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The Houston Rockets had room for one more camp body after waiving Anthony Bennett due to a knee injury, so it was announced yesterday by Shams Charania that they’ve claimed 6’10” forward Ray Spalding off of free agency waivers.
The Rockets have claimed forward Ray Spalding off free agency waivers, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Second transaction this week for Houston, after waiving former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 10, 2019
Spalding was originally drafted in 2018 by the Philadelphia 76ers, and he was traded on draft day to the Dallas Mavericks, but his most extensive NBA playing time came later with the Phoenix Suns. He played 13 games for them last season, starting three, and finished the year with averages of 4.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and .6 blocks in 11 minutes per night.
Spalding, who went to college at Louisville, also spent some time this summer with the Atlanta Hawks, but is likely a long shot on the Houston roster. But with an open spot following Bennett’s departure, his size is intriguing to a team making noticeable strides to get bigger this year.