The Nets’ ongoing search for frontcourt depth has led them to Houston, and a meeting with Andray Blatche, who was cut this summer by the Washington Wizards. Read more after the jump.
Blatche, 26, has been working out in Houston with a number of other N.B.A. players, under the guidance of John Lucas. He was set to meet with Nets Coach Avery Johnson sometime this weekend, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. It was not clear whether the Nets were prepared to make Blatche an immediate offer or were simply exploring their options.
The Wizards severed ties with Blatche in July, using the N.B.A.’s amnesty provision to remove his $23 million contract from the salary cap. Blatche will still be paid his full salary by the Wizards, so he is likely to sign for the minimum wherever he lands.
Blatche, a 6-foot-11 power forward, entered the N.B.A. straight from high school in 2005 and was drafted by Washington with the 49th pick. His athletic gifts have been offset by immaturity, erratic play and a suspect work ethic. Washington cited Blatche’s poor conditioning as the official reason for holding him out of a game against the Nets in March.
Blatche played in only 26 of the Wizards’ 66 games last season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting a career-low 38 percent from the field.
The Nets have 13 players under contract, but they could use another big body behind center Brook Lopez and power forward Kris Humphries.
