Rockets, Van Gundy face down old age

Jonathan Feigen reports in today's Chronicle that the Rockets are nearing completion of a deal that would send PF Lonny Baxter to the streaking Charlotte Bobcats. While some Rockets fans may see this as a "firesale" following last night's nail-in-the-coffin loss to the Lakers, veterans Jon Barry and Derek Anderson surely see this deal as their ticket to activity. Both have been "injured" for months apiece and have publicly proclaimed good health in an attempt to force JVG's hand. However, JVG has insisted that the "matchups" have not favored the insertion of either player back into the lineup, leaving the Rockets with a glut at power forward.

Hopefully JB and DA read the entire article, which certainly seems to spell their ultimate demise with the Rockets. Returning from Charlotte in the proposed deal is former UK Wildcat Keith Bogans, a relatively long, extremely tough SG who will attempt to fill a massive void in the Rockets' roster: athleticism at the SG position. While this deal is a no-brainer on two fronts (adding a Wildcat and adding youth/athleticism while dealing from a position of strength), it certainly does not bode well for the future of Barry or Anderson for the rest of this season.