G League Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Harris Earns Gatorade Call-Up To Houston: Rockets Also Recall Taylor

March 24, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release


MCALLEN, TEXAS - The NBA Development League Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced today that forward Mike Harris (6-6, 235, Rice), is the 12th GATORADE Call-Up in franchise history and their league-record extending 10th this season after signing with the Vipers' parent club, the NBA Houston Rockets, for the rest of the season.

The Rockets also recalled guard Jermaine Taylor (6-4, 210, Central Florida) from the Vipers.

In 34 games (31 starts) for the Vipers, Harris is averaging a league-leading 27.1 points to go with 10.5 rebounds (third in the league) while shooting 58.2% from the field (sixth in the league). Harris was the first-Viper to ever play in the NBA Development League All-Star Game. He has earned NBA Development League Performer of the Week twice this season.

"In our eyes, Mike Harris has been the most valuable player in the NBA D-League this season and we knew it was only a matter of time before he was with an NBA team full time. Fortunately for us he will stay in the family, as a member of the Houston Rockets. Mike deserves the opportunity and we wish him the best and would like to see him excel at the next level with the Rockets," said Vipers General Manager Gersson Rosas, who is also the Vice President of Player Development for the Rockets.

This is Harris' third GATORADE Call-Up of the season. In five games during a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards, which he signed on February 24, Harris recorded four points, four rebounds and one steal in 11 minutes of action. Harris also saw action in two games with the Rockets in December, recording five points and three rebounds in 11 minutes. Harris previously played for the Rockets during 17 regular season and three playoff games in 2008.

Harris is eligible to be assigned to the Vipers up to three times during the remainder of the regular season and playoffs for as long as the Rockets are playing.

After getting assigned to the Vipers on March 17 for the third and final time this season, Taylor averaged 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals and one block in two games. He hit 15-of-32 shots (46.9%).

Overall, Taylor averaged 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 48% from the field in eight games (four starts) with the Vipers.

"Unfortunately because of injuries to the Houston Rockets roster, Jermaine Taylor will be recalled to the team. Jermaine had a very productive stay with the RGV Vipers throughout this NBA D-League season, as he averaged nearly 20 points and 5 rebounds per game. So overall we are very encouraged with his development and the role that the Vipers have played in it. This serves as a prime example of why this relationship is in place," Rosas said.

In 21 games with the Rockets this season, Taylor is averaging 2.9 points and 6.8 minutes per game.

Check out the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Statistics



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