Tag: Armoni Brooks

David Nwaba, Armoni Brooks join Rockets’ list of trade eligible players

With David Nwaba and Armoni Brooks trade eligible, the only Houston player who cannot be traded ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline is Garrison Mathews.

With Jan. 15 having passed, reserve wings Armoni Brooks and David Nwaba are eligible to be traded by the Rockets.

Brooks could not be traded for three months after signing his latest contract, which he did in mid-October. Meanwhile, Nwaba could not be dealt until Jan. 15 based on salary cap rules related to the terms of his new contract with the Rockets, which he signed in the 2021 offseason.

Spotrac’s Keith Smith explains:

When a player is re-signed using Bird or Early Bird rights to a contract that is 20% or greater than their previous deal AND their team is over the cap, those players can’t be traded until January 15. This is because those contracts tie to Base Year Compensation (BYC) rules, which impact how a BYC player’s salary works in trade. In effect, it’s an additional blocker that keeps teams from re-signing and player and immediately trading them.

Now 29 years old, Nwaba is averaging 5.4 points (47.5% FG) and 3.9 rebounds in 14.2 minutes this season. He’s a valuable and versatile defensive player. Given the combination of his age, the clear rebuilding plan in place with the Rockets, and his fairly reasonable contract, it shouldn’t come as a shock if teams needing wing defense inquire about Nwaba’s availability.

An athletic 6-foot-5 wing player, Nwaba will earn $4.7 million in 2021-22 and $5.0 million in the 2022-23 season. His contract also includes a team option for the 2023-24 season at $5.4 million.

The only player on Houston’s current roster who cannot be traded is Garrison Mathews, since he did not sign his new contract until December.

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Armoni Brooks rejoins Rockets after clearing NBA’s health, safety protocols

Armoni Brooks is now back with the Rockets and available for Friday’s game after clearing the NBA’s health and safety protocols system.

With most injuries having healed and COVID-19 health and safety protocols stints now concluding, Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas suddenly has his deepest roster pool in quite some time.

On Friday, reserve sharpshooter Armoni Brooks was cleared from the protocol and made available in time for that night’s home game versus Dallas. A 6-foot-3 guard, Brooks has averaged 8.7 points (35.0% on 3-pointers) and 2.0 rebounds in 21.2 minutes over two seasons in Houston.

The 23-year-old was placed in the protocol on Sunday, but he’s benefiting from recently relaxed rules by the NBA allowing asymptomatic vaccinated and boosted players (which Houston’s entire roster is) to return within five days, even if they had a confirmed positive test result.

With Brooks having now returned, the only two players on Houston’s roster who are medically unavailable to play are rookies Usman Garuba (health and safety protocols) and Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain).

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Garrison Mathews, DJ Augustin exit health and safety protocols; Armoni Brooks enters

Garrison Mathews and DJ Augustin are back with the Rockets after missing four games due to health and safety protocols. However, Armoni Brooks is now entering the protocol.

The Rockets enter Monday’s game at Philadelphia with seven straight losses, but they do have at least some roster reinforcements on the way. Garrison Mathews and DJ Augustin, who missed each of Houston’s last four games due to the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, have been cleared and are no longer on the team’s injury report.

However, reserve sharpshooter Armoni Brooks — who started in Saturday’s second half versus Denver after Kevin Porter Jr.’s halftime outburst — is now unavailable due to his own protocols stint. While there is no immediate timetable for Brooks’ return, each of Houston’s four players to enter the protocol since Christmas has rejoined the team in less than a week, presumably due to the NBA’s recently relaxed rules.

Mathews and Augustin are two of Houston’s best perimeter shooters, with 3-point percentages of 37.0% and 41.3%, respectively. Only Eric Gordon, who is questionable for Monday’s game with right hamstring tightness, has a higher clip (44.7%) among rotation players.

A 6-foot-5 wing, Mathews also offers value to the Rockets in terms of defensive length and a willingness to draw charges.

If Gordon is unavailable, Mathews appears likely to start for Houston at the small forward spot. If Gordon plays, Mathews would presumably come off the bench. As a point guard, Augustin might also find an increased short-term role if Porter is disciplined for his recent antics.

