The Houston Rockets just reached a verbal agreement from the 6’10", 206-pound forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu from London, England. According to his agent, Mr.Greig, that it is a one-year deal with the Rockets.

Pops said, “It feels good to be a Rocket. I followed them closely last year and I feel like I know what I can do to help them.”

Pops brings the Rockets rebounding, hustle, and basically a great defensive presence. Offensively he is not that great, but is just decent. I could see him averaging 8-10 points with minutes, but he is more of a role player who comes in and guards his man, and maybe score a few points on transition.

The thing is, the Rockets have a lot of power forwards. Are they going to make him also play a bit of center? But I don’t think that is such a good idea, as Mensah-Bonsu isn’t exactly 6’10". Draft Express lists him at 6'7.5" without shoes and 6' 9" with shoes. So that makes him as tall as Luis Scola. Also Carl Landry is already doing what he is doing and is also a 6’9". So I don’t see that he being at center would be such a good idea. He is a good defensive presence inside, but he is no Dwight Howard. Maybe he should wear elevator shoes and make himself a seven footer!

Pops either will be traded or someone will be. I have a feeling James White will be gone. The Rockets rookie Chase Budinger did very well in the Summer League and Joey Dorsey also did very well, but Summer League doesn’t always transition into NBA game. If they do, I see James White going off to roster and maybe even Chuck Hayes will be gone.

Nonetheless, the Rockets got themselves a nice defensive player but we all know Morey and he is one of the better GMs that always surprises. I thought the Alston trade was bad, since it was giving away our starting PG and giving the Magic a chance again in the playoffs. But then the Brooks and Landry tandem was pretty decent. So we have to wait and see what Morey does next.