HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets have met with free-agent center Marc Jackson.

With center Hakeem Olajuwon gone and forward Maurice Taylor injured and out for the season, the Rockets are looking for ways to upgrade their front court.

Jackson, of Philadelphia, met with Rockets coaches and management Wednesday.

"I think the interest is very high," Jackson told Houston television station KRIV. "I don't believe I would be here. I don't believe they would waste my time or waste their time if it wasn't like that. So I think it's a good possibility."

Working under a one-year contract last season with Golden State as a rookie, Jackson averaged 13.2 points and 7 1/2 rebounds a game.

The Warriors retain the right to match any offer Jackson gets up to $4.5 million a season. Without much room to maneuver under the salary cap, Houston could offer him $3.25 million if the NBA gives the Rockets a medical exception because of the injury to Taylor.

Jackson was Golden State's second-round pick in 1997 but spent the next three years playing in Europe.