For the second time in his seven-year NBA career to date, 29-year-old forward Robert Covington is a member of the Houston Rockets.
Covington signed with the Rockets as an undrafted free agent following the 2013 NBA Draft. He spent much of his rookie season with the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers, though he did play seven games with the Rockets, largely in mop-up duty at 4.9 minutes per game.
The Rockets released Covington before his second season, allowing him to sign with Philadelphia. From there, the lanky 6-foot-7 forward took advantage of his newfound playing time and emerged as one of the league’s new crop of “3&D” wings, well regarded for both his 35.8% career clip on 3-pointers and his defensive versatility on the perimeter.
On Tuesday night, Rockets GM Daryl Morey brought Covington back to his original NBA home by agreeing to a four-way trade involving center Clint Capela. By Wednesday morning, Covington was already in Houston and ready to take his physical and report to his new team.
Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston caught up with Covington upon his flight’s arrival, and here’s a sampling of what he had to say.
New #Rockets forward Robert Covington has arrived in Houston. pic.twitter.com/KhJqn1Bktv
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
New #Rockets forward Robert Covington has arrived in Houston. Calls this “a new opportunity.” Says his emotions “are all over the place.” pic.twitter.com/gOHpTNHB4F
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) says it means a great deal that he brings a skill set the #Rockets need after being waived by Houston in 2014: “Coming from a player that wasn’t established at first to be a person that people truly sought out, it’s a very good feeling.” pic.twitter.com/WVKD6fAGnF
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
New #Rockets forward Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) played for Houston during the 2013-14 season: “Not the same player that I was then. I’ve completely changed everything. I’ve grown as an individual on and off the court. Just learned the true value of being a professional” pic.twitter.com/fzU9Uj8QLd
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
New #Rockets F Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33)on playing w/ James Harden (@JHarden13) & Russell Westbrook (@russwest44): “It’s going to be a great opportunity. It’s 2 superstars that can change the game prolifically..To add value..I got to come in & keep doing what I’m doing.” pic.twitter.com/g6Qc5JLxkx
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
Forward Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33)played n 7 games for the Rockets n 2013-14, sent to D-League 6times before being waived:”I grew there&that’s what ultimately gave me the opportunity to be the player that I am.People I met during that time helped pushed me over that edge” pic.twitter.com/8aSO6VjbJB
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) says spending most of his time in the G League while with the #Rockets organization during 2013-14 season was critical for his career: “It was good for me.Gave me a better opportunity to understand the game..It put me in the position I am today” pic.twitter.com/1ts0lvenEz
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 5, 2020
Covington is signed through the 2021-22 season at an average salary of approximately $12 million. Per several reports, Covington has been a trade target of Morey and the Rockets for months.
It’s possible the trade could still be further expanded. But no matter the final terms, Covington will be a Rocket once again. And after spending the first part of the 2019-20 season on a 15-34 squad in Minnesota, he seems quite happy to be back on a playoff team and potential title contender.
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