Brad Miller, Front and Center: Rockets Ink Vet To Three-Year Contract

Another bargain—and another great steal of a deal—has been hacked by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

Morey and the Rockets agreed to a three-year contract worth $15 million with veteran center Brad Miller on Sunday, July 18.

"It’s my favorite coach [Rick Adelman] I’ve ever played for; I know [Kevin Martin] real well from our Sacramento [Kings] days," Miller told the Chicago Tribune via ESPN. "Luis [Scola] had a heck of a year. And I finally get to play with Yao [Ming] instead of guarding his big butt. The team is pretty solid."

And Houston just became even more solid by adding Miller to their lineup.

Does Miller’s presence make the Rockets immediate contenders in the Western Conference?

To a certain degree, yes.

Miller will absolutely be a welcome presence as a backup once Yao Ming returns to the hardwood healthy and healed.

"Brad [Miller] is really excited; the prospect of Yao [Ming] being back coupled with the fact he will be playing for Rick Adelman makes Houston a special place," Miller’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the Tribune. "He has a great relationship with Rick [Adelman]."

All the better.

Adelman and the Rockets already surprised a bunch of people last season.

Just wait until the 2010-11 season when Houston returns with a remarkable lineup along with a stacked up bench—adding guys like Miller and the newly-drafted Patrick Patterson.

Just watch and wait.

Morey and the Rockets are going to be quite a site next season, despite all the Miami Heat hoopla.

Watch out, NBA.

Houston is on a mission to return to their glory days of the 90s.

And I wouldn’t be shocked one bit to see the Rockets return to the NBA Finals; possibly even bringing home another banner—and another title—to the city of Houston, Texas…

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]