Rockets take over Vipers basketball operations
McALLEN — Most everybody termed Monday's announcement that the Houston Rockets were taking over the basketball operations of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as a win for both sides.
The arrangement, which marks the first single-affiliation partnership between an NBA franchise and an NBA Development League team, puts the Rockets in total control of everything that has to do with the basketball side of the Vipers. That means the Rockets will select the Vipers' coaches, players and training staff, and that the team will presumably be running the offensive and defensive sets of Houston coach Rick Adelman.
The Vipers' local ownership group, headed by Alonzo Cantu, will still handle the day-to-day business operations. The Rockets don't have to worry about the potential headaches of selling tickets or dealing with the arena.
Officials refused to disclose the amount the Rockets paid to ensure the partnership.
"You get the advantage of, obviously with Alonzo and the board of directors, you get local ownership who understands the community better than we could," Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said. "At the same time it allows us to create a competitive advantage for the Rockets and the Vipers, I think. We can bring our latest thinking to the Vipers and at the same time work on new strategies and learn about players and learn about potential future staff at the D-League level."
Vipers coach Clay Moser, who would be entering the second year of a three-year deal when the 2009-10 season tips off, wasn't sure what his status was Monday. He said he was going to huddle with Morey after the news conference to get a better idea of where he stood. Morey was non-committal on the futures of Moser and his staff that includes assistant coach Robert Pack and trainer Joe Resendez.
"The thing about pro sports is there's always questions," Moser said. "That's the nature of the beast. I also suspect it's new enough to them and Daryl where they just got out of the (NBA) draft, and free agency starts (today). They've had many other things to think about."
The announcement also brought D-League President Dan Reed to the Valley to discuss the hybrid system that he believes will be the trend of the future for NBA teams.
"It's a new model for us and we're very excited about the potential it holds for the league," Reed said. "NBA teams want to have an input in the basketball operations and they want local ownership to stay because it strengthens the league.
"It's a win/win for the fans in the Valley. They will enjoy what they see on the court."
IN THE BONUS: Monday's announcement ends the Vipers' affiliation agreement with the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets will be affiliated with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds next season after two years with the Vipers. ... The Vipers' home opener will be Dec. 4 against a yet-to-be-named opponent. ... Tryouts for the Snake Charmers, the Vipers' dance team, will be held July 11-12. For more information, contact (956) 972-1144.
Todd Mavreles covers the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4451.
