Tag: Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Rockets sign Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels Jr. to Exhibit 10 contracts

Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. will each play for Houston’s summer-league team and compete in training camp on Exhibit 10 contracts.

Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr., who each played most of last season with the Rockets on two-way contracts, will play for Houston’s 2024 NBA summer-league team and compete in 2024-25 training camp on Exhibit 10 contracts.

The news was first reported by the Houston Chronicle, which reports that both could eventually land another two-way deal.

Hinton and Samuels played only sparingly with the Rockets, though they each played much more significantly with the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers, Houston’s G League affiliate.

Hinton averaged 14.6 points (43.3% FG), 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 31.0 minutes, while Samuels tallied 19.6 points (48.5% FG, 32.6% on 3-pointers), 8.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 35.3 minutes.

Hinton is a 6-foot-5 guard, while Samuels is a 6-foot-6 forward. Both are 25 years old and well regarded for their defensive play.

Samuels and Hinton each played significant roles in Houston’s successful run at the NBA’s 2023 summer league in Las Vegas, where the Rockets finished with a 5-1 record and a runner-up finish.

This year’s summer Rockets will begin play on Friday, July 12, with a matchup versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Central, with the game televised nationally on ESPN.

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To keep or to trade? After landing No. 3 draft pick, Rafael Stone excited by Houston’s options

“The possibility of adding another young talented player in the draft or through a trade, we’re excited about that possibility,” Rafael Stone says.

Known for his strategic thinking, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone found himself in an unfamiliar position on Sunday after the NBA’s 2024 draft lottery. The annual event determines where teams pick in the first round, which takes place this year on June 26.

For the past three years, Stones selected players out of necessity in Houston’s rebuilding phase, which was brought on after James Harden’s departure. So, when the Rockets surprisingly secured the No. 3 pick in 2024, Stone was left with a strategic choice: keep the pick or trade it in a package for a veteran player or future assets. The decision could significantly shape the team’s future.

With Houston’s existing young core of rotation players, it might seem unlikely it would add another young player who would compete for minutes. However, that is not necessarily the case.

“The possibility of adding another young talented player in the draft or through a trade, we’re excited about that possibility,” Stone said in a post-lottery press conference. He had just arrived at the draft combine in Chicago after scouting prospects in France in recent days.

That seemed an unlikely scenario after the emergence of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, who played key roles as rookies in helping the Rockets go 41-41 last season. Add in the developmental leaps made by shooting guard Jalen Green and center Alperen Sengun in their third seasons — and promise shown by second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. — and Houston has the blueprint to be a special team.  

“The guys we have in the locker room today, we’re excited to bring back,” Stone said at his end-of-season press conference last month. “We’ll look at things, but, again, I don’t view our roster as, ‘We’re missing X; we need to go find it.’ It’s not like we have a gaping hole.”

Many college and NBA analysts believe this draft class is weaker than in most years. The consensus is that many top-10 players in this class are outstanding role players, rather than superstars. If Houston keeps the pick, it could help them in the future by allowing their selection to develop with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ G League affiliate. 

“I think last year’s draft was a different draft than we’ve seen in a while, just because there was so much attention focused on just one guy (Victor Wembanyama),” Stone said. “That wasn’t the case in the two drafts before it, and I don’t think it’ll be the case this year.”

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Recap: OKC Blue advance in G League playoffs with 126-125 OT win over RGV Vipers

Recap: OKC Blue advance in G League playoffs with 126-125 OT win over RGV Vipers.

The OKC Blue collected a thrilling 126-125 overtime win over the visiting Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the first round of the G League playoffs on Tuesday.

The Blue advance to play the Sioux Falls Skyforce on the road in the conference semifinals on Friday.

The Blue led 28-24 after the first quarter. A 31-point second frame ballooned their lead to 12, 59-47, at the break. The Vipers utilized a 37-point third frame to cut into OKC’s lead. The Blue had a 90-84 lead after three.

With the Blue holding a nine-point lead with a little over four minutes left, the Vipers mounted a comeback. They went on a 15-3 run to turn the deficit into a three-point lead with one minute left.

Keyontae Johnson tied it at 119 with an impressive and-1 score. The teams combined for four missed shots in the final 38 seconds to end regulation tied at 119.

In overtime, both teams exchanged baskets before Ousmane Dieng hit the game-winning floater to produce the Blue’s seventh point in the untimed period.

Some individual performances from both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3, seven assists, seven rebounds, two blocks
  • Adam Flagler: 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 7-of-14 from 3, five assists, four rebounds
  • Olivier Sarr: 14 points on 4-of-10 shooting, 22 rebounds, three blocks
  • Keyontae Johnson: 17 points on 6-of-18 shooting, 2-of-6 from 3, seven rebounds, five assists
  • Hunter Maldonado: 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 5-of-5 from free throws, nine rebounds, three assists
  • Jarrett Culver: 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting, 0-of-6 from 3, six rebounds, three assists, three steals
  • Nate Hinton: 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting, 11 assists, seven rebounds, two steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 13 rebounds, seven assists
  • Darius Days: 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, 5-of-14 from 3, six rebounds

The full highlights from the Blue’s one-point OT win over the Houston Rockets’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Recap: OKC Blue win second night of back-to-back over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 111-101

Recap: OKC Blue wins second night of back-to-back over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 111-101.

