Rockets, draftee Landry agree on deal

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Rockets, draftee Landry agree on deal

Team names Hinkie as VP of basketball operations

The Rockets and second-round pick Carl Landry came to terms on a contract on Saturday, less than 48 hours before the Rockets are to report Monday for the start of training camp, an individual with knowledge of the talks said.

The Rockets and Landry had reached a negotiation impasse over the amount of money to be guaranteed in his minimum contract. Landry, a 6-9 forward from Purdue who was the first player selected in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft, agreed to a one-year deal, worth $427,000, with the Rockets offering an increase in the amount they would guarantee.

Landry, an All Big Ten selection last season, averaged 18.9 points, and 7.3 rebounds, making 59.7 percent of his shots. He can become a restricted free agent after the season.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and Landry's agent, Buddy Baker, were unavailable to comment.

Baker had called the Rockets' offer "disturbing and confusing," saying that it guaranteed less than every signed second-round pick and many undrafted free agents.

The Rockets had spent $1 million to get the pick from the Seattle SuperSonics that they used to draft Landry.

"He won't accept a deal a deal which is unfair," Baker said earlier this month. "They've offered something inferior to every contract in second round. It's confusing. Carl is a very level-headed young man. He is only asking for a fair deal."

Morey had said that despite the difficult negotiations, he considered signing Landry a priority.

With Dikembe Mutombo scheduled to sign on Monday, he and Landry would give the Rockets 20 players heading to Austin for training camp, with 17 contracts fully guaranteed, two more than the regular-season roster limit.

Also Saturday, Sam Hinkie, a special assistant to the general manager with the Rockets under Carroll Dawson and Morey, was promoted to vice president of basketball operations.

Hinkie serves as an advisor to Morey on the NBA draft, free agency, trades and analysis of game strategy. Hinkie also helps manage the team's salary cap.

``Sam is an invaluable member of our staff '' said Morey. ``He provides a unique combination of an eye for scouting talent with a strong analytical background.''