Houston Rockets: Marcus Camby And Mike Miller Would Be Great Additions

Mar 22, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; New York Knicks forward Marcus Camby (23) looks to make a pass against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

While the Houston Rockets were the NBA’s youngest team a season ago, the strategy now is to get older.  Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday evening that the Rockets are interested in signing free agents Marcus Camby and Mike Miller.

W/ Marcus Camby bought out, Mike Miller waived Rockets have interest in both, source said. Part of strategy shift from prospects to win now.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 17, 2013

The 39-year-old Camby played for the Rockets for half a season in 2011-2012, and stated that Houston became his adopted hometown.  He had hoped to finish his career there, but was a part of a sign-and-trade to the New York Knicks last summer.  He was bought out by the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday after he was sent as part of the Andrea Bargnani trade.  While not much of Camby may be left on the court, his presence and veteran experience will help a team with such a young core.  He was a part of the 1999 New York Knicks team that made the Finals and eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

Jun 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Mike Miller (13) and LeBron James (6) reacts to a call against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of game six in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miller was waived via the amnesty clause by the Miami Heat after being a part of their last two championship runs.  The Rockets will have to wait for Miller to clear waivers before making an offer to him, as they are now currently over the salary cap.

With veteran wing players Francisco Garcia and Reggie Williams signed, bringing in another veteran who can space the floor would offer great depth off the bench at that position.  Miller played in 59 regular-season games last season, averaging 4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. He provided the Heat with a key lift in the NBA Finals, making 10 of 11 3-pointers in the first three games against the Spurs.  Meanwhile Camby, who has been limited by injuries in the past couple of years, would serve as insurance at the center position, and could be the back-up or third-string center depending on what happens with Omer Asik.