Jerry West spends his days overseeing construction projects.

But the Griz president of basketball operations will tell you that the remodeling of his Los Angeles-area home is nothing compared to his attempts at refurbishing the team's roster this offseason.

"I've been working extremely hard," West said from California. "If they knew the volumes of phone calls I've made . . ."

His voice trailed off. West sounded as determined as he did exasperated by the nature of free agency. Some discussions had merit while others proved fruitless.

West said - without offering specifics - he nearly drove the final nail in at least two coveted deals but neither held firm.

What's set in cement is a two-year deal that secured summer league standout Theron Smith, and an offer sheet for the services of swingman James Posey.

The Houston Rockets' unrestricted free agent signed a contract for the full $4.9 million midlevel exception over four years. Houston has 15 days to match but likely won't.

So happy with the prospect of Posey joining the club is West that he contends Posey could start at shooting guard if Michael Dickerson doesn't recover.