Houston’s two-way trio didn’t see much NBA court time but performed well in the G League.
Our Houston Rockets 2023-2024 Season in Review series kicks off with three guys who didn’t see much court time this season.
Nate Hinton
The 6’5” swingman was one of Houston’s two-way players this season. He spent the majority of his time in the G League however, playing in just 15 games for the Rockets this season and averaging only five minutes per contest. He had a season high 10 points and 3 rebounds in a February 14 Rockets loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he also had a season high in minutes with 15.
In 24 G League games, Hinton averaged 14.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists but had less-than-desireable shooting percentages of 43 percent from the field and 29 percent from the deep. The 24-year-old will be entering his athletic prime, and it appears that a two-way deal is his likely ceiling moving forward.
Jeenathan Williams
Williams is a 6’5” shooting guard who was another of Houston’s two-way guys this season. He played in 22 games for the Rockets, averaging six minutes per night with the varsity. His most action came in Houston’s season finale vs. The Los Angeles Clippers, where he played 21 minutes and dropped 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
He also spent plenty of time in Rio Grande Valley, and the 25-year-old had some better looking numbers than Hinton, averaging 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from the three-point line.
The Rockets are high on Williams, but there’s not really anywhere for him to go from here as well other than another two-way. With Houston’s roster jammed tight with young talent, it’s possible he catches on elsewhere too.
Jermaine Samuels
Samuels is a 6’7” small forward and the last of Houston’s two-way players. He also saw very little time with the varsity, playing in 14 games and averaging four minutes per contest. His most robust line was a 4-point, 3-rebound appearance against the Sacramento Kings way back on November 6.
He did perform admirably in the G League, averaging 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 25 games while shooting 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from deep.
Like the rest, he’s 25 and entering his athletic prime, so where does he go from here with Houston’s packed roster? Another stint as a two-way or latching on with another team is his most likely route.