Rockets officially sign Willie Cauley-Stein, who appears bound for G League

In confirmation of long expected news, the Rockets officially signed veteran big man Willie Cauley-Stein on Sunday. The move is reportedly being done to secure Cauley-Stein’s G League rights for Houston’s developmental affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The Rockets already have a lengthy NBA depth chart at center, with the likes of Bruno Fernando, Usman Garuba, Derrick Favors, and Boban Marjanovic in the mix to back up second-year starter Alperen Sengun. However, the presence of Cauley-Stein in the G League could provide a pipeline for use after injuries or other roster moves.

Now 28 years old, Cauley-Stein was the No. 6 pick in the 2015 NBA draft by Sacramento. The 7-foot big man, who previously played at the University of Kentucky, played only sparingly in 20 games (mostly mop-up duty) with Dallas and Philadelphia last season.

Since Cauley-Stein hasn’t been a consistent NBA rotation player since the 2020-21 campaign, it makes sense he may have to work his way back into the league with a strong G League showing.

Statistically, Cauley-Stein’s best years came in his original NBA home with the Kings. In a two-season span from 2017-18 through 2018-19, Cauley-Stein averaged 12.3 points (52.8% FG), 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 27.6 minutes per game.

Related

Report: Willie Cauley-Stein likely bound for Houston’s G League hub

Report: Rockets expected to keep Boban Marjanović into regular season

List

Rockets trade four players to OKC for package led by Derrick Favors, second-round draft pick

Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire