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With the NBA offseason coming to a close and the 2017 training camps on the horizon, the Houston Rockets made a couple moves to fill out their roster before things start ramping up.
First, according to the Houston Chronicle, they signed forward Chris Johnson to a partially guaranteed contract. Johnson’s been a solid player the last several seasons for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and also had a good Summer League showing this year for the Rockets.
Johnson, who is a 6’6” left-handed-shooting small forward, has spent four seasons in the G/D-League. He’s racked up averages of 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1 steal, to go along with 48.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Johnson’s also spent some time in the Association, playing in 147 games, with four starts, with the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Rockets also signed rookie big man Isaiah Hartenstein to Rio Grande Valley. The seven-footer was Houston’s second-round draft pick this past season, and though he underwhelmed a bit during the Summer League, shooting just 35.3 percent from the field, he showed enough potential in the pick-and-roll that the team wants to see what he can offer in the G-League.
And finally, it hasn’t been officially announced yet, but the Rockets are expected to sign professional best friend Bobby Brown, giving Houston a full 20 players when training camp begins early next week.
The veteran point guard is famous for mostly his mop-up duty, knocking down some threes in garbage time, and helping to keep the Rockets’ $228 million dollar man (uh, James Harden in case you needed clarification) happy. And we all like a happy Beard, so don’t be surprised to see Brown stick around on the roster again this season.
So barring any last-minute moves by the front office (Carmelo Anthony, anyone?), the Rockets look ready go for next Tuesday.
Just a couple more days, folks, and basketball is finally here!