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By Damien Pierce
Rockets.com

HOUSTON - The Rockets struck a deal to bolster their backcourt on Friday by acquiring shooting guard Kirk Snyder from the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

The Rockets didn't give up anyone on their roster for Snyder, instead shipping cash and future draft considerations to the Hornets.

Snyder provides the Rockets with a big body in the backcourt and shooting range.

"We needed a big two-guard and this gives us a 6-foot-6 shooting guard," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "He has good range and he's a very tough defender."

Snyder, the 16th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, became a regular in the Hornets lineup last season.

The 6-foot-6 guard started 45 games, finishing the season with a career-high 8.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Dawson expects Snyder to provide a boost to the offense.

"He was really attractive to us because of his shooting," Dawson said. "He also does a good job of driving to the basket and getting to the foul line."

In his brief two-year career, Snyder is shooting 41.9 percent from the field and is averaging 6.5 points per game.

"This is a great opportunity for Kirk," Dawson said. "He doesn't have much competition around him and he's still a young guy. He has tremendous upside."