The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Tracy McGrady was escorted to his new home court in a white stretch limo, treated to a Jumbotron video of his most impressive highlights and greeted by hundreds of fans.

McGrady, who spent much of the past four years playing in nearly empty arenas with the Orlando Magic, was almost overcome by the hearty welcome to Houston.

"This is, by far, probably the best time that I've experienced in my career," McGrady said Wednesday.

McGrady, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines were showered with applause during a news conference, a day after a trade sent them and Juwan Howard from Orlando to the Rockets.

WARRIORS: Golden State center Erick Dampier has opted out of his contract as expected and becomes a free agent. He averaged 12.3 points and 12.0 rebounds.

CLIPPERS: Los Angeles made a qualifying offer to guard Quentin Richardson, enabling L.A. to match any offer the restricted free agent might receive.

Richardson averaged 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season.

RAPTORS: Toronto hired former Atlanta Hawks general manager Pete Babcock to be their director of player personnel. Babcock is the brother of new Raptors general manager Rob Babcock.

BRYANT CASE: The prosecutor who has led the sexual assault case against Kobe Bryant since last summer said Wednesday he will not take a prominent role in Bryant's trial, instead leaving day-to-day responsibilities to his chief deputy and two others.

District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said he will provide general oversight in the trial, scheduled to begin Aug. 27. It is not unusual for a district attorney to take a supervisory role in a case.