Star point guard Ja Morant believes back-to-back college Player of the Year Zach Edey will have a strong debut season in the NBA, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Edey, who played four years at Purdue, was selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 9 overall pick in June’s draft. “Definitely rookie of the year,” Morant said of his expectations for Edey. “I think … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Grizzlies, Zion, Luka, Washington, Rockets
Rockets Reach Buyout Agreement With AJ Griffin
The Rockets have reached a buyout agreement with forward AJ Griffin, reports Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required). Reporting last week indicated that Griffin was “seriously considering” the possibility of stepping away from basketball and that the Rockets were preparing for his departure from the sport. The buyout agreement between the two sides will … [Read more...] about Rockets Reach Buyout Agreement With AJ Griffin
What Position Best Suits Amen Thompson?
Amen Thompson‘s versatility makes it difficult to pinpoint what position he’s best suited to play, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle notes. When Thompson was at his most impactful last season, he defended point guards, but offensively was more of a rim-running center, according to Feigen. However, Rockets coach Ime Udoka said he plans to have Thompson back up Fred … [Read more...] about What Position Best Suits Amen Thompson?
Southwest Notes: Eason, Jackson, Pelicans, Extension Candidates
The leg injury that sidelined Tari Eason for most of the 2023/24 season has made him the most overlooked of the Rockets‘ young core players, but he remains highly regarded by the team’s decision-makers, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required). Eason’s role for the Rockets in 2024/25 may ultimately be impacted by how some of his teammates perform … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Eason, Jackson, Pelicans, Extension Candidates
Green Excited For Season Regardless Of Extension Agreement
Jalen Green became extension eligible this summer but there hasn’t been any news on that front. The Rockets guard would have to sign that rookie scale extension by the Oct. 21 or else he’ll be a restricted free agent next summer. Green told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle he’d like to sign a long-term contract with the team. … [Read more...] about Green Excited For Season Regardless Of Extension Agreement