Rockets summary

Jackson will stay

When he left Houston last week, Rockets guard Mark Jackson packed two contracts. He was sent on the road with a 10-day contract and a new contract for the remainder of the season. He was told to feel free to sign the one he wanted.

"I wish it was always that simple," Jackson said after choosing to sign for the rest of the season.

The Rockets signed Jackson to a 10-day contract Jan. 15. The decision to sign him short-term was largely to give him a chance to determine how he felt about spending the season with the Rockets.

"I understood what coach (Jeff Van Gundy) was trying to do," Jackson said. "He wanted the best for me. He wanted to make sure I was comfortable and I appreciate that. But I knew right away this is where I wanted to be.

"Like I said from day one, I wouldn't have done it anywhere else. I have so much respect for him. Jeff was really looking out for my best interests, which is rare. It's a great group of guys, and a team that's only going to get better."

Because Jackson is playing limited minutes, Van Gundy said he wanted to be sure Jackson would accept his role.

"You never know if you're going to enjoy the situation until you're in the situation," Van Gundy said. "It (initially giving Jackson a 10-day contract) wasn't really for my standpoint. I had no problem signing him (for the season). But I thought it was important for him to see how many minutes, what our group was like, (to be) separated from his family."
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