Tag: Garrison Mathews

Rockets Stephen Silas reflects on coaching Danuel House Jr.

“I spoke to him on yesterday and he was appreciative of the opportunity,” coach Silas said. “I told him that I appreciated him. He was one of the first guys I met when I first got here, and there are not many left. We built a relationship over 13 months. He was a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for him.”

As the Houston Rockets prepare to take on the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, head coach Stephen Silas took some time to address the team releasing forward Danuel House Jr. on Friday and signing guard Garrison Mathews to a four-year, $8.2 million contract.

“I spoke to him yesterday, and he was appreciative of the opportunity,” coach Silas said. “I told him that I appreciated him. He was one of the first guys I met when I first got here, and there are not many left. We built a relationship over 13 months. He was a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for him.”

House struggled to find a rhythm this season and looked out of place in the Rockets rotation. He averaged 4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in just under 15 minutes per game this season.

The Houston native has been sidelined with an ankle injury and was expected to return soon. Still, with the emergence of Mathews and second-year player Kenyon Martin Jr. this season, his minutes would drop tremendously and probably would not play in games per coach Silas’s decision.

“It definitely was not an easy decision with (Danuel) House,” coach Silas reiterated during his press conference. “He has some really good moments for us. He is a great person and always upbeat, and a joy to have around. But in this business, stuff like this happens, and you hope and look forward to the next door that will open for him because I am sure he will take advantage of it.”

With the release of House, it opened a roster spot for Mathews to sign a standard contract, and it allowed the Rockets to sign guard Trevelin Queen from the G League affiliate to a two-way contract. Queen will be in Detroit with the team and available to play on Saturday.

Stephen Silas reacts to Garrison Mathews signing, Danuel House Jr. release

“Garrison (Mathews) is obviously very happy to come from where he was this summer to getting a long-term contract,” Stephen Silas said.

With Friday’s news of the release of Danuel House Jr. becoming official and former two-way player Garrison Mathews taking the vacant roster spot on a four-year contract, Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas addressed the developments before Saturday’s game versus Detroit.

“Garrison (Mathews) is obviously very happy to come from where he was this summer to getting a long-term contract,” Silas said of the 25-year-old’s reaction. “We gave him an opportunity, but he earned it. That’s the message. You can earn whatever you get.”

Since taking a larger spot in the rotation on Nov. 24, the 6-foot-6 wing player is averaging 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 32.6 minutes, and he is shooting 44.7% from the field and 38.3% on 3-pointers. With Mathews in a more prominent role, Houston is 8-4 in those games.

Silas also showed appreciation to House for his time with the team.

“I spoke to him yesterday and he was appreciative of the opportunity,” Silas said of House. “I told him that I appreciated him. He was one of the first guys when I got here, and there aren’t many left. We built a relationship over the past 13 months. He was a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for him.”

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Rockets waive Danuel House Jr., sign Garrison Mathews to four-year deal

The Rockets are waiving Danuel House Jr. to open up a roster spot for Garrison Mathews, who is signing a four-year deal with Houston.

The Houston Rockets are waiving veteran forward Danuel House Jr. on Saturday and will use the open roster spot to sign 25-year-old sharpshooter Garrison Mathews to a four-year contract, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon first reported on Friday night.

Mathews is signing a deal of up to four years in length and potentially worth over $8 million, according to MacMahon. That keeps “Garry Bird” under team control for as long as the 2024-25 NBA season.

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the contract will be worth $2 million in each of the next three seasons, non-guaranteed after this season, and $2.2 million at a team option for the fourth season.

House had largely struggled with the Rockets in the 2021-22 season, averaging 4.8 points (33.8% FG, 29.4% on 3-pointers) and 2.7 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game. Moreover, at 28 years old and in the final year of his current contract, he was unlikely to be a factor in future seasons since he did not mesh with Houston’s clear rebuilding timeline.

House was the second-most-tenured player on the 2021-22 Rockets, trailing only veteran guard Eric Gordon. Over parts of four seasons with Houston since 2018-19, the 6-foot-6 forward averaged 9.2 points (36.9% on 3-pointers) and 3.8 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game.

Earlier this week, a report emerged that Houston was exploring trades to clear a roster spot for Mathews, with House listed as a potential candidate. But according to Wojnarowski, the Rockets are making the move now to allow him to choose his next destination. “The Rockets are assigning his minutes to younger players and won’t hold him on (the) roster to wait on a finding a deadline trade,” Woj tweeted.

As for Mathews, the 25-year-old was claimed off waivers following the preseason and assigned to a two-way contract, but that clearly was not a long-term solution. Two-way contract terms limit players to a maximum of 50 games, and there was also the risk that if Mathews continued his strong play, his asking price for future seasons might grow.

As it is, general manager Rafael Stone and the Rockets have Mathews under club control for four seasons at a relatively low rate near the league minimum. Since taking a larger rotation role on Nov. 24, the 6-foot-6 wing player is averaging 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 32.6 minutes, and he is shooting 44.7% from the field and 38.3% on 3-pointers. Houston is 8-4 in those games with Mathews in a larger role

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Reaction: Daniel Theis breaks out, but weary Rockets outgunned by Immanuel Quickley, Knicks

Daniel Theis had 22 points and 10 rebounds, but the weary Rockets couldn’t keep up with the firepower of Immanuel Quickley (7-of-10 on 3-pointers) and the Knicks in Thursday’s home loss.

Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley buried the Rockets with a barrage of 3-pointers, leading visiting New York to a 116-103 victory (box score) on Thursday at Toyota Center. Quickley connected on 7-of-10 from behind the arc, which wasn’t far behind Houston’s 11 treys as a team.

Reserve big man Mitchell Robinson also made a big impact for the Knicks (13-16) with 17 points (8-of-8 shooting) and 9 rebounds. In particular, his defense helped fluster Houston’s rookie big man, Alperen Sengun, into just 1 point (0-of-3 rebounds) and 2 rebounds in 15 minutes — easily one of the worst outings of his young NBA career.

The rebuilding Rockets (9-20) were led by veteran center Daniel Theis, who started in place of the injured Christian Wood and had his best game of the 2021-22 season with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Wood, who has missed two games with left knee tendinitis, is expected to be back in the lineup when Houston returns to action Saturday in Detroit.

It remains to be seen what Wood’s return means to the future playing time of Theis, who had largely fallen out of the rotation due to Houston’s struggles with floor spacing when using dual-center lineups with Wood and Theis. Moreover, with Sengun’s minutes and development prioritized as a backup, there isn’t an easy way for Theis to play if he does not start. Now that Dec. 15 has passed, Theis (as an offseason signing with the Rockets) is eligible to be traded elsewhere at any time.

Other Houston players in double-figures included:

  • Jae’Sean Tate: 20 points (6-of-8 shooting, 2-of-4 on 3-pointers), 6 rebounds in 29 minutes
  • Garrison Mathews: 17 points (4-of-10 shooting), 7 rebounds in 32 minutes
  • KJ Martin: 15 points (6-of-10 shooting), 5 rebounds, 5 assists in 29 minutes
  • Josh Christopher: 14 points (5-of-9 shooting, 2-of-3 on 3-pointers), 3 assists, 2 steals in 33 minutes

The Rockets were without three expected starters in Wood, Jalen Green (left hamstring strain), and Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion), as well as a veteran reserve in Danuel House Jr. (left ankle sprain). Making matters worse, sharpshooter Armoni Brooks played only 9 minutes on Thursday due to left ankle soreness and did not return.

Between widespread injuries and a rough stretch of five games in seven nights, including back-to-back games the last two nights in two different cities, head coach Stephen Silas indicated postgame that fatigue was potentially a factor for his young team. The Rockets rallied back from a 17-point deficit to take a brief lead late in the third quarter, but the comeback ultimately ran out of steam early in the fourth.

The Rockets have one day without a game to recover before returning to play on Saturday in Detroit, albeit with a much earlier-than-usual start time of 11:00 a.m. CST. That game kicks off a five-game road trip. Until then, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction from Thursday.

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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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Report: Rockets exploring trades to clear roster spot for Garrison Mathews

The terms of Garrison Mathews’ two-way contract would limit him to a maximum of 50 NBA games this season, so the Rockets are reportedly looking to open a standard roster spot to keep him around.

Recent sensation Garrison Mathews — best known to some as “Garry Bird,” or “Garry Legend” — is currently on a two-way contract, which runs for only one season and limits him to 50 games at the NBA level. Understandably, the Houston Rockets would like to change that.

Per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, general manager Rafael Stone is already exploring moves to free up a roster spot, which could then be used to award Mathews with a standard NBA contract. Fischer writes:

The Houston Rockets are searching for trades that would clear a roster spot to convert two-way standout Garrison Mathews to their 15-man roster, according to league sources. Veterans DJ Augustin, Danuel House Jr., Daniel Theis and Eric Gordon are all viewed around the league as viable trade candidates. Houston appears willing to listen to offers on Christian Wood, but that would require a first-round pick plus further capital.

The good news for the Rockets is that because Mathews began the 2021-22 season in the G League, he won’t reach the 50-game mark — even if he plays in every NBA game from here on out — until early March. Thus, Stone will have plenty of time to create a roster spot, and all the way to this season’s February trade deadline and beyond.

Nonetheless, with Mathews emerging as a consistent starter of late, it certainly can’t hurt for Stone to start exploring the possibilities early. Moreover, with Houston undoubtedly hoping to secure Mathews on a multi-year deal, there’s an argument to be made that he might be more willing to sign a team-friendly deal earlier in the process. That would give Mathews an earlier raise on his current 2021-22 salary and eliminate the risk of him playing his way into a bigger financial demand down the line.

In his last 10 games (nine starts), Mathews is averaging 15.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 33.0 minutes, including 48.0% shooting from the field, 42.0% on 3-pointers, and only 0.2 turnovers per game.

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Three in the Key: Analyzing Luka Doncic, Dejounte Murray, Garrison Mathews

As part of an ongoing series at HoopsHype, we’re breaking down three interesting topics we have seen around the NBA throughout the season.

As part of an ongoing series at HoopsHype, we’re breaking down three interesting topics we have seen around the NBA throughout the season.

Of course, the name of this column is derived from basketball’s three-second violation rule. With that in mind, the goal of this exercise is to observe three subjects about the game. We want to explain the key to why it is happening while also providing context on what makes it interesting.

Here are three more of our highlights from the NBA’s 2021-22 season:

Three in the Key: Analyzing Luka Doncic, Dejounte Murray, Garrison Mathews

As part of an ongoing series at HoopsHype, we’re breaking down three interesting topics we have seen around the NBA throughout the season.

Of course, the name of this column is derived from basketball’s three-second violation rule. With that in mind, the goal of this exercise is to observe three subjects about the game. We want to explain the key to why it is happening while also providing context on what makes it interesting.

Here are three more of our highlights from the NBA’s 2021-22 season:

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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