Rockets acquire rights to Australian big man Andersen

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The Houston Rockets, searching for a big man to fill in for injured center Yao Ming, have acquired the rights to Australian David Andersen, the NBA team said on Tuesday.

"David has been a winner with every team he has played for in Europe," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said on the team's website (www.nba.com/rockets).

"He is a very well-rounded player who possesses good offensive skills and a very good shooting touch for a big man."

The 6-foot-11 Andersen played for Regal FC Barcelona during the 2008-09 season, averaging 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds.

He also has played in Italy and Russia and was a member of the 2008 Australian Olympic team.

Andersen, 29, was picked by Atlanta in the second round of the 2002 Draft. The Rockets sent cash and future considerations to the Hawks in exchange for Andersen, the Rockets said.

"David is a versatile post player who should fit well in Coach (Rick) Adelman's system," Morey said.

Yao, the Rockets' Chinese center, has a severe left foot injury that has not healed as expected and has thrown his future into doubt.

"At this point, the injury has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career-threatening," team doctor Tom Clanton told the Houston Chronicle last month.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina. Editing by Alastair Himmer)