Rockets sign John Lucas III

[insidehoops]

Houston Rockets General Manager Carroll Dawson announced today that the team has signed free agent guard John Lucas III to a multi-year contract, marking his return stint to the team. Lucas originally signed with Houston on Dec. 29, 2005, after the Rockets received a special exception from the NBA due to injuries. Waived by Houston on Jan. 4, 2006, Lucas was re-signed to a 10-day contract on Jan. 8. Lucas then signed a second 10-day contract on Jan. 18, which expired on Jan. 28.



Lucas (5-11, Oklahoma State) helped guide the Rockets to a perfect 5-0 mark in the 2006 Toshiba Vegas Summer League, finishing second among all players in scoring average (23.4) and leading the league in assists per game (7.6). The 5-foot-11 guard shot .511 (47-92 FG) from the field and .429 (6-14 3FG) from 3-point range over the five games. His performance earned him First-Team All-TVSL honors. In the opening game vs. Portland (7/6/06), Lucas recorded a double-double with 26 points and 10 assists. He followed that outing with 25 points and nine helpers in a 93-90 win over Denver (7/7/06).

[junwin]

good signing for them, he could add some scoring off the bench

[rodney_lee3]

I watched him play a couple of D-league games last year, and I am impressed with his ability to improve his game. I think he will be a positive addition to the Rockets roster!

[RocketzMan]

It's good stuff. He's another guy like Hayes that is gonna bust his ass to be worth something for the team.

[myzt52]

I hope he gets playing time. Van Gundy is very stingy about giving 3rd string backups playing time (especially undrafted ones). Last year Chuck Hayes got playing time only because of all our injuries. Hopefully this year Lucas gets playing time (without injuries).