The Rockets are releasing rookie point guard Mason Jones from his two-way contract and signing rookie striker Anthony Lamb of Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. The news was first reported by Shams Charania and Kelly Iko of Atlético.
A six-foot-tall striker, Lamb was not selected in the 2020 NBA draft after playing at the University of Vermont College. Since his G League rights acquired by RGV in late February, Lamb has played a bigger role in the bubble – averaging 18.2 points (56.0% FG, 41.9% at 3 points), 8.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per game.
With Lamb as one of the group’s top players alongside Kevin Porter Jr., the Vipers have won their last six games of the G20 regular season 2020-21 to advance to the playoffs.
Jones showed flashes as a rookie, but his production dropped after a hot start. In 12 games since the beginning of February, the 1.80 m goalkeeper is shooting only 28.2% of the field and 16.7% in the 3 points.
The Rockets have a vacancy after the recent release of DeMarcus Cousins, which theoretically could be given to Jones. However, previous media reports have indicated that Houston may prefer to leave this vacancy open before the March 25 negotiation deadline, if necessary to help facilitate a deal.
If that is still the plan, Jones could become an option to return at a later date – if he remains on the market.
In addition to Lamb, Houston’s other two-way spot belongs to fourth-year big shot Justin Patton. Given the recent health problems at the early Christian Wood center, Patton seems very important to let go at this point.