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the G League’s OKC Blue collected a 111-101 win over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The home win improves the Blue to 2-6.

After losing to the Vipers in overtime the previous night, the Blue split the mini-baseball series against them with this 10-point win.

The Blue had a hot start and built a 34-26 lead after one quarter. At halftime, the OKC lead remained eight, 59-51. A 32-point third quarter helped OKC enter the final frame with a 93-80 advantage. The closest the Vipers came was an eight-point deficit, but the Blue were never in jeopardy of losing their lead in the fourth quarter.

The Blue shot 48% from the field and went 9-of-28 (32.1%) from 3. They had 24 assists on their 38 baskets. OKC committed 26 turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 37% from the field and went 7-of-33 (21.2%) from 3. They had 24 assists on 39 baskets. Rio Grande Valley committed 20 turnovers.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 27 points on 8-of-18 shooting, 1-of-3 from 3, 11 rebounds, four steals
  • Noah Starkey: 20 points on 10-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, three blocks
  • Miller Kopp: 16 points on 4-of-10 shooting from 3, four rebounds
  • Darius Days: 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 2-of-4 from 3, seven rebounds, two steals
  • Jarrett Culver: 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting, 1-of-6 from 3, five rebounds
  • Nate Williams: 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting, six rebounds

Here are the full highlights from the Blue’s 10-point win over the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate:

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Recap: OKC Blue lose to Rio Grande Valley Vipers in OT, 110-108

Recap: OKC Blue loses to Rio Grande Valley Vipers in OT, 110-108.

The G League’s OKC Blue suffered a 110-108 overtime loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Tuesday. The home loss drops the Blue to 1-6.

In a race to seven points in overtime, Jermaine Samuels Jr hit the game-winning layup for the Vipers.

In the back-and-forth contest, neither team led by more than 15 points. The Vipers led by five following the first quarter, 32-27, and by nine at halftime.

The Blue used a 29-point third quarter to enter the final frame with a three-point lead. Regulation ended with the teams tied at 103 even though OKC led by as many as nine points in the period.

The Blue shot 40% from the field and went 9-of-27 (33.3%) from 3. They struggled from the free-throw line, going 17-of-27. Ball security was a problem as OKC committed 25 turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 40% from the field and went 9-of-36 (25%) from 3. They shot 13-of-21 from the free-throw line. Rio Grande Valley committed 23 turnovers.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Keyontae Johnson: 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, 4-of-5 from 3, 11 rebounds
  • Ousmane Dieng: 17 points on 4-of-18 shooting, 0-of-5 from 3, 12 rebounds, six assists
  • Adam Flagler: 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3
  • Hunter Maldonado: 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 30 points on 11-of-23 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3, 13 rebounds, three assists
  • Nate Williams: 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 14 rebounds, two steals
  • Nate Hinton: 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, six assists, four rebounds, three steals, three blocks

The full highlights from the Blue’s two-point OT loss to the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore erupts with career-high 42 points in NBA G League

On strong shooting efficiency, Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore scored a career-high 42 points Saturday in a 33-point win for Houston’s NBA G League affiliate.

Rookie guard Amen Thompson, a first-round pick by the Rockets in the 2023 NBA draft, is no longer with Houston’s G League affiliate after being recalled to the parent club on Saturday morning.

Fellow rookie Cam Whitmore, also drafted by Houston in the 2023 first round, is still with the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. And in Saturday’s Thompson-less game at the Birmingham Squadron, Whitmore made a big impression in RGV’s 132-99 win (box score).

Whitmore finished with a career-high 42 points in only 29 minutes, shooting 15-of-23 from the field (65.2%) and 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%). Only 19 years old, the athletic 6-foot-7 forward from Villanova also tallied 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and made 4-of-5 free throws (80.0%), and the Vipers were +31 during his minutes.

Whitmore’s potential role with the 2023-24 Rockets, if any, may not become clear until there’s an injury, trade, or a string of sub-standard performances later in the season. But in the meantime, his strong showings in the G League are certainly turning heads for the likes of general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka.

Here’s a look at Whitmore’s highlights, top plays, and fan reaction.

Rockets recall Amen Thompson from G League; Monday return appears likely

After a pair of rehabilitation starts, the Rockets recalled rookie guard Amen Thompson from the G League. He should be available Monday versus San Antonio.

Rookie guard Amen Thompson appears ready to rejoin the Houston Rockets after two strong games with the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers, including a 29-point triple-double in his memorable debut. Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, was recalled to the NBA team on Saturday.

