Rockets Player: David Nwaba, 6-foot-5 guard/forward, 28 years old
Statistics in Houston: 9.2 points (48.6% FG, 27.0% on 3-pointers), 3.9 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game
Professional Experience: Five NBA seasons
Contract Status: Free agent in 2021 offseason
Nwaba was arguably the most athletic and explosive player on Houston’s 2020-21 roster, showing no ill effects from last season’s torn Achilles. However, his season again ended early due to a wrist injury.
When healthy, Nwaba is an impactful player on defense and in transition. Moreover, since he was signed late in the 2019-20 season, the Rockets will have Early Bird rights on Nwaba this offseason — which could make it easier to retain him. However, Nwaba’s value has a clear ceiling, as long as his 3-point shot remains below average. In halfcourt sets, defenders routinely help off Nwaba, which can clog spacing.
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