Rockets Sign Cato

Center Kelvin Cato, who leads the NBA this preseason in shot blocking, has signed a multiyear contract extension with the Houston Rockets.

Cato's contract was extended by more than one year, but further terms were not disclosed Thursday by general manager Carroll Dawson.

Cato, a defensive specialist, was one of five players the Rockets picked up earlier this month when they traded Scottie Pippen to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The former Iowa State player has averaged 5.29 blocks in exhibition games.

Cato has started in five of Houston's seven games. On Oct. 15 against Cleveland, he notched a preseason triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks in 31 minutes.

For his career, Cato has averages of 3.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.28 blocks in 117 NBA games.

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