SEPTEMBER 6: The Rockets have officially announced the signing, according to a team press release.
SEPTEMBER 3: Free agent big man Nene plans on returning to the Rockets, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Nene opted out of the final year of his most recent contract back in June, which led many to believe he would retire. He has spent 17 years in the NBA so far, with the past three seasons coming in Houston.
The Rockets inked veteran center Tyson Chandler this offseason, so with Chandler and Nene in the frontcourt, the team has solid depth at the five. Houston shouldn’t need to rely heavily on either veteran big man to spell starter Clint Capela, which should allow the team to give their elder centers nights off when needed.
Nene was selected by New York with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2002 draft and he was subsequently traded to Denver on draft night along with Marcus Camby and Mark Jackson in a package for Antonio McDyess. Nene is the only member of the 2002 draft class still in the league.
In addition to the Rockets and Nuggets, the Sao Carlos native has also played for the Wizards. Only nine active players have appeared in more NBA games than Nene.
Tyson Chandler will be the primary backup behind Capela, while Nene can fill in when Chandler needs a day off. They also have Hartenstein and PJ Tucker who can give them minutes at the five.
Tucker at the 5 hahahah he’s a SF that can play PF not centre. He’s only 6’6 bro, imagine him against Boban who’s 7’3 at the Mavs.
Tucker plays a lot of minutes center, even a 6’6″. He’s a PF, not a SF. He has has plenty of success guarding the likes of Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns. Tucker could easily guard a backup like Boban, even with the 9″ difference in height.
Goodluck getting boards having him at centre. Tucker only started playing PF as his main position in 2017-18. He has played 7 of his 10 years in the league at SF.
Tucker’s one of the most underrated defenders in the NBA. He has excelled as the Rockets PF the last two seasons, just missing out on being named to 2nd team all-defense last season by a single vote.
A player’s position has just as much to do with his weight as his height. Look at Charles Barkley (6’4″, 250) who played PF most of his career. Tucker may be just 6’6″ but at 245 pounds he has enough size to play both PF and center just like Draymond Green (6’7″, 230).
Nets and lakers are in a different league then the rockets. Rockets, warriors, bucks and 6ers are all tier 2. Lakers clips and nets are in a league above the others
No doubt he’s an awesome defender I like Tucker but he’s a PF/SF not a centre
Nene will be their starting point guard since they don’t have one that is worth anything on their roster
What the? You’re comparing Tucker to the LEGENDARY CHARLES BARKLEY???
Watch me whip, watch me nene
That’s, one might say, Hilario !!
Small yet significant move by the Rockets. Capela will certainly log 30 or more mpg. Chandler & Nene will split the remaining mins to keep Capela’s body fresh & to preserve his fouls. The more rest Capela gets, the more energy he can provide when he’s on the floor. Chandler & Nene won’t be expected to score a bunch of pts. Houston will really need them to protect the rim & grab rebs while Capela is resting. Even at their age, both Chandler & Nene are capable of doing that bec of their experience & natural talent.