The Houston Rockets announced Wednesday afternoon that rookie forward Gary Clark has been to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the team’s G league affiliate.
It’s shocking news because Clark had started to become a part of the Rockets’ rotation as of late. After falling out of the rotation mid-season, Clark has played each of Houston’s last three outings.
Clark had returned to the lineup because of injuries to Iman Shumpert and Kenneth Faried. Shumpert has missed the last three games with a sore right calf and Faried has also been out three games with a left hip contusion.
The Rockets needed bodies to fill roles, and Clark stepped in and provided adequate playing time as a combo forward. Houston played exceptionally well on both ends in the 48 minutes Clark saw the floor.
It’ll be interesting to see if Clark is brought back to play with the Rockets at any point this season, especially heading into the playoffs. Houston moving Clark down to the G League also may indicate that Shumpert and Faried are close to return.
The Vipers face off against the Raptors 905 tonight at 7 pm Central on ESPN+.
