http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5604669.html March 9, 2008, 1:08AM Rockets add Harris for rebounding Training camp standout returns on 10-day contract By BERNARDO FALLAS • Game statistics Judging by the broad and frequent smile forward Mike Harris sported in the Toyota Center locker room prior to Saturday's game, it was good to be back in a Rockets uniform. Considering Houston is as close to home as it gets for the former Rice standout, and the Rockets happen to be the hottest team in the NBA, make it really good. Now if he can extend his stay, it will be really special. Months after being released by the team just before the end of preseason and fresh off a successful stint in China, Harris is a Rocket, at least for now. Making room He and forward/center Justin Williams were picked up on 10-day contracts as the team aims to cope with a knee injury to rookie Carl Landry. To make room on the roster, they released former Gulf Shores Academy standout Gerald Green. "We're making this move because Mike Harris is someone we've always liked," Rockets vice president of basketball operations Sam Hinkie said. "We need live bodies, and he's more than just a live body. "(Harris) is a guy we've liked for a long time. We thought he played very well for us. He brings a level of energy, toughness and athleticism, and we like his rebounding. Our coaches always liked him and are very positive on him, as well as was the staff on the basketball ops side. We targeted him as someone that, if we needed help, he'd be on the top of the list." Rockets coach Rick Adelman doesn't expect Harris or Williams to see much playing time, but the signing could serve as a second chance for Harris (6-6, 240) to join the team on a more permanent basis. Good first impression "I'm excited, really anxious to get out there on the court and play a little bit," said Harris, a native of Hillsboro. Harris first joined the Rockets as a rookie free agent in July and played two preseason games (averaging five points and six rebounds), but was released a week before the opener. But he made a big enough impression on the front office and coaching staff to keep his phone number handy. "The thing I liked about Mike is he was here all training camp," Adelman said. "I think he would have a better feel for what he'd have to do." Harris is no stranger to Houston, where he finished as the Owls' all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He comes to the Rockets after a successful stint with DongGuan of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 24.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 28 minutes in 25 games. bernardo.fallas@chron.com
I was so happy they traded for Gerald Green and even more happy when I heard they resigned Mike Harris, but I'm also sad they released Gerald, that's mean, he was so happy, I feel sorry for him.
