
DRAFT PICKS:
Donte Greene, F, 6-11, Syracuse -- Long, skilled small forward who will need time to develop. Drafted by Memphis, acquired by Rockets in trade and later traded to Sacramento in the Ron Artest deal. Joey Dorsey, F, 6-7, Memphis -- Strong and physical interior defender more likely to play early, probably likely as a backup center. Drafted by Portland, acquired by Rockets in trade.
Maarty Leunen, F, 6-9, Oregon -- Range-shooting 4 the Rockets plan to keep overseas for at least a few seasons.
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Carl Landry returned to the Rockets after they quickly matched the offer sheet he signed with the Charlotte Bobcats. After expressing concern about Landry's right knee early in the free agency period, the Rockets have raved about his fitness and play at training camp.
--F Ron Artest has worked out at shooting guard, small forward and power forward, and said that after thinking of himself as a two-guard early in his career he no longer has a preference. He has even run drills defending players at all five positions.
--F Shane Battier will miss most if not all the preseason because of a sore right foot. While rehabilitating after ankle surgery, Battier felt soreness but stepped up workouts rather than ease off, developing swelling that he will have to treat before he can begin practicing.