By mid-December, most fans, including myself, were doubting Carroll Dawson's ability, but like the Rockets themselves, the general manager is having a terrific season.
CD spoke on Houston sports radio ESPN 790 on Thursday, shortly after pulling off deals that brought in Mike James early in the day and later shipped off Mo Taylor to the Knicks.
Dawson said the Rockets have been coveting Mike James since he was available as a free agent this summer, and have been working on a trade for him since December.
"Mike was thrilled when I called him, jumping up and down," said Dawson. "I didn't even know his wife was from Houston."
As for the Taylor deal, Dawson said it came about at the very last minute.
"The second trade, we got the call in [before the 3pm deadline] at 2:30, but it was 4:40 before it even got started."
Even though Mo's Rocket career did not end strongly (to say the least), CD wished him well and thought he could do much better in a new situation, and felt the same could apply to Vin Baker.
"Mo is a great personality, a great talent. If he gets in a new situation, I would like to see him flourish."
"Same with Baker," said Dawson. "People forget that Baker was an Olympian and an All-Star, and he has a lot of talent too. Sometimes a new situation does it for people.
I think the people we added will be significant to our team."
