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Oh wow, some know-how for Yao
Mutombo says he's headed here as backup, mentor
By FRAN BLINEBURY
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - In the land where diamonds are a relative bargain, the Rockets' attempt to mine an old-fashioned gem may have come up with a glitter.
"It's done," said Dikembe Mutombo. "I'm coming."
The 38-year-old former NBA All-Star confirmed that he has agreed to a trade with the Chicago Bulls that will bring him to Houston in exchange for Eric Piatkowski, Adrian Griffin and Mike Wilks. The Rockets will pick up the majority, if not all, of the money that is remaining on Griffin's contract.
The 7-2 Mutombo, currently attending the NBA's Basketball Without Borders-Africa outreach program, said he is excited about the prospect of joining Yao Ming on the front line in Houston.
"It is where I have wanted to be all along," Mutombo said Monday night. "I told them a long time ago that it was my wish, and I'm so happy that it was granted.
"I have already talked to (Rockets assistant coach) Patrick (Ewing) and several others, and I can't wait to get there."
Mutombo, a 13-year NBA veteran who had stops in Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, was obtained by the Bulls in a deal for guard Jamal Crawford but said he never wanted to remain in Chicago. He has averaged 11.7 points and 11.7 rebounds since becoming a first -round draft choice out of Georgetown in 1989.
What Mutombo will bring to the Rockets is a veteran who can spell Yao as backup center and provide the team with a shot-blocking presence. He ranked 14th in the NBA in blocked shots per game last season.
"I think it is a perfect fit for me in Houston, to play alongside Yao Ming," Mutombo said. "I think we can have some kind of club."
Mutombo said he agreed to the terms of the sign-and-trade deal on Friday, but his travels through Africa -- which included a stop in Kinshasha, Congo, to monitor the progress of the hospital he is building in his native land -- have kept him out of the NBA loop.
"I've never had a problem, never had a question that I wanted to play in Houston this season,"Mutombo said. "It was first on my list. Any why not?
"Look at the potential with Yao Ming and (Tracy) McGrady and Jim Jackson. That is a very impressive start, and I think it is a team that is ready to take off.
"I am just happy to be going to a place where I feel I can contribute and make an impact. I'm ready to play whatever minutes they want. I'm ready to help Yao Ming, to teach him whatever I can and whatever he wants to learn.
"Can you imagine what it would be like to have me and Yao on the court at the same time? Now you're talking about a real Twin Towers lineup. I am so excited."
“交易定了,休斯敦,我来了。”
“我一直就想去休斯敦,我很早前就告诉他们(公牛队)我希望去火箭,现在愿望成真我真是非常高兴。”
“我已经跟尤因和其他几个人打过招呼了,我真想现在就飞过去。我就是想去那,休斯敦是我的第一选择。”
“姚明麦迪杰克逊,潜力无穷,非常棒的先发组合,有望夺冠。”
“我很高兴我能去一个我能做出些贡献的球队了。球队让我打几分钟我就打几分钟。我已准备好去帮助姚明,我能教他什么我就教他什么,他想学什么我就教他什么。”
“你能想象一下我和姚明同时在场上么?这才是真正的双塔。我太期待了。”
吼吼
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