Tipoff between the Rockets and 76ers is set for 6:00 p.m. CST.

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Trevelin Queen, Daishen Nix have career nights as short-handed Rockets lose in Charlotte

The short-handed Rockets were missing six rotation players on Monday in Charlotte, but young prospects Trevelin Queen and Daishen Nix were bright spots in a loss to Terry Rozier and the Hornets.

The Houston Rockets were missing six expected rotation players on Monday night in Charlotte, with four out due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols and the starting backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. resting for back-to-back maintenance after recent injuries.

Given those absences, the result against the Hornets and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball largely went as expected. Charlotte won a second consecutive game as the Hornets (18-17) battle for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, while the Rockets (10-24) lost a fourth straight game while maintaining their spot in the West’s cellar.

In Monday’s 123-99 blowout (box score), Terry Rozier led the way for the home team with a game-high 27 points on 7-of-12 shooting from 3-point range (58.3%). Meanwhile, Ball scored 16 points, made 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.1%), and dished out a game-high 7 assists.

The Rockets were led by recent signing Trevelin Queen, who had an NBA career-high 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in 29 minutes off the bench. The 6-foot-6 guard, who turns 25 years old in February, hit 4-of-10 shots from 3-point range (40.0%). Queen’s promising performance is welcome news, since he’s likely to receive more playing time in the days ahead due to the growing health and safety protocols list.

Besides Queen, other players scoring in double-figures were:

  • Eric Gordon: 16 points, 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 3 assists in 24 minutes
  • Christian Wood: 16 points, 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 9 rebounds, 3 assists in 26 minutes
  • Daishen Nix: 11 points, 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals in 26 minutes
  • Armoni Brooks: 11 points, 3-of-14 on 3-pointers (21.4%), 4 assists, 3 rebounds in 35 minutes

The good news for the Rockets is that assuming they don’t test positive for COVID-19, Green and Porter should be back in the lineup on Tuesday when Houston hosts the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central. Until then, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction following Monday’s short-handed loss.

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Reaction: DeMar DeRozan leads Bulls in blowout over Christian Wood, Rockets

DeMar DeRozan (26 points, 6 assists) led his team to a big win Monday over Christian Wood (23 points, 11 rebounds) and the Rockets. For Chicago, it avenged a loss in Houston last month.

After winning Saturday over the worst team (Detroit) in the Eastern Conference, the Rockets took a clear step up in competition when resuming play Monday in Chicago, where the Bulls are No. 2 in the East standings. Unfortunately for Houston, the result reflected that change.

Led by veteran star DeMar DeRozan, the home team dominated a lethargic Houston defense for nearly the entirety of Monday’s game, leading to an easy 133-118 win (box score) for Chicago. After losing to Houston in November in a game the Rockets stole in the final quarter, the Bulls made sure there would be no such drama this time around.

DeRozan scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting (61.1%) on Monday, while Coby White scored 24 on 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%) from 3-point range. Lonzo Ball had 19 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, and he shot 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%). As a team, the Bulls (19-10) connected on 16-of-35 shots (45.7%) from 3-point range.

The Rockets (10-21) were led by center Christian Wood, who scored 23 points (8-of-14 shooting, 57.1% FG) while grabbing 11 rebounds in 29 minutes. Other players to score in double figures included:

  • Jae’Sean Tate: 16 points, 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%), 6 assists, 5 rebounds in 22 minutes
  • Armoni Brooks: 15 points, 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%), 3-of-9 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 4 assists in 32 minutes
  • KJ Martin: 15 points, 6-of-7 shooting (85.7%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers in 24 minutes
  • Eric Gordon: 10 points, 4-of-6 shooting (66.7%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 6 assists in 27 minutes
  • Josh Christopher: 10 points, 3-of-5 shooting (60.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 20 minutes

The Rockets are now 1-1 on their season-long road trip of five games, which continues Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Until then, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction following Monday’s loss.

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Rockets rookie Josh Christopher takes advantage of first career NBA start

Rockets rookie Josh Christopher on his first NBA start: “Hard work is everything, and just being ready. When you do get your name called, seize the opportunity and maximize it.”

As I stood on the baseline of Toyota Center earlier this month thinking about what my article would highlight from a hard-fought game played by the Houston Rockets, something caught my eye from the stands.

