http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/2328730 Dec. 31, 2003, 1:01AM Rockets pick up Weatherspoon Norris, Amaechi traded to Knicks By JONATHAN FEIGEN and MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle Clarence Weatherspoon, five teams and 12 seasons into his career, needed a role to play. He needed a team looking for a physical power forward, particularly one who could rebound and knock down just enough open shots. The Rockets, 30 games into the season, needed help up front, and with Monday's disheartening loss were not shy about saying so. A day later, the Rockets plucked Weatherspoon off the end of the New York Knicks bench and planned to quickly plug him in to their rotation. The Rockets sent backup point guard Moochie Norris, whose role has been steadily reduced during the past two seasons, and reserve center John Amaechi to New York and obtained Weatherspoon to help fill the void created when Eddie Griffin was waived. "I was definitely happy," said Weatherspoon, 33. "I'm glad to be moving on. I want to thank the Rockets. "I think it gives me an opportunity to change my situation, come back to a person that I know. Coach (Jeff) Van Gundy was here (in New York) when I came here. I know what he wants. I think I fit into his system. I'm familiar with the defense he puts in, the system he runs. That give me an opportunity to earn some playing time." Mike Wilks is ready to become the backup point guard, and the Rockets need another rebounder. Also, Weatherspoon could cause problems for opponents if teammates cannot leave him to double-team Yao Ming or Steve Francis. Those factors made the deal come together quickly. Norris, 30, a fan favorite, leaves after 306 games with the Rockets. "It's always tough to give up somebody you know," general manager Carroll Dawson said. "But it takes that to get something. You get another dominant presence in the paint. "And rebound-wise, (Weatherspoon is) also a guy who can move his feet really well and is very physical and rebounds the ball well. Last year, he (had) one rebound every 3.3 minutes." Norris was such a key to the Rockets' plans that he was signed to six-year, $22.7 million contract with the last season at the team's option. He had been featured in team marketing efforts along with Francis, Yao and Cuttino Mobley. Until the second half of last season, he had often been used to close games. This season, Norris had played just 13.3 minutes per game, averaging 2.7 points and 1.6 assists. He was shooting just 31 percent. "It's tough," Dawson said. "He's not only a fan favorite -- he's one of my favorites, Martyn Norris. I've had a lot of fun with him. He's helped us win quite a few games. Moochie is one of those very endearing people, not only to the public but to people around here." Weatherspoon had fallen out of the Knicks rotation, which was overloaded with power forwards since Antonio McDyess' comeback from knee surgery. The Knicks were negotiating a buyout of Weatherspoon's contract, but preferred to add Norris. Knicks president Isiah Thomas, making his first move since taking over in New York nine days ago, said Amaechi would probably be released. "Moochie is a player who can break the defense down," Thomas said. "He can get in the lane, like Frank (Williams), he can run an offense, shoot the long ball. He's a guy that has experience. He's played in this league for a while, he's competed at a high level, he's been very durable as a player." Weatherspoon is averaging 3.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15 games this year. In his 12 seasons with Philadelphia, Golden State, Miami, Cleveland and New York, the 6-foot-7, 270-pounder averaged 12.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Weatherspoon's five-year, $27.23 million contract runs through the 2005-06 season. He could be with the Rockets tonight at Toyota Center but won't be permitted to play until Norris and Amaechi report to the Knicks. New York plays Chicago on Friday at Madison Square Garden. Weatherspoon "will be plugged in at the right spot," Dawson said. "When you have a physical presence, there's a lot of times you're needed. You can just go back and look at the times like last night when we had trouble getting the rebound. I mean, this guy can do a lot of that for you. Plus, he's only 6-7 but he has real long arms and he has blocked shots in the past at a real high rate. We think he'll just add a lot of things to the team." Weatherspoon said that was his plan, now that he has another chance. "I just want to come in and be a part of team, but being a rebounder is one of the things I've been successful doing in the league," Weatherspoon said. "I'm looking for the opportunity to learn to play with those guys, to ... earn playing time, with a great group of guys, a coach I'm familiar with, a staff I'm familiar with. I want to come in and be a help, an asset so this is a great opportunity for me." --

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