Courtney Leey meets Houston media

HOUSTON, TX -- Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets' General Manager, introduced Courtney Lee to the Houston media Wednesday afternoon. Last week, the Rockets acquired Lee (and a $6.3M trade exception) in a four-team, five-player deal from the New Jersey Nets. The Rockets traded forward Trevor Ariza to the New Orleans Hornets as part of the deal.

Morey told the gathered media, "Courtney is a guy we've been targeting a long time. We think he'll really fit in and give us a lot of quality minutes this year."

Morey added, "He's a winner. He took his (college) team (Western Kentucky) to the Sweet 16. He got to the (NBA) Finals (with the Orlando Magic) -- guarded Kobe (Bryant) -- his first year; so, he got a real taste of winning."

After his rookie season with the Magic, Lee was traded to the woeful New Jersey Nets; and, the Nets struggled mightily in 2009-2010 and finished with a pitiful 12-70 record.

Courtney admitted last season with the Nets was difficult.

"It definitely was tough because," Lee said, "I've never been a part of anything like that in my life. It took a lot of adjusting to get used to that."

Lee added, "Everyday, I went in with the mindset to continue to get better as a pro and to continue to help my team. We didn't play to lose. We just went out there and tried to play for each other as much as we can -- even though the record said different."

Morey and the Rockets' coaching staff believe Courtney is quite capable of defending shooting guards, point guards, and small forwards.

"I think his ability to guard twos (shooting guards); and, we also think he can guard ones (point guards) and threes (small forwards). He's a very, very solid defender. I think that's something that isn't talked about enough is his ability on the defensive end of the floor."

During this offseason, Lee worked out and trained with now teammate Kevin Martin.

"Training with Kevin, I learned a lot from him over the summer. We talked a little bit. I think those conversations will start to build once I get back (to the workout sessions)."

Courtney summed up his happiness to be with the Rockets:

"I'm very excited to be here. I get to play for a championship again. I feel it's a good fit for me. There a lot of good, quality guys on this team that put winning first. I fit in the category also. I'm very excited and happy to be here."

Morey was asked if he was done making deals or if he would continue looking for ways to improve the team.

Morey said, "We felt comfortable prior to this trade. This (acquiring Courtney Lee) was something that came up a little opportunistically; and, we jumped at it given our desire to try and get Courtney 

"We're always willing to upgrade the team; so, I can never say we're done. But, we feel good about bringing this group into camp and competing in the West with this group right now."