The Houston Rockets are using their open roster spot from the recent release of Ben McLemore to claim second-year swingman DaQuan Jeffries off waivers, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
By claiming Jeffries off waivers, the Rockets inherit the 23-year-old’s existing contract, which includes both this season and a relatively inexpensive team option of $1.7 million for 2021-22. Since Houston currently has the NBA’s second-worst record, only Minnesota had to pass on Jeffries in order for the Rockets to make a winning claim.
Jeffries went unselected in the NBA’s 2019 draft after playing his final two collegiate seasons at the University of Tulsa. He became known early in his NBA career for defense, athleticism, and playing with high energy.
DaQuan Jeffries is a tremendous defender. He hasn't played in months and he's making a huge impact on this game. That's a nice asset to have hiding on the bench.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) February 13, 2021
The 6-foot-5 swingman was signed by the Kings as an undrafted free agent. Over 31 appearances in 2019-20 and 2020-21, Jeffries averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game.
Jeffries showed promise at the G League level in his rookie season, averaging 16.5 points (46.0% FG, 34.2% on 3-pointers), 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 31.0 minutes per game. This year, he’s stayed with the Kings as a bench option behind Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes.
Because Jeffries has been in the NBA’s COVID-19 testing protocol as a member of the Kings, he should be eligible to play immediately once he reports to Houston and is able to join his new teammates.
A high effort player who made Kings fans be quite sad when he was waived. https://t.co/nIzIkGWuDs
— DGC (@Itamar_17_10) April 5, 2021
