Veteran guard DJ Augustin stood out during drills and scrimmages during the first day of 2021-22 training camp for the Houston Rockets, according to a new report by Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Now 33 years old, Augustin was acquired by the Rockets in March as part of the trade that sent PJ Tucker to Milwaukee. He’s under contract for the 2021-22 season and has a non-guaranteed contract for 2022-23.
While it’s too soon to know whether the Rockets have any interest in picking up that final option year, it certainly appears that the 13-year NBA veteran is in their plans for this season — both on the practice court and during games. In Wednesday’s story, Iko writes:
Augustin stood out during drills and scrimmages, according to one participant. While John Wall’s presence is more as a pseudo assistant coach, Augustin is still actively part of the rotation. “He’s as steady of a player as I’ve ever coached,” Silas said.
Augustin has been a reserve player for the majority of his career but he’s always been praised for his IQ, poise and ability to run an offense. This offseason, he worked with Porter, helping groom him into the point guard the Rockets want him to be. It’s a different type of camp for Augustin these days — being around a young team in need of mentoring and leadership — but he’s embracing the process.
“We do want to play fast but you can’t play fast the whole game” — Stephen Silas
On Green + Porter Jr. shifting gears, D.J. Augustin’s influence, the House/Tate/Gordon rotation and more from training camp. https://t.co/vnYUzgf6p5
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) September 29, 2021
“It’s exciting, man,” Augustin told reporters after the first day of training camp. “Just to see these young guys and how excited they are to live out their dreams. I can remember it like yesterday, I was in the same position. To be a part of it, help them and learn is a great feeling.”
In 20 games with the Rockets last season, Augustin averaged 10.6 points (38.6% on 3-pointers) and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game. This season, he’s expected to be Porter’s primary backup at point guard.
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