McALLEN, Texas (AP) - The Houston Rockets are taking over
basketball operations of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in what it
says is the first partnership of its kind with an NBA Developmental
League team.
The move will give the Rockets control over the players assigned
to the D-League team. The Rockets will also have the final say on
staff hirings, coaching decisions and even the schemes used in
games. The Vipers will still be locally owned by a group headed by
Alonzo Cantu, and the group will continue to oversee business
operations.
The Rockets will host an exhibition game against the Boston
Celtics on Oct. 7 in Hidalgo, marking the first time an NBA
D-League team has hosted a parent club for any part of training
camp.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)