The Houston Rockets have an open roster spot following the buyout of AJ Griffin. Griffin received $250,000 of the $3.9 million he was due as part of the buyout.
While Griffin’s surprising departure is unfortunate for his basketball career, the 21-year forward appears to have decided for personal reasons, per Kelly Iko and Shams Charania of The Athletic. Griffin is expected to take this season off and then determine his next step, which includes retirement.
Following the conclusion of summer league, Griffin and other teammates took part in voluntary workouts at the new practice facility, but as training camp edged closer, Griffin’s appearances — and communication with the organization — diminished. Griffin’s sudden decision is one that the Rockets didn’t anticipate upon trading for him, but understand that his personal life takes priority and have offered their support.
What Will Houston Do With Their Open Spot On 15-Man Roster, The Rockets Have Plenty Of Options
Griffin was considered the best shooter in the 2023 rookie class and possesses solid athleticism. He had a solid rookie campaign but only appeared in 20 games and saw 170 minutes last season for Atlanta. The Rockets acquired Griffin cheaply as they traded away the rights to second-round pick Pelle Larrson as part of a three-team deal.
Griffin likely wouldn’t have much of a role for the Rockets this season besides being an emergency fill-in. Still, his departure leaves the Rockets with an open roster spot on their 15-man roster.
Houston has several options for handling this open roster spot. The Rockets are a young, talented team that will look to take another step under Ime Udoka. They have a deep, athletic, and versatile roster.
So, without a glaring hole in the roster at this point, Houston is expected to bide its time. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rockets left the roster spot open unless there is a major injury.
If the Rockets leave the spot open or sign a player to a minimum nonguaranteed deal, they will be between $4 and $6 million below the luxury tax. The Rockets also will have the full non-taxpayer exception ($12.8 million). As a result, the Rockets will be in a better position than most teams to make an in-season splash with or “on the buyout market.”
Rockets Training Camp Invitees
Houston currently has 19 players on their training camp roster. Therefore, the Rockets could add two players in the coming week.
Regardless, expect the Rockets training camp to be very competitive. It is conceivable, at least the five players without standard contracts could be competing for jobs, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
“Though there will be a roster spot open, that does not mean the Rockets will use training camp and the preseason to determine how to fill it. That also does not mean there will not be competition for jobs.”
Although very unlikely, it is possible that one of the players currently on the training roster could impress the Rockets enough to earn the final opening-day roster spot. Jeenathan Williams, Nate Hinton, N’Faly Dante, Jermaine Samuels Jr., and Jack McVeigh are the players on a two-way or training camp deal.
Samuels is the most likely player of the five if any of the players can secure a standard contract. Samuels was on a two-way deal, though he is on an Exhibit 10 deal this season, with the Rockets last season, and appeared in 14 games. The 6-5 two-way versatile wing showed growth in his second G-League campaign.
Williams is on a two-way deal, like he was a season. He has 29 games of NBA experience. Williams is known as a scorer who is also a good slasher and rebounder.
Hinton has received a few cups of coffee in the NBA since going undrafted in 2020, including 15 games with the Rockets. On a training camp deal, Hinton is an excellent all-around two-way player.
Dante went undrafted out of Oregon in this year’s draft. He is on a two-way contract.
“He struggled in summer league but showed his high-energy style and some potential as a rim runner, Feigan said. “That makes him unique among the Rockets’ two-way and training camp players. But the Rockets roster is especially crowded with centers that do not bring the shooting to play another position.”
McVeigh, on a two-deal, has spent his entire professional career in his native Australia after leaving Nebraska following the 2018 campaign. The 28-year-old long-range bomber averaged 2.5 treys while shooting 52.6% from 3-point range during the Olympics.
