Houston Rockets interested in McLeod?

[UK Peregrine]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_14352.shtml

By Bill "The Rocket Guy" Ingram
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Sep 28, 2005, 12:08

I always hate to waste good research. In this case, it’s not my research, but that of one of our readers. Brian Worstell really went out of his way to send me some interesting stats on a young player who might fit the Rockets’ point guard needs, so I would like to share those with all of you.

The subject of this study is Keith McLeod, and the reason for his consideration is the news that Bob Sura is likely to miss all of training camp and pre-season. Combined with the fact that Luther Head looked like a good prospect for the NBDL in summer league, it leaves the Rockets dreadfully shorthanded at the point. That’s assuming Charlie Ward doesn’t have some miraculous rejuvenation. Brian suggests that McLeod might be a good option, and the following is the fuel for his argument.

McLeod started for the Jazz last season, but has since been effectively replaced by #3 overall pick Deron Williams. Here’s his line from last season:

1) 26mins = 7.8pts / 4.5ast / 2.1 reb / 1.22steals / Ast-To = 2.33

2) McLeod is a restricted free agent and was tendered a qualifying offer from the Jazz back in May for $935,000.

The 25yr. old McLeod had some huge games against Tony Parker / Mike Bibby / Steve Nash / Sam Cassell, etc. last year.

He led the Jazz to a 6-1 1st place start before going down to injury for a few weeks...... When he returned, the Jazz were in last place and Boozer & Kirilenko went on to miss a combined {72} games last year.

Regardless, with McLeod as the Jazz starting point guard 47 of 53 games last year he was.....

2-2 against the Spurs

2-2 against the Rockets

1-0 against the Suns

1-1 against the Pistons

Keep in mind the Jazz STUNK last year !!!

Jerry Sloan was very high on McLeod’s work ethic and determination, repeatedly praising the young man before he traded up to grab Deron Williams. Do the Jazz have a role for McLeod? If not, the Rockets certainly do.