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The Rockets are close to signing center Greg Smith on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the decision said on Wednesday.

Smith will sign a third-year, partially guaranteed for next season and at the option for next season.

Smith is making 68 percent of his shots in the NBA Development League, the best shooting of any player ever in the D-League with more than 300 minutes. Smith, who turned 21 last month, is a 6-10, 250 pound center. He averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Second-year player Jeff Adrien, who played 17 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday, is the only player without a fully guaranteed contract and the Rockets are unlikely to waive a fully guaranteed contract prior to the March 15 trade deadline.

MaxRider wrote:if they plan to move him why give him playing time last night?
waive Thabeet already man

Don Draper wrote:Off topic but wtf is wrong with Dalembert?

He's looked like absolute trash these past few games. Zero lift. Struggles to get up and down the court. Can't finish around the rim. Last month he looked like an all-star, now he looks like he shouldn't even be in the rotation.

Smith receives McHale’s praise

Rookie center Greg Smith, who signed with the Rockets on Feb. 8, went from the development league to the Rockets’ rotation Sunday, joining the roster with Jordan Hill out. Smith played 12 minutes, blocking four shots all in the first half.

“He remembered what we did,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “I was shocked. I barely remembered what we did in training camp. He asked, ‘are we still running this.’ He’s sharp. That helps a great deal.

“He did a nice job. He’s smart. He knows what he’s doing. A practice, probably would not hurt him, but he’s just another big body. He set some really nice screens, which is good.”

Smith’s return to the Rockets was not unexpected.

“When I got cut, we talked about me re-signing,” Smith said. “They wanted to see me play in the D-League. When I played in the D-League, I showed what I could do. I showed I’m a player who could be with their franchise for a couple of years.

“They noticed the skills I had. They got to see me play actual basketball and play at this level. That’s why I always felt Houston was the team for me. When other teams said they were looking at me, I told my agent, ‘OK, let’s look at the Rockets.’

“A lot of teams were calling, but I wasn’t paying attention. I let them talk to my agent because I love this franchise. I love coach McHale. When they signed (Samuel) Dalembert, I didn’t take it as I couldn’t play for them. I took it as they signed a good player.”

“A lot of teams were calling, but I wasn’t paying attention. I let them talk to my agent because I love this franchise. I love coach McHale. When they signed (Samuel) Dalembert, I didn’t take it as I couldn’t play for them. I took it as they signed a good player.”