19+7 The fierce generals join to detonate Houston! The Rockets 18-man roster is released, Uduka holds the ultimate puzzle in his hand

The Rockets' fifth signing this summer: Give Dream Chaser a chance

On July 4, the Houston Rockets signed Development League MVP Kevin Harris with a two-way contract. The 27-year-old forward-guard swinger averaged 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds per game with the Vipers and shot 37.2% from three-pointers. From losing in 2020 to getting the NBA opportunity now, Harris has spent three years explaining that "opportunities are always left to those who are prepared." The Rockets' signing is very cost-effective, and a two-way contract of $560,000 does not account for the official quota. Harris's basketball journey is inspiring: from a senior at Charleston College to a undraft, to a development league MVP, his story is the most moving chapter in competitive sports.

Lineup adjustment: Make space for young people

With Harris joining, the Rockets parted ways with Australian center Jock Landale. The latter was underperforming last season, averaging only 1.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. The Rockets use extended clauses to process its 3-year, 32 million contract, which not only relieves salary pressures but also creates opportunities for young people.

The Rockets currently have 6 players under the age of 22 on the 18-man roster. Harris not only brought three-point firepower (the Rockets ranked 25th in the league in three-point shooting last season), but also injected experience into the youth army. The team also retains a two-way contract quota and continues to find the right candidate.

Harris: From "Virus Kings" to Rockets

Harris has a comprehensive technical skill: 37.2% three-point shooting percentage, and defense can cover multiple positions. In the Development League final, he averaged 22 points and 8 rebounds, helping the Vipers win the championship and win the FMVP. This big scene performance is exactly what the Rockets need to rebuild. The

Summer League will be Harris' "Entertainment Exam" and its debut against the Lakers on July 13 is crucial. Although the Rockets already have players such as Jaylen Green and Dillon Brooks on the wing, the "probation period" of the two-way contract gives both sides room to run-in. Harris' professional attitude is reminiscent of Danny Green, who was trained by the Spurs back then.

Rockets' "Taobao " philosophy

Rockets' general manager Stone is good at discovering talents. Players such as Matthews and Lamb, who have been found through two-way contracts in the past three years, have proved the effectiveness of this model. Harris is the latest product of the Rockets' "Talent Production Line" and will be tested on the NBA stage.

This contract is regarded by experts as "a stable profit but no loss". The risk of a two-way contract is extremely low. If Harris makes a profit, he will make a profit, and if he doesn't work, he will lose only limited losses. Cases such as the Heat's Duncan Robinson prove that Development League players can gain a foothold in the NBA. The "Viophant - Rockets" dual-track training system that the Rockets are creating has a shadow of the Spurs model.

The balanced way of reconstruction

The Rockets' choice sparked discussion: Will the complete rejuvenation make the team "only the future, no present"? Only Jordan Poole has gained a foothold in the NBA in the last five years of the Development League MVP. But the Rockets hold potential stocks such as Green and Shin Kyung, and this year's rookie, they are just in need of a "plug-and-play" role player like Harris.

It is worth noting that the Rockets' first round pick in 2024 was in the hands of the Thunder (the top four protections), which means the team may not deliberately make a bad move. Harris's immediate combat power may play a role in key games. The Rockets are looking for a balance between cultivating rookies and striving for victory. As the team reporter Feigen said: "Sometimes the best signing is to give dreamers a chance."