Carmelo Anthony meets with Rockets
Carmelo Anthony spent about 10 minutes talking privately to Houston Rockets All-Stars Dwight Howard and James Harden during the second stop of Anthony's free-agency tour on Wednesday.
The New York Knicks free-agent forward spent about six hours in a meeting with the Rockets that began late Wednesday morning, a source told Yahoo Sports. Anthony visited the Chicago Bulls a day earlier and also has visits with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening and the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday before speaking with the Knicks, sources said. The Rockets' meeting was led by general manager Daryl Morey and coach Kevin McHale.
Anthony gave off the impression that it would be hard for him to leave New York, but reiterated that winning was his priority, a source said.
"Carmelo seemed engaged and he made a point of saying that his first priority is to win," a source said.
Anthony was given a tour of the Toyota Center where the Rockets play and practice and took part in a private lunch at a restaurant near downtown Houston. The meeting also included Hall of Famer and former Rockets guard Clyde Drexler. Hall of Famer and former Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon did not attend.
Anthony asked McHale questions about the offense and asked Howard why he chose Houston as a free agent last summer, the source said. Howard told him he loved the city and the support he's received from management and the coaching staff. There was also a video presentation in which the Rockets' history and two championships were highlighted.
The Rockets had a 54-28 record in Howard's first season in Houston last season that concluded with a first-round playoff loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Anthony's decision also will impact the future of Rockets restricted free-agent forward Chandler Parsons.
