Rice alum rockets to the top

Harris, a 6-foot-6-inch forward, was playing in the Chinese Basketball Association after the Rockets reluctantly cut him from their roster in the preseason.

In the midst of the winning streak, the Rockets — already missing all-star center Yao Ming — had rookie power forward Carl Landry sidelined with a knee injury. The Rockets turned to Harris, who was signed to a 10-day contract.

Unlike most players signed to short-term deals, Harris made an immediate contribution, scoring 6 points in 20 minutes against the New Jersey Nets in his first NBA game.

Harris was a major reason the Rockets broke the 1971-72 Milwaukee Bucks for the second-longest winning streak in NBA history March 14, as he scored 12 points in the Rockets’ 89-80 win against the Charlotte Bobcats.

In six games with the Rockets, Harris is averaging 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 14.8 minutes. He has signed a second 10-day contract with the Rockets and will likely remain with the team for the rest of the season.