The Houston Rockets on Tuesday found a familiar face to serve as backup for Chinese center Yao Ming, re-signing 42-year-old Dikembe Mutombo.

Mutombo, second all-time in the National Basketball Association with 3,278 blocks, had contemplated retirement before deciding to return for an 18th season.

Mutombo appeared in 36 games for the Rockets last season and proved valuable when Yao suffered a broken foot in February.

The player from the Democratic Republic of Congo averaged 3.0 points and 5.1 rebounds last season.