12:29pm: The Rockets have officially signed Jones to a 10-day deal, the team announced in a press release.
9:48am: The Rockets are bringing back shooting guard Mason Jones on a 10-day contract, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Jones had been with Houston on a two-way deal, but was waived on Monday to make room for Anthony Lamb.
An undrafted rookie out of Arkansas, Jones held his own in a part-time role for Houston in the first half, averaging 5.5 PPG and 2.1 RPG on .437/.367/.651 shooting in 22 games (11.1 MPG).
He received more playing time than initially anticipated due to the number of Rockets players who were affected by the COVID-19 protocols or missed time due to injuries — his return is presumably related to ongoing health issues as well, since Eric Gordon suffered a strained groin on Thursday night. Jones will provide some added depth on the wing and could immediately reenter the rotation.
The signing of Jones doesn’t mean that a trade of P.J. Tucker or another roster move is imminent. Houston already has an open spot on its 15-man roster, so no corresponding move will be necessary to make room for the 10-day signing.
Jones will earn $61,528, a prorated portion of the rookie minimum, on his 10-day contract, while the Rockets will take on an identical cap hit.
Here come the banners
Chris Paul says “good luck kid”.
Here’s a fun fact for the overly zealous fanatics. Be careful who you blast. It comes back double sometimes. — Today’s NBA standings —
Rockets – ( 11 – 24 )
Wizards – ( 14 – 21 )
Suns – ( 25 – 11 )
Nets – ( 25 – 13 )
See Ya ……. and I wouldn’t wanna Be Ya !!
The enormous silver lining here for Houston is the chances of keeping their first round pick are ever increasing with the ridiculous amount of setbacks they have been forced to endure this season. They have a legitimate shot at getting one of the top players in the upcoming draft if they get a top 4 lottery pick that will eliminate their having to swap picks with OKC.
This was done out of necessity to ensure they had enough players for tonight’s game in Utah. They had 9 players available in Sacramento, but Gordon suffered a groin injury last night and Oladipo needs load management on the second night of back-to-backs.
I’d love to see Houston get a top 3 pick. Odds are against it unfortunately bro. Even if they trade PJ, Gordon, Oladipo which in my opinion they should. And play young guys to see who stays who goes. With worst record they are only guaranteed top 5 pick in lottery. Their chances would increase for top 4 pick % wise. Which is where they need to be. I doubt very much they keep their pick. Best they can hope for is what they get for those three players. They can use with their pick (Blazers) to move up draft. A top 10 pick this yr even lottery pick. Is