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Wednesday July 16, 2008 3:48 PM

Rockets Introduce Brent Barry


Veteran guard brings experience, personality to Houston

Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff WriterHOUSTON - Sweet shooting, championship experience, and a quick wit. Welcome to the Brent Barry experience, Houston.

The newest member of the Rockets was introduced to the media Wednesday, and he wasted no time proving he’s just as adept producing one-liners as he is stroking threes from beyond the arc.

Asked what the Rockets need to reach a championship level, Barry responded by citing the importance of luck when it comes to avoiding major injuries. Then he quickly glanced at GM Daryl Morey before adding, “And there’s gotta be general managers who make smart decisions.”

That well-timed zinger notwithstanding, there’s no doubt Morey and the Rockets believe bringing Barry to Houston is just the kind of intelligent move the team needs to take another step toward realizing its championship aspirations. The Rockets have long-coveted his three-point proficiency, versatility and basketball IQ, and the club thinks his extensive postseason experience will make him a valuable asset in the locker room as well.

“Coach Adelman and I think it’s really important,” said Morey. “We have great veterans, but we don’t have a lot of veterans who have won a couple titles like Brent. Bringing that into the locker room will go a long way to helping us gel as a group.”

Barry says he can’t wait to get started:

“I think I’m a piece to [the puzzle]. It’s just get in here, get in the system, get to know the guys and be a part of it. Sometimes you don’t need guys to come in here and knock down walls, you just need guys who come in and maybe wax the floor a little bit, so hopefully I’ll do that.

“I have a couple more years left and I want to throw everything I can into having two great years and making them here in Houston. To try to help this team out and get back to a championship would be something very special.”