:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68840946/usa_today_13517354.0.jpg)
The Rockets filled the vacancy on their roster late Thursday with the signing of Westchester Knicks center Justin Patton, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
The Houston Rockets have agreed to a two-way deal with center Justin Patton, agent Brian Jungreis of @parlay_se told @hoopshype. Patton was the 16th overall pick of the 2017 draft.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 19, 2021
Patton was averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the G-League bubble.
The four-year journeyman from Creighton has dealt with many twists and turns in his brief career.
He was drafted 16th overall in 2017 by the Chicago Bulls, but was traded alongside Jimmy Butler in his trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Patton’s injuries sidelined him in Minnesota, and he played just one game for the team. He’s also made stops in Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, where he played mostly in their G-League.
In January 2020, Patton dropped a career-high 45 points while playing for the Oklahoma City Blue.
Patton comes in to replace Ray Spalding, who was waived by the team earlier this week after suffering an Achilles injury.
Patton is eligible to play for the Rockets as early as Saturday, should the game take place.