Tierre Brown could not stop smiling Thursday. He made the Rockets -- again.

This time, Brown was not in danger of being cut. He just didn't know it. He did know, however, that Jan. 10 was the day that players under contract have their contracts guaranteed for the rest of the season.

"I've been shaking in my boots," Brown said. "I thought I could be released any time of the year. I went and checked up on it. They had it in the media guide, Jan. 10, all contracts guaranteed. I was like, `Ooh, man.' "

But when he woke up employed on Thursday, he knew he had a job for the rest of the season.