The Rockets are releasing rookie guard Mason Jones from his two-way contract and signing rookie forward Anthony Lamb from Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. The news was first reported by Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
A 6-foot-6 forward, Lamb went undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft after playing in college at the University of Vermont. Since having his G League rights acquired by RGV in late February, Lamb starred in a larger role at the bubble — averaging 18.2 points (56.0% FG, 41.9% on 3-pointers), 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per game.
With Lamb as one of the group’s marquee players alongside Kevin Porter Jr., the Vipers won their last six games of the 2020-21 G League regular season to advance to the playoffs.
Jones has shown flashes as a rookie, but his production fell off after a hot start. In 12 games since the start of February, the 6-foot-4 guard is shooting just 28.2% from the field and 16.7% on 3-pointers.
The Houston Rockets are signing forward Anthony Lamb out of their G League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley, on a two-way contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 8, 2021
The Houston Rockets are waiving Mason Jones, sources tell myself and @Rockets_Insider.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) March 8, 2021
The Rockets do have an open roster spot following the recent release of DeMarcus Cousins, which could theoretically be given to Jones. However, previous media reports have indicated that Houston may prefer to leave that roster spot open leading up to the March 25 trade deadline, in case it is needed to help facilitate a deal.
If that’s still the plan, Jones could potentially become an option to return at a later date — should he remain on the market.
Besides Lamb, Houston’s other two-way spot belongs to fourth-year big man Justin Patton. Given the recent health issues of starting center Christian Wood, Patton appears too important to let go at this time.
