Rockets find another backcourt option - CASEY JACOBSEN

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Rockets find another backcourt option
Former Stanford star Jacobsen signs with Houston to compete for roster spot
Casey Jacobsen, a former first round pick of the Phoenix Suns, had an impressive summer with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 16.4 points.

Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON -- When Jeff Van Gundy begins training camp next month, he'll have at least one more option for his retooled backcourt.

Casey Jacobsen.

Jacobsen, a former first round pick out of Stanford, became Houston's fifth guard addition since the end of last season, signing with the Rockets on Tuesday.

Jacobsen will undoubtedly receive consideration to provide depth at shooting guard, where he is a career 37 percent shooter from beyond 3-point range.

The Rockets went into the off-season searching for reliable perimeter shooters and are hopeful that Jacobsen could help fill that role.

"We've had our eye on Casey for a while now," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "Casey had a strong showing at the Vegas Summer League and we felt he earned himself the right to come to camp to compete for a spot on the roster. He has a good size and has a reputation as a solid shooter with a good work ethic."

Jacobsen, who hasn't played in the NBA since being released by the New Orleans Hornets following the 2004-05 season, drew Houston's interest after a strong season with Euroleague power Tau Ceramica in Spain and a solid showing in Las Vegas. During five summer league games with the Denver Nuggets, Jacobsen averaged 16.4 point on 54 percent shooting.

After being selected with the 22nd overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2002 NBA Draft, the Stanford product played three seasons in the NBA before heading overseas.

The guard's addition is the latest in a string of backcourt signings for the Rockets since the end of last season. The Rockets went into the off-season searching for backcourt help and came away with five new guards. Jacobsen joins Vassilis Spanoulis, Kirk Snyder, John Lucas III and Kelenna Azubuike in a backcourt that returns Rafer Alston and Luther Head.

Alston is expected to start at point guard, while the shooting guard position is up for grabs. Tracy McGrady, a small forward, could also see time at shooting guard because of the addition of Shane Battier.

The Rockets also signed forward/center Matt Haryasz on Tuesday. Haryasz, another Stanford product, played in four games with the Rockets over the summer, averaging 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.