Usman Garuba played a limited role last season with Real Madrid in the EuroLeague and the 19-year-old is now eager for the opportunity to log extended minutes with the Houston Rockets.
Garuba, who was the 23rd overall pick, averaged 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17.2 minutes across 79 games last season in the EuroLeague, Spanish ACB and Spanish Cup competitions. Despite seeing such a small role, Garuba still earned EuroLeague Rising Star honors.
The transition to the NBA will enable Garuba to log significant playing time on a rebuilding team. Houston is building toward the future and has a promising core with the likes of Garuba, Christian Wood, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher, KJ Martin and others.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, Garuba said he is looking forward to playing a larger role with the Rockets, as translated by Eurohoops.net.
Having the ball in my hands more time and those kinds of things that I could not do in Madrid, where I have had to adapt to a role due to the type of players there are (on Real Madrid). In general to be able to do more and more things.
Garuba joined the Rockets after a stint with Spain in the Tokyo Olympics. He debuted on Aug. 12 in the Las Vegas Summer League, registering six rebounds and one steal in 12 minutes. Two games later, Garuba recorded 8 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
With the Rockets in a rebuild, the team will prioritize the development of Garuba and others on the roster. The opportunity to play will certainly help Garuba with the transition to the NBA as he looks to tap into his potential at the next level.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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