Ty Lawson (Photo : REUTERS)
Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey revealed the front office sought the opinions of their stars James Harden and Dwight Howard before completing the risky Ty Lawson deal.
Morey noted that both Harden and Howard and felt Lawson will be good for the team, so there was no disagreement about the move.
Morey admitted that they're going to go only as far as James Harden and Dwight Howard will carry them and feels its best to collaborate with them to set up the team.
Harden specifically expressed the need for another playmaker to improve things for the Rockets and actually intended to speak to Morey and coach Kevin McHale about it in the offseason.
While the Rockets got a much-needed upgrade at point guard with Lawson, who averaged 19.3 assists per game the past season, Morey admitted they took a risk with his character.
However,the Rockets GM noted that if a team wants to be the best, taking risks would be necessary.
Lawson is currently in rehab after being arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, his second time this year. He was previously arrested for the same infraction seven months ago in Denver.
The Rockets also received the Nuggets 2017 second-round pick in exchange for Guards Nick Johnson and Pablo Prigioni, forward Kostas Papanikolaou, center Joey Dorsey, and their 2016 first-round pick.
The Rockets also tried to obtain Real Madrid point guard Sergio Llull, but he decided to play overseas.
The Rockets have resigned Patrick Brewer and Corey Brewer, signed guard Marcus Thornton to a one-year deal and are closing on deals to bring back reserve guard Jason Terry and power forward Chuck Hayes.
Morey felt that the selection of point guard Emmanuel Mudiay in the first round of 2015 allowed the team to decide quickly after Lawson was arrested.
