Though a backup, Marcin Gortat posted some impressive numbers last season. His rebounding percentage and efficiency numbers were among the best in the league, and his per-minute numbers fell just a small notch below Dwight Howard's.

Apparently, Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey and his team of stat junkies noticed.

Minutes before the free-agency period, Morey posted this on his facebook page:

Meeting in a few w/ Gortat.Send a note to him NOW at rocketsfanslovegortat@gmail.com. He will receive. Show him how much we want him in Red!

And signing Gortat seems to be priority No. 1 for the Rockets, who might be without Yao Ming for the entire season because of complications from his foot injury. This from the Houston Chronicle:

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey began his recruiting efforts to sign Magic backup center Marcin Gortat at 11:01 p.m. Tuesday, the first minute teams could begin speaking to free agents.

Houston would certainly be a nice place for Gortat to land. They're in the West, they're a championship contender and they're run by a competent coaching staff and management team. If you've accepted that Gortat won't be in Orlando next season, this has to be good news to you.

The first day to sign free agents is July 8.