5 Houston Rockets

Bonzi Wells claims he came to Houston with one goal in mind. "I want to win a championship," the 30-year-old swingman said at his introductory press conference earlier this month. "And I have a chance to win a championship here."

Though Wells's impressive run with the Kings (he averaged 23.2 points and 12.0 rebounds in the playoffs, with five double doubles in six games against the Spurs) made him a coveted free agent this summer, he balked at re-signing with Sacramento for almost $40 million over five years. Instead he agreed to join the Rockets at a deep discount: a one-year, $2.1 million deal that includes a player option for 2007--08.

The 6'5" Wells insists that he prefers being in "a good situation" to getting more cash. Playing a high-profile role on a contending team, however, would only enhance his value in next year's free-agent market. "We like the flexibility Bonzi gives us," said Houston G.M. Carroll Dawson. Wells can fill in at shooting guard, small forward or power forward and could wind up as the team's third scoring option, after Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. ("I've never played with two All-Stars before," Wells gushed.) And if necessity demands that Wells come off the bench, that's fine with him too.

"It's nothing new for me to play a role," he says. "I understand I'm going to have nights where it's going to be my night and a lot of nights where it's going to be mostly [ McGrady's and Yao's] nights. I just want to fit in, and hopefully that will translate into wins." This season, few players will be paying a bigger price for victories.

Projected Starting Lineup with 2005--06 statistics

Record: 34--48 (T12 in West)

Points scored: 90.1 (29th in NBA)

Points allowed: 91.7 (4th)

Coach: Jeff Van Gundy

(fourth season with the Rockets)