Report: Rockets interested in G League wing Alize Johnson
The Houston Rockets are among several NBA teams to have expressed interest in signing Alize Johnson following his performance at the G League bubble, per Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
Johnson averaged 16.6 points (57.0% FG), 13.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 32.0 minutes per game with Toronto’s developmental affiliate.
O’Connor has more:
Johnson is a 6-foot-7 wing who was drafted 50th in 2018 by the Pacers and has played in only 31 NBA games. He’s a full-throttle rebounder and defender with the versatility to defend both quicker and stronger players, meaning he could play on the wing alongside a true big or in the frontcourt in switch-heavy lineups. On offense, the 24-year-old is averaging 16.6 points and 4.2 assists while posting career highs in scoring efficiency and assist-turnover ratio.
A league source says in addition to the Raptors, the Magic, Rockets, Spurs, and Suns have also expressed interest in signing Johnson.
New NBA power rankings at the halfway point: https://t.co/G5238qvBXC
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 8, 2021
Houston does have an open roster spot following the recent release of DeMarcus Cousins, which could be used to sign Johnson. Or, they could potentially convert rookie guard Mason Jones or young big man Justin Patton from a two-way contract to a standard contract, and then award the vacated two-way slot to Johnson. All of those scenarios, though, are dependent on Johnson potentially choosing the Rockets over what appears to be a long list of suitors around the league.
For now, Johnson appears set to play for Raptors 905 in this week’s single-elimination playoffs at the G League bubble.
