The Rockets signed the 16-year NBA veteran to a contract on Wednesday, just four days after determining he wasn't in shape to return just yet. Perhaps the temptation to sign another aging former Knick was too much for Rocket coach Jeff Van Gundy to resist.

The 38-year old Strickland though may not have an Oakleyesque impact ... which is to say he may be of service. The Rockets are suffering at the point guard spot: Charlie Ward has been out indefinitely, and Bobby Sura is fighting a knee injury.

"Rod gives us another experienced veteran in our backcourt," said Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson. "He will give us more depth, as we fight through an assortment of injuries."

Strickland brings in career averages of 13.1 points on 45.5% shooting and 7.5 assists. He was among the league's elite point guards from about 1993 to 2000, peaking as a playmaker in 1997-98 with Washington when he averaged 10.5 assists. He was thought by many to be the logical free agent target of Houston in 1998, but the team opted instead to sign Scottie Pippen.