Rockets re-sign F Hayes

Aug 3, 2007 - 7:39 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets on Friday re-signed restricted free-agent forward Chuck Hayes.

Terms of the contract were not released.

Hayes averaged 5.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 78 games last season. He finished second on the Rockets in rebounds per game and posted four of his five career double-doubles in 2006-07.

"Chuck was a big part of our success last season, we are happy he will be part of our future for some time," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "His abilities to rebound and defend at an elite level are critical to winning."

In his two seasons in Houston, Hayes has averaged 5.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 118 games. But he is expected to be in competition with a host of others for a starting spot this campaign.

Hayes will compete with Argentine power forward Luis Scola, who was acquired from San Antonio in a deal last month. Houston also drafted burly forward Carl Landry from Purdue in the second round.