Rockets Sign 1st Round Draft Choice

OK, it wasn't their first-round draft choice or even this year's draft. Rashad McCants, the 14th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Rockets on Thursday.

McCants was drafted by Minnesota after helping the North Carolina Tarheels to a national championship in his junior year. He suffered injuries in his first couple of seasons with the Timberwolves and following microfracture surgery, never played up to expectations. His stats have been consistently mediocre throughout his years in the league. He had a reputation coming out of college as a head case and his NBA career has yet to belie that impression. In the middle of his fourth season with Minnesota, he wore out his welcome and was traded to Sacramento. The Kings could have resigned him for a song this off-season, but elected not to even submit an offer. It might be interesting to note when the Kings show up on the Rockets schedule to see if Rashad has any hard feelings. I recommend an interesting interview with McCants by Robbi Pickeral at newsobserver.com: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/accnow/mccants-wants-to-change-perception

I'm all for giving guys second chances, but is this what the Rockets really need? I guess if they're going to sign him, now is the time to do it, while they have a full training camp to look at him and they didn't have to guarantee any money. OK, Rashad, here's your chance. Don't screw it up.