Aussie big man David Andersen has officially signed on with the Houston Rockets — replacing the injured Yao Ming. Whilst the former Wollongong Hawk won’t be expected to replace Yao’s career numbers of 19.1ppg and 9.3rpg, he will be expected to provide some toughness down low and hit mid-range jumpers given to him.
He joins fellow newcomers to the Rockets, swingman Trevor Ariza and rookie guard Jermaine Taylor. Other 2009 draft picks, Chase Budinger (Arizona) and Sergio Llull (Spain), are yet to sign with the team.
It’s been a long road for Andersen to the NBA, after being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2002. He spent last season playing in Spain with FC Barcelona, winning the Spanish National Championship. His accomplishments in Europe have been some of the most respected by a big man not to enter the NBA — having won three Euroleague titles, playing for powerhouses Virtus Bologna and CSKA Moscow.
The next question is, how will his “multi-year” signing with the Rockets affect his availability for Australian Boomer commitments?
