster that they're supposed to be complimenting. Unfortunately, the Rockets are fresh out in that department.
