Carroll Dawson will begin working with Hasheem Thabeet on Friday.

Dawson, Houston's former general manager and assistant coach, worked on developing Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming and Jordan Hill.

The Rockets acquired Thabeet, the second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, last week in a trade with Memphis.

Houston believes Thabeet may be capable of salvaging his career if he focuses on his defense, shot-blocking and rebounding instead of scoring.