Rockets trade Norris, Amaechi for Weatherspoon

Rockets trade Norris, Amaechi for Weatherspoon
By JONATHAN FEIGEN

The Rockets added some much need inside help tonight, sending guard Moochie
Norris and center John Amaechi to the Knicks in exchange for Knicks forward
Clarence Weatherspoon.

In his fifth season with the team, Norris had gone from one of the Rockets
most popular figures to barely holding on to his place in the rotation as
Steve Francis' backup at point guard. His playing time had been cut to an
average of 13.3 minutes per game.

He is averaging 2.7 points, on 31 percent shooting and 1.6 assists.

With the move, rarely used former Rice guard Mike Wilks could move into the
Rockets playing rotation.

Amaechi, on the injured list after suffering from an intestinal virus, has
not played for the Rockets since acquired from the Jazz in a salary cap
move.

Weatherspoon had fallen out of the Knicks rotation with Antonio McDyess back
from multiple knee surgeries and the addition of rookie Michael Sweetney.

Weatherspoon, 33, is averaging 3.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15 games this
season. In his 12 seasons with Philadelphia, Golden State, Miami, Cleveland
and New York, the 6-foot7, 270 pound Weatherspoon has averaged 12.1 points
and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Weatherspoon's five-year, $27.23 million contract runs through the 2005-06
season.

Weatherspoon played for Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy during the 2001-2002
season.