Despite joining the NBA in 2021, former first-round pick Usman Garuba will officially take his talents overseas. According to an official press release, Garuba has signed a three-year deal with Real Madrid. As mentioned in the press release, this is the Spanish native’s second stint with the team as he began his playing career there in 2017.
“Real Madrid C. F. has agreed to a deal with Usman Garuba that will see the player join the club for the next three seasons, until 30 June 2027.
Usman Garuba comes back for his second stint with Real Madrid after playing three seasons in the NBA, two of them with the Houston Rockets (2021-2023) and the last one with the Golden State Warriors (2023-2024).”
Garuba joined the Houston Rockets after they drafted him with the 23rd pick in 2021. The big man spent two seasons with the team, appearing in 99 total games. In that time, he averaged 2.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He also spent last season with the Golden State Warriors but received very little playing time. Garuba appeared in six games for the team, averaging 3 minutes.
2021 NBA First-Round Pick Officially Signs With Real Madrid
Usman Garuba Has Been Linked to Real Madrid For Months
Although the news only became official today, expectations were that Garuba would sign with Real Madrid for months. In May, reports surfaced that Garuba was nearing a deal with the club. However, Garuba would later say he had yet to make a decision.
“I don’t usually write here but this time I have to do it,” Garuba stated on Twitter. “I understand every journalist/insider and their work they do but they got to have respect for the players and teams instead of providing false news without knowing anything that’s going on. My future is not decide yet so stop spreading fake news. We keep working. Thanks.”
It is possible that Garuba was waiting to hear from NBA teams in hopes of staying in the league. However, re-joining Real Madrid may be in his best interest regardless.
While not confirmed, it is fair to assume he signed with his old club in hopes of more playing time. Despite being a first-round NBA draft pick, Garuba has had little success at that level. He has gotten little playing time over his three-year career and is not likely to receive a large role on any NBA team in the near future.
Usman Garuba Will Team Up With a Former Defensive Player of the Year Candidate
By joining Real Madrid, Garuba will have a couple of teammates that NBA fans should be familiar with. Most notably, former Oklahoma City Thunder defensive ace Serge Ibaka joined the team this summer. Furthermore, former lottery pick Mario Hezonja is also a part of the team. Additionally, Garuba joined the team just a few days after Guerschon Yabusele departed to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Garuba possesses a lot of tools and has talent. If returning to the NBA is something he desires, going to Real Madrid to showcase his talents once again may be the best idea for the 22-year-old.
