Houston Rockets’ Omer Asik Won’t Play with Dwight Howard

If the Houston Rockets do pick up the biggest prize in NBA free agency, Dwight Howard, then their other center wants no part of playing with him on the team.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reports that Omer Asik may be sent elsewhere if the superstar center does head to Houston.

"Asik has no interest in being Howard’s backup or playing next to him, a source close to the Rockets’ center told ESPN.com. It is not yet clear if Asik will demand a trade.The Rockets may be able to use Asik as part of potential sign-and-trade scenarios. It is possible they also could engage the Los Angeles Lakersin a sign-and-trade for Howard if the Lakers want to avoid losing their star center for nothing in return."

That’s not a major surprise considering the center started all 82 games last season and it would be hard to ask the 27-year-old who’s in the prime of his career to take a seat.

Asik averaged 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds last season with the Rockets. He spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, starting just two total games and spent less than half the time he averaged last season on the court.