BELEMASPORTTALK.COM

The individual familiar with the Rockets’ thinking said Houston could attempt to give Bosh a chance to sign with an All-Star guard by making a run at Atlanta Hawks free agent Joe Johnson.
Bosh on Saturday told the Miami Herald that the Miami Heat, with Dwyane Wade, would be in “top contention” for his services. He also is expected to receive strong recruiting pitches from the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, who will try to get him along with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James.
If the Rockets seek to land Johnson, a starter in the 2010 All-Star Game and a teammate of Bosh’s on the United States’ 2006 World Championships team, it would require a second sign-and-trade deal in addition to a deal for Bosh. That would likely have to involve guard Kevin Martin, and the Rockets are unsure if they would want to give up Martin to get Johnson.
The Raptors and Rockets are the teams that appear to covet Bosh most. However, Bosh is expected to begin the process by visiting with teams with cap space — a move that is dangerous to the Rockets’ chances but could help if he does not make a decision before the Rockets make their pitch.
If Bosh remains unsure, the Rockets could also benefit by meeting with him relatively late in the process, providing more time to tailor their overtures.

Houston’s Carl Landry was taken to a hospital after breaking teeth in a collision with Dirk Nowitzki during the second quarter of Friday night’s game between the Rockets and Mavericks.
Nowitzki drove into the lane and missed a short jumper with 9:28 left in the second quarter. He was fouled by Landry, who was hit in the mouth on Nowitzki’s follow-through.
Before going to the locker room for X-rays and three stitches to close a cut on his right elbow, Nowitzki, a right-hander, shot two free throws left-handed, converting one.
Nowitzki was still in the locker room at the start of the third quarter and the Mavericks said he would not return.