Harris Earns Call-Up To Rockets
Published on December 23, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
MCALLEN, TEXAS - The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced today that Mike Harris is the third GATORADE Call-Up in franchise history after their parent club, the NBA Houston Rockets, signed him to a contract today.
In ten games, the 6-6 forward is averaging a team-best 25.3 points (second in the NBA Development League) to go with 7.1 rebounds per game. Harris scored at least 19 points in all ten games he played in, tying his career-high with 30 points on December 4 against the Tulsa 66ers, breaking it with 32 points on December 10 against the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, and breaking it one more time with 35 points on December 19 in Tulsa. He also had 12 rebounds on December 19, his second of two double-doubles this season.
"Mike Harris has been the best player in the NBA Development League and instrumental in the Vipers' 7-3 start. He will be a quality addition to our team. We are excited to add him," Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said.
Harris, who previously played in 17 regular season games three playoff games for the Rockets in 2008, fills the empty roster spot on the Rockets roster.
"This call-up is evidence of why the hybrid arrangement works. Mike Harris is a player we have long admired and having the platform to have him as part of our NBA D-League team really paved the way for his call-up. The advantage of being able to closely monitor Mike's productive stay with the RGV Vipers coupled with our current roster need provided the opportunity to bring Mike back to the Houston Rockets. Having the flexibility of an open roster spot at the NBA level is invaluable and serves as an advantageous resource for what we are doing with the Vipers. At the end of the day, Mike deserves the credit because he earned this opportunity with his approach and play and it should serve as motivation for all our RGV players that there is great opportunity if you're willing to commit and take advantage of it," Vipers General Manager/Rockets Vice President of Player Personnel Gersson Rosas said.
Harris is expected to be in uniform for tonight's Rockets game against the Orland Magic at Amway Arena.
"We are all really happy and excited for Mike. He has been a big part of our good start and an influential member of our team. We will miss his impact on and off the floor but we are fully behind his move to the Rockets as this is what our collective mission is all about," Vipers Head Coach Chris Finch said.
Harris follows in the footsteps of Golden State Warriors guard C.J. Watson, who received the first GATORADE Call-Up in franchise history on January 8, 2008, and Jawad Williams, who earned his GATORADE Call-Up to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 9.
Harris is one of two Vipers alumni currently playing with the Rockets. Aaron Brooks, who was an NBA-assignee in December 2007, is the starting point guard for the Rockets.
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