| HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets activated center Hakeem
Olajuwon Thursday, but the 15-year veteran wasn't expected to
rejoin the team immediately despite the Rockets' lack of depth at
his position.
| | | Olajuwon |
Olajuwon has missed 20 games since he underwent hernia surgery on Dec. 1. Olajuwon started the first 14 games of the season and averaged 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
Team spokesman Tim Frank said Olajuwon's return still was being evaluated.
The Rockets also waived disgruntled center Thomas Hamilton, who
had been helping out at the position with Olajuwon out. Hamilton's
departure left Anthony Miller, who signed a 10-day contract on Jan.
6, as the team's primary center.
Carlos Rogers has a thumb injury and is not with the club while
attending his brother's funeral. Kelvin Cato isn't ready to return from a sprained right wrist and Tony Massenburg is on the injured list with a strained groin.
Hamilton averaged 3.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22 games with the Rockets this season. He started seven games.
Also Thursday, the Rockets placed center Kelvin Cato on the
injured list with a sprained right wrist and signed forward Bill
Curley to a 10-day contract. Cato had missed the last four games.
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