The Rockets began the free-agency period at 11:01 p.m. Friday with coach Jeff Van Gundy ringing the bell at Mike James' house in Houston while general manager Carroll Dawson called James' agent, Bill Duffy, according to the Houston Rockets.  The Rockets had James but traded him to the Toronto Raptors for point guard Rafer Alson last summer.

James was not there when Van Gundy arrived after his workout ran late, but the two did visit a short time later.

"Everybody has an open mind," Duffy said. "From what I was told, they had a very good talk."

Duffy said the Rockets are one of "numerous teams" that have already reached out to James. Duffy would not specify who else is interested. Atlanta, one of just five teams with cap space, is believed to be pursuing the 6-2 guard.