With Friday’s news of the release of Danuel House Jr. becoming official and former two-way player Garrison Mathews taking the vacant roster spot on a four-year contract, Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas addressed the developments before Saturday’s game versus Detroit.
“Garrison (Mathews) is obviously very happy to come from where he was this summer to getting a long-term contract,” Silas said of the 25-year-old’s reaction. “We gave him an opportunity, but he earned it. That’s the message. You can earn whatever you get.”
Since taking a larger spot in the rotation on Nov. 24, the 6-foot-6 wing player is averaging 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 32.6 minutes, and he is shooting 44.7% from the field and 38.3% on 3-pointers. With Mathews in a more prominent role, Houston is 8-4 in those games.
Silas also showed appreciation to House for his time with the team.
“I spoke to him yesterday and he was appreciative of the opportunity,” Silas said of House. “I told him that I appreciated him. He was one of the first guys when I got here, and there aren’t many left. We built a relationship over the past 13 months. He was a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for him.”
Stephen Silas: “Garrison (Mathews) is obviously very happy to come from where he was this summer to getting a long-term contract.” pic.twitter.com/FGz7e5EjhE
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 18, 2021
Stephen Silas: “Definitely not an easy thing with House (@DanuelHouseJr). He was here when I first got here and he’s had some really good moments, particularly the Chicago game where he came in and made four threes and started our winning streak. He’s a great person.” pic.twitter.com/4DahprBRI7
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 18, 2021
Stephen Silas on the message the Rockets are sending to players like Garrison Mathews (@gmathews_24) & Trevelin Queen (@trev_up):”It’s a good message..that organizationally we’re aligned as far as our G League team & our Rockets team. It says if you play well you’ll get rewarded” pic.twitter.com/dpOEPtLRuD
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 18, 2021
