The Rockets on Wednesday signed former Rockets and Rice forward Mike Harris to fill the vacant roster spot and provide depth with guard Chase Budinger out for several weeks with a sprained right ankle.
Harris had been averaging 25.3 points and 7.1 rebounds with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League. He signed after the Rockets reached agreement with former Rockets guard Von Wafer, but Wafer was unable to pass his physical Tuesday evening.
Harris has had several offers to play in Europe or China this season, but chose to join the Rockets D-League affiliate in the hopes of returning to the NBA.
Harris averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17 games with the Rockets in the 2007-08 season, including several strong performances during the Rockets' 22-game winning streak.
The Rockets had considered signing Harris last weekend when Carl Landry was hurt against Dallas. When Landry was able to return quickly, missing only Saturday's game against Oklahoma City, and Budinger was hurt, the team turned instead to Wafer, who had reached an agreement on a release from Olympiakos.
Former Rice forward Mike Harris is back for another tour with the Rockets.