Mutombo’s Group Came Close To Buying Rockets

Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo says the group he assembled came close to matching the record sale price for the Rockets, relays Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston.

Current owner Leslie Alexander agreed on Tuesday to sell the team to Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion, but Mutombo claims he was able to assemble nearly as much cash.

“We did raise a lot of money. I raised close to $2 billion, but we just didn’t get a call, and it happens,” Mutombo said. “I was very happy with myself. I’m not crying for the fact that we didn’t win. I’m more happy that I was able to pull people together who did believe in my vision to put up that much money. I might be disappointed, but I’m not crying. Things happen, and sometimes they happen for a good reason.”

Mutombo, who ended his NBA career with five seasons in Houston, added that he is “happy for Mr. Tilman [Fertitta] and his family.” He said he has known Fertitta for a long time and called him “a great businessman.”

“I think he’s going to follow the spirit of Uncle Les and his vision,” Mutombo said. “I look forward to going to the games and cheering for my Rockets.”
View Comments (5)