With Yao’s status uncertain, Morey launches pursuit of Magic C Gortat

Morey chases Gortat as free agency begins

HOUSTON — Daryl Morey is using the personal touch to lure free-agent Orlando center Marcin Gortat.

The Houston Rockets general manager showed up at Gortat’s home in Orlando just after midnight (Eastern time) Wednesday, virtually the minute teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

The 6-foot-11 Gortat averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds backing up Dwight Howard last season as the Magic reached the NBA finals. He’s a restricted free agent, meaning the Magic can match any offer from another team to keep the player.

The Rockets are urgently looking for a center as they await definitive information on Yao Ming’s future. A team doctor said Monday that the hairline fracture in Yao’s left foot could potentially threaten his career.