“Happy Birthday, son,” said the rather tall gentleman. He was standing next to two other people, all waiting to embrace the 6-foot-5 rookie that was making his way up the stairs.

“Thank you,” I hear the young man say as I move towards the two men. The closer I got, the clearer the faces became, and now it makes sense why there were still three individuals waiting well after the Rockets had defeated the Nets, 114-104. Rockets rookie guard Josh Christopher, who turned 20 years old that night, greeted his adoring family after scoring a career-high 18 points in front of a jam-packed arena.

“All he needs is an opportunity and minutes,” said Laron Christopher, who is Josh’s father. “My son is very humble and will wait for his chance, and when it comes, you all will see what he can do.”

On Saturday, Christopher got that opportunity he had been waiting on, as he was inserted into the Rockets starting lineup at Detroit. Head coach Stephen Silas didn’t inform him that he would be making his first career start before the game, so it came as a surprise when Christopher noticed his name on the board with the rest of the starters.

“DJ Augustin had told me before they wrote it on the board,” Christopher said jokingly after the game. “I didn’t have my contacts in, so I was like, ‘Does it say J.C.?’ It did, so a little excitement, but more ready to go, like ‘Boom, we’re here, let’s go win a game.’”

Christopher finished with 10 points and seven assists in the Rockets’ 116-107 win over the Pistons. It was the third straight game that the former Arizona State guard scored in double digits. He has made the most of his increased minutes on the floor with a depleted backcourt missing Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Armoni Brooks due to injuries.

After the game, Christopher was asked about how he felt about his first start, and he echoed the same sentiments his father had after he had his NBA career-high in points on his 20th birthday:

Hard work is everything, and just being ready and when you do get your name called, seize the opportunity and maximize it so you can keep on building on it. Not to get too high, not to get too low. When things like this happen, keep going super hard so more good things can happen for you and the team.

The Rockets (10-20), who have won nine of their last 13 games overall, will be back in action on Monday against the Bulls (17-10). Tipoff from Chicago is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.

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Report: Once Rockets are healthy, Garrison Mathews, Armoni Brooks to play off bench

Houston reportedly plans to start Eric Gordon, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jalen Green once everyone is healthy, with Garrison Mathews and Armoni Brooks playing off the bench.

Young sharpshooters Armoni Brooks and especially Garrison Mathews have become feel-good stories for the Rockets. With both taking on increasingly larger roles amid widespread roster injuries, Houston (9-18) entered Wednesday with wins in eight of its last 10 games, overall.

But in a season that is primarily about player development for a longer-term rebuilding plan, both Mathews and Brooks appear unlikely to retain their current starting roles once those injured players return.

Per beat writer Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

When the starting guards return, with Jalen Green closer than Kevin Porter Jr., (head coach) Stephen Silas said they will still start, with Mathews and Brooks brought off the bench to provide shooting ideal for Alperen Sengun’s passing with the second unit.

The logic is simple and fairly understandable. Along with Sengun, Green and Porter are two of the three most important developmental pieces in the organization. Even if Mathews and Brooks might offer more efficiency in the short-term, Houston is prioritizing long-term growth for its highest-upside players. This is consistent with the team’s offseason decision not to play veteran John Wall at the minutes he desires.

With 26-year-olds Christian Wood and Jae’Sean Tate locked into starting spots in the frontcourt, that only leaves one remaining spot in the starting lineup. Right now, that is owned by Eric Gordon, who has arguably been Houston’s best two-way player this season and is viewed as the type of veteran that makes the game easier for the development and growth of young players around him (like Green and Porter).

It’s certainly possible that Gordon could be dealt to a title contender before the NBA’s Feb. 10 trade deadline for the 2021-22 season. In that case, another starting spot might open up for the likes of Mathews or Brooks. But until then, it appears that both will play off the bench when the usual starting backcourt returns, and perhaps the impressive passing of Sengun could get them even better 3-point looks with the second unit.

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Reaction: Dillon Brooks leads Grizzlies past Christian Wood, weary Rockets

Christian Wood led Houston with 22 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough on night two of a split back-to-back in Memphis.

