Rockets release Brandan Wright, sign LeBryan Nash

Brandan Wright, we hardly knew ye.

The backup big man was released Friday, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, after the team determined his knee injury would not allow him to contribute again this season.

He played 15 minutes in his first game and fit like a glove, the perfect third big man behind Clint Capela and Nene. It would be his only game played for the Rockets.

The Rockets have had a lot of people come and go this season: Isaiah Canaan, Briante Weber, Demetrius Jackson and Troy Williams. But when Wright was signed after Memphis bought him out in early February, he was not meant to be roster filler.

The Rockets have been the benefactor of a deep roster and largely good health, and this is the first instance of something that would affect their playoff roster. Wright was likely a “break glass in case of emergency” option anyway, but it’s always nice to have a fire extinguisher and not need it than to need it and not have it. It’s not like Capela, Nene and current third-string center Ryan Anderson have been the models of health this season.

Nash, as Feigen reported, is not a candidate for playing time, but he’s an interesting talent, former 5-star prospect and someone who could be a non-guaranteed piece in the summer, a la Kyle Wiltjer and DeAndre Liggins, whose deals helped pave the way for Chris Paul. Beware Daryl Morey with tradeable assets.