<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">With Francis no longer running the Rockets' offense, they will likely look for another point guard in free agency. Lue is the sort of on-the-ball defender Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy favors and has been a solid complement to stars (Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles and Michael Jordan in Washington). But he could opt out of his contract, worth $1.65 million next season. Lue's agent, Andy Miller, said he had not spoken in detail about whether Lue would opt out if traded to the Rockets because the deal was not complete. Miller, who also represents Gaines, said Gaines, the 15th player taken in last year's draft, would be thrilled with a chance to start over with the Rockets after seeing little meaningful playing time as a rookie. "For him, it's a great opportunity," Miller said. "He's a young player that plays the one and two. He's very excited." Free-agent point guards also could be excited about a chance to succeed Francis. Troy Hudson played with McGrady in Orlando and was used more as a passing point guard last season in Minnesota. "Sure, he would be interested," said Hudson's agent, Bill Neff. "A lot depends on what happens with the trade, obviously. But Troy is a big fan of Jeff Van Gundy." With Gary Payton returning to the Lakers, guard Derek Fisher is expected to opt out of his contract this week and would also seem a good fit. "The Rockets are a great organization, and Van Gundy is a terrific coach," said Fisher's agent, Mark Bartlestein. "We have to get him opted out first. But it's certainly a place any player would look at." With Cato gone, the Rockets will also likely need another backup center. Free agent Brian Skinner, the former Baylor center who as a Milwaukee Buck just enjoyed his best NBA season, is an athletic power forward/center who can play in the middle and would bring the physical style the Rockets have hoped to add. But before any move is made, the Rockets will wait and hope the big move comes together. </div> Of these three possibilities, I'd love to have Skinner on our team. He brings a toughness and scrappyness to the table. However, after a good season with Milwaukee last season, I doubt he'd want to come and come off the bench. Also, he would not settle for a minimum salary...
