http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3651947.htmlThe Rockets on Thursday traded for Keith Bogans, a young, strapping shooting guard with a knack for being physical on defense and knocking down spot-up jumpers.Forward Lonny Baxter was sent to the Charlotte Bobcats in return, clearing a spot on the active roster that both Derek Anderson and Jon Barry had clamored to fill in recent days.One thing was clear: Bogans was acquired for the purpose of contributing, so either Anderson or Barry would be jettisoned or remain inactive for the foreseeable future. On Friday afternoon, coach Jeff Van Gundy announced that the Rockets are actively seeking to trade Anderson."He was brought in here to help a good team make a move up, and we certainly aren't in the same position that we were at the start of the year," Van Gundy said. "Because I knew we were trading for Keith, I thought it was the right time to get together and evaluate where we were going to go forward, and we both came to the conclusion that it would be best if we try to find another team for (Anderson)."And that's what we're going to try to do."Phone calls to Anderson's agent, Tony Dutt, were not returned Friday.Anderson, who did not attend Friday's practice, signed a one-year contract with a player option for a second with the Rockets last Aug. 23 after spending four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. In his ninth year out of Kentucky, Anderson was viewed as a complimentary cog. His versatility made Anderson, 31, a suitable backup for Tracy McGrady; his perimeter shot would create space for Yao Ming to get free inside.But Anderson, with his extensive history of debilitating knee injuries, strained his right calf at Portland on Dec. 11. He unsuccessfully attempted a comeback the following game against the Golden State Warriors, was subsequently shut down for several weeks and has missed 29 consecutive games since. Anderson has played in just 20 games, averaging 10.8 points and 4.2 rebounds.Bogans, an unrestricted free agent following the season, gives the Rockets the roster flexibility they don't have with Anderson. More than that, Bogans, even with his recent knee injury, provides the Rockets a younger (at 25) and sturdier backcourt presence."And frankly ? this is no knock on (Anderson), but what you want to do obviously surrounding McGrady, who has had some health issues, is we've got to get a little bit bigger but also a little more durable back there," Van Gundy said, "because we were at a place to where the two guys that we had to protect McGrady both fell by the wayside."That second guy ? Barry, 36 ? has lobbied publicly for the better part of a week for a return to action. But Van Gundy remains unconvinced Barry is ready to contribute."As far as Barry, he's played 29 minutes in five games since Nov. 25," Van Gundy said. "And he said he was healthy before coming back in January, and he got hurt ? again. He likes to talk, but he knows exactly where he stands because I've met with him a few times."We've played 11 games in 18 days. (Friday) was the first day he practiced when we were going live. He did all right ... and at the same time I also like what Keith Bogans can help us with. That doesn't mean that Jon is not going to be activated or not play."
i think we can get anderson for something good. i mean we're not looking for anything major just a contributing factor.. anderson is an injured player. what good does that do for us? nothing. so looking to trade him would be good.
Anderson injured? I think I've heard that before. Bad luck for Houston. They might make the playoffs but it looks like it is going down to the wire.