Christian Wood led Houston with 22 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough on night two of a split back-to-back in Memphis as the Grizzlies held on for a 113-106 victory (box score). For the young Rockets (8-18), it’s their second consecutive loss after seven straight wins.

After playing Friday night at home versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston arrived early Saturday morning in Memphis after a turbulent, storm-interrupted flight. Veteran guard Eric Gordon did not play, as has been the case throughout the season on back-to-backs, and the usual starting backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. remains injured.

That left the Rockets quite short-handed. After falling behind, 21-5, only minutes into Saturday’s game, they clawed back but weren’t able to ever get fully over the hump. Houston tried starting its original frontcourt of Wood and Daniel Theis to match up with the size and physicality of Steven Adams for the Grizzlies, but the problems related to floor spacing that have plagued that duo all year were again present.

The Grizzlies (16-11) were led by 25 points from Dillon Brooks, who returned from a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Besides Wood, other Houston players in double-figures included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks in 23 minutes
  • Armoni Brooks: 18 points, 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%), 6 rebounds, 6 assists in 34 minutes
  • Josh Christopher: 12 points, 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 2 assists in 21 minutes
  • Garrison Mathews: 12 points, 3-of-10 shooting (30.0%), 2-of-8 on 3-pointers (25.0%), 2 assists in 27 minutes

The Rockets will return to action on Monday night at Atlanta (13-13), with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central. Until then, here’s a sampling of Saturday’s highlights and postgame reaction from Memphis.

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Reaction: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads dominant fourth quarter as Bucks snap Rockets’ streak

Giannis Antetokounmpo outdueled Christian Wood and Garrison Mathews as Houston’s long winning streak finally came to an end Friday versus the defending NBA champs.

Two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo had a game-high 41 points and 17 rebounds as the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks took over late in Friday’s game to finally snap a seven-game winning streak by the host Houston Rockets, 123-114 (box score).

The “Greek Freak” connected on 15-of-19 shots (78.9%) from the field, and he had plenty of help from teammates Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, who scored 21 points apiece and combined to make 8-of-18 shots from 3-point range (44.4%). Milwaukee (17-10) trailed for much of the game, but they outscored Houston (8-17) by a commanding 33-19 margin in the fourth quarter to finally take control at Toyota Center.

Garrison Mathews scored 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting on 3-pointers (54.5%) to lead the Rockets, representing the most points yet for “Garry Bird” in Houston. Christian Wood added 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Armoni Brooks scored 21 points and hit four 3-pointers.

Rookie big man Alperen Sengun had 15 points and 5 rebounds on 6-of-8 shooting (75.0%) in only 16 minutes, but he didn’t play in the game’s final nine minutes as Milwaukee took over in the clutch. See below for highlights and postgame reaction from the Houston locker room.

Friday’s game wraps up a four-game homestand for the rebuilding Rockets, who are now set to begin a rough stretch of eight road games in their next nine. That starts with Saturday’s visit to Memphis on night two of a split back-to-back, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.

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Rockets guards Armoni Brooks, Eric Gordon host youth holiday events in Houston

Rockets guards Armoni Brooks and Eric Gordon hosted a pair of holiday gatherings this week to benefit children in the Houston area.

On Tuesday night, second-year Houston Rockets guard Armoni Brooks hosted a group of children from Pathways Youth & Family Services for a private holiday gathering at Shoot 360, a technology-based basketball training center in northwest Houston.

Brooks took part in different basketball skill challenges with the kids and presented them with a gift bag along with a gift card, courtesy of Kroger. Video of the event is available below. The Rockets also offered the children and their families the opportunity to attend a future game.

Pathways Youth and Family Services provides foster care and adoption services to more than 10,000 children across the state of Texas and has permanently placed 4,000 more with a forever family.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, veteran guard Eric Gordon partnered with The Goldie Legacy to host a holiday shopping event at Target for 20 children from the South Park and Sunnyside areas. Gordon spent time with the children while helping them shop throughout the store.

“This is something I appreciate and enjoy,” Gordon said.

After Friday, eight of the team’s next nine games are on the road. Thus, this week offered the best scheduling opportunity prior to the holidays.

RocketsWire reporter Brian Barefield contributed to this story.

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