ROCKETS LAND LAMPE
The Houston Rockets acquired center Maciej Lampe from the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets for guard Moochie Norris.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
Some needed size, talent, and youthful depth up front. Lampe may not become a star but he certainly has the frame, skills, and potential to be one. He just turned 21 and while his NBA career so far hasn't been world-beating, he showed major promise with some big games during the preseason. Lampe has a rare size-skill combination that's reminiscent of Memphis' Pau Gasol, but he's fallen under the NBA radar lately because of minor injuries and being traded so much. This is a cagey move by the Rockets, who didn't really need Norris.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
A solid career back-up who knows his role and has his moments. The Hornets' current point guard tandem of Chris Paul and Speedy Claxton has been excellent this season, but both players have proven to be injury-prone. Norris is a pass-first veteran with a little bit of flair and scoring punch, just the kind of player who can step in and provide the depth needed to keep Paul and Claxton fresh and give his team a spark off the bench. The Hornets probably gave up on Lampe too early and may regret the move down the road, but they have so many young prospects they likely think they can afford to lose one.
Fantasy impact
