Rockets Waive Mike Harris

HOUSTON – Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the Rockets have waived forward Mike Harris. Signed as a GATORADE Call-Up fromHouston’s single-affiliation NBA D-League partner the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Dec. 23, Harris averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in two games with the Rockets.

Harris (6-6, 235, Rice), who had rejoined the Rockets following a stint with the team during the 2007-08 season, was averaging a team-leading 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 10 games (10 starts) with the Vipers at the time of his Call-Up. A former standout at Rice University, Harris spent his rookie NBA season with the Rockets, averaging 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17 games in 2007-08.

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What this means for Harris is he has 48 hours to clear NBA waivers. If he does, then he has the option of returning to the Vipers. He could also choose to go overseas or retire. The latter certainly doesn't seem likely. I'm doubtful on the former too. There's one other possibility. Once he clears waivers, an NBA team (including the Rockets) could choose to sign Harris to a 10-day contract. If Harris is claimed off of waivers, his contract will become guaranteed with that team for the rest of the season. If Harris clears waivers, does not sign a 10-day contract and chooses to return to the Vipers, he could play as soon as Saturday in Iowa.

Lots of moving parts. Stay tuned.