Mutombo says he will join Yao on Rockets
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-09 06:44

Dikembe Mutombo, the 38-year-old African centre who has played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association, says he has agreed to a trade deal that will put him alongside Yao Ming in Houston.

Mutombo told the Houston Chronicle that he has agreed to a trade that will send him from Chicago in exchange for Eric Piatkowski, Mike Wilks and Adrian Griffin, with the Rockets paying off much of Griffin's contract.

The Houston Rockets acquired Dikembe Mutombo, seen here June 2003, from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guards Eric Piatkowski and Mike Wilks and forward Adrian Griffin.[AFP/file]

"It is where I have wanted to be all along," Mutombo told the newspaper. "I told them a long time ago that it was my wish and I'm so happy that it was granted. I can't wait to get there."

The 7-foot-2 centre, who will be guided by assistant coach and former rival Patrick Ewing, has played for Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. The Bulls obtained him last month in a deal for guard Jamal Crawford.

Mutombo provides a talented back-up centre for 7-foot-6 Chinese centre Yao, who specializes in shot blocking. He swatted aside 1.89 shots a game last season.

"It is a perfect fit for me in Houston to play alongside Yao Ming," Mutombo said. "We can have some kind of club."

Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said the deal hasn't been completed but that Mutombo would be a perfect fit behind Yao.

"This is one of the all-time shot blockers in the league," Dawson told the Chronicle. "He's been a real professional in the locker room and on the court. I think he'd be a great mentor type for Yao Ming.

"I think he will be great for him to go against in practice every day."

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that league sources say the trade will be made official early next week.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Wu Yi: China to go further than WTO promises         SW China floods have killed at least 172         Elders' problems centrestage at forum         Further opening in banking sector pledged         Russia vows to attack 'terror' worldwide         Presidents promote growth with Gabon	China book small win over Malaysia       China aim higher in Athens Paralympic Games       Mutombo says he will join Yao on Rockets       Owen pleads not guilty to complacency charges       Addict Maradona calls on Cuban leader for help       A day of victories for Hong Kong fans