Three weeks after losing Kevin Porter Jr. (arrested for assault), the Rockets filled what likely would have been his intended on-court role by signing veteran NBA wing Reggie Bullock. Houston had an open roster spot entering training camp after waiving Joshua Obiesie.
Financial terms of the deal, which was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, weren’t immediately clear. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports that it is a one-year contract.
Now 32 years old, Bullock first entered the league in 2013 as a first-round draft pick of the Clippers. A 6-foot-7 guard/forward capable of providing strong defense at multiple positions, Bullock played his last two years in Dallas, where he shot 38.0% on 3-pointers last season.
In July, Bullock was traded for financial reasons to San Antonio as part of a three-team deal sending Boston’s Grant Williams to the Mavericks. But facing a roster crunch and with no immediate expectations of winning, the rebuilding Spurs chose to buy out the final year of his contract while letting him hit the open market.
As it turns out, Bullock chose a team in Houston that — while not trying to contend for a title — is aiming to be much more competitive under the guidance of first-year head coach Ime Udoka. If everyone is healthy, Bullock likely slides in as a backup wing behind starting shooting guard Jalen Green and small forward Dillon Brooks.
Here’s a look at immediate reaction to the deal, along with Bullock’s highlights from last season with the Mavericks. In 30.3 minutes per game with Dallas, Bullock averaged 7.2 points (38.0% on 3-pointers) and 3.6 rebounds last season.