Tomjanovich signed a five-year contract worth about $30 million — similar to the contract Jackson signed five years ago.

Tomjanovich coached the Rockets for 12 years before stepping down in May 2003 — two months after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. He referred to that time as "one of the darkest periods of my life."

"I was so down in the dumps — a lot of fear, a lot of sadness," the 55-year-old recalled. "I beat cancer — I'm so grateful to be here. I am humbled to be here. I'm going to make a vow — that I will bust my butt for you guys. You're going to get my best shot."

"I'm ready to go to work. Who's got the ball?"

Tomjanovich said he had his most recent biopsy last fall and the two checkups since that time "were just perfect."

Tomjanovich worked as a scout and consultant for the Rockets last season — his 34th year with the organization he joined in 1970 as the second overall selection in the NBA draft. He was the winningest coach in franchise history with a 503-397 record, but his team failed to make the playoffs in his last four years there.

He joins an unsettled team — Bryant, Derek Fisher and Karl Malone are unrestricted free agents and Shaquille O'Neal has demanded a trade.

Tomjanovich said he spoke with O'Neal, but wouldn't elaborate.

"I don't know how it's going to play out. I really don't," Kupchak said. "When there's something to report, we'll report it."

O'Neal's agent, Perry Rogers, told Florida newspapers Saturday that O'Neal has given his blessing to a deal that would send him to Miami.

The deal, expected to include Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant going to Los Angeles, cannot be completed until Wednesday when a two-week leaguewide moratorium on trades and free agent signings expires.

Tomjanovich said Frank Hamblen, a holdover from Jackson's staff and longtime friend, will be a part of his coaching staff along with Larry Smith and Mike Wells.