Rockets pick up option on Head, Snyder

Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Luther Head and Kirk Snyder will both be wearing a Rockets uniform through the 2007-08 season.

Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson revealed Friday that the team has picked up the option on the rookie contracts of Head and Snyder.

The two guards are expected to provide significant minutes in Houston's retooled backcourt in the upcoming season.

"Luther and Kirk are two young players who both have a lot of upside and we are pleased to be able to secure them through the end of next season," Dawson said.  "Luther showed a great deal of poise as a rookie last season and has matured into a solid young veteran.  Kirk has shown a lot of promise early in camp and we look forward to seeing his continued development this season."

Head, who was a member of last season's T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie Second Team, came into the season competing for a starting job in the backcourt. The 6-foot-3 guard finished the preseason as Houston's fourth leading scorer with 11 points per game and was among the team's top three-point threats. Head led all rookies in three-pointers made last season with 113, averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Snyder will begin the regular season as the projected starter at shooting guard. The 6-foot-6 guard, who was acquired in a trade from New Orleans/Oklahoma City over the summer, started in five of Houston's seven preseason games. He averaged 8.7 points and 3.1 rebounds. The third-year guard is averaging 6.5 points and 2.1 rebounds over his career.