That seemingly puts Thompson on course to be available for Houston’s next NBA game, which takes place Monday at home versus San Antonio. The tip at the Toyota Center is 7 p.m. Central. Thompson has missed over five weeks with a Grade 2 sprain of his left ankle

The Rockets’ schedule eases considerably next week: one game against the Spurs (3-18) and a pair versus Memphis (6-15). Two of those three are at home, where Houston (10-9) is 9-1 this season.

Thus, it could be an opportune time to ease Thompson back into the rotation before the schedule stiffens later in the month.

Once he returns, Thompson should help the Rockets fill some of the backup point guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Just 20 years old, Thompson had averaged 6.3 points (40.9% FG) and 2.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes to begin his NBA career. His injury occurred in Houston’s fourth regular-season game.

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Reaction: Rockets rookie Amen Thompson dazzles in NBA G League debut

In the first game of an NBA G League rehab assignment, Rockets rookie Amen Thompson finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Vipers.

After missing five-plus weeks with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain — suffered in the fourth game of the Rockets’ 2023-24 regular season — rookie guard Amen Thompson finally returned to the court.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, began his on-court return process Wednesday with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. Thompson has gradually increased his physical workouts in recent weeks, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had previously indicated that a G League assignment would be part of that buildup process.

Though the Vipers lost Wednesday’s game to the Oklahoma City Blue, 128-126 (box score) in overtime, Thompson made quite an impression. The 6-foot-7 rookie finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, shooting 12-of-26 from the field (46.2%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), and 2-of-2 on free throws.

Once cleared for NBA games, Thompson could help the Rockets fill backup guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Here’s a sampling of Thompson’s many highlights from Wednesday’s game, along with reaction by fans and analysts across social media.

RGV resumes its G League schedule in Birmingham on Friday and Saturday (schedule), and Thompson appears likely to still be with the team at that time. His potential return to the Rockets, and the NBA, could come next week — when Houston hosts home games on Monday versus San Antonio and Wednesday versus Memphis.

Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers

Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers.

Needing to sink all three free throws, Jaden Shackelford sealed the win at the charity stripe.

After nearly blowing a 21-point lead, the G League’s OKC Blue survived the Rio Grand Rapid Vipers, 128-126, in overtime on Wednesday. The home win improved the Blue’s record to 7-4.

The Blue started well, leading 33-21 following the first quarter. By halftime, OKC’s lead increased to 15, 71-56. It appeared the Blue were going to cruise to an easy win, but a 33-point fourth quarter by the Vipers forced OT.

In the G League, overtime is won by a target score of seven points instead of the traditional five-minute period. The Blue won by scoring the final three points at the line after Shackelford was fouled on a 3-point attempt.

The Blue shot 54% from the field and went 11-of-34 (32.4%) from 3. They also went 18-of-23 (78.3%) from the free-throw line. OKC dished 30 assists on 45 made shots but also turned it over a ridiculously high 27 times.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 43% from the field and went 16-of-46 (34.8%) from 3. They had 28 assists and 19 steals.

More importantly, this was Amen Thompson’s first game after missing a month with an ankle sprain. In his return, the 2023 No. 4 pick collected a triple-double.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals
  • Keyontae Johnson: 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds
  • Jaden Shackelford: 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 6-of-13 from 3, eight assists, seven rebounds
  • Caleb McConnell: 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists
  • Amen Thompson: 29 points on 12-of-26 shooting, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, two blocks
  • Cam Whitmore: 28 points on 10-of-25 shooting, 7-of-14 from 3, three rebounds, four steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, five rebounds, four assists, four steals

The full highlights from the Blue’s two-point OT win over the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Recap: Short-handed OKC Blue blown out by Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 127-103

Recap: Shorthanded OKC Blue blown out by Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 127-103.

On the second night of a road back-to-back, the G League’s OKC Blue lost to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 127-103. The loss drops the Blue’s record to 4-3.

The Blue trailed the Vipers following the first quarter, 27-22. The deficit ballooned as the Vipers entered halftime with a 63-47 lead. The break didn’t do the Blue any good. A 40-point quarter by the Vipers left the Blue entering the final frame trailing by 29 points.

The short-handed Blue, who only had seven players available, shot 45% from the field and went 15-of-47 (31.9%) from 3. On the other side, the Vipers shot 54% from the field and went 13-of-30 (43.3%) from 3.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Jaden Shackelford: 17 points on 6-of-23 shooting, 5-of-15 from 3
  • Noah Starkey: 20 points on 10-of-10 shooting, nine rebounds
  • Abdul Gaddy: 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, 10 assists
  • Cam Whitmore: 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, six rebounds, three assists
  • Darius Days: 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, 4-of-7 from 3, 11 rebounds
  • Jarrett Culver: 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, three assists

The full highlights of the Blue’s 24-point loss to the Houston Rockets’s G League affiliate can be watched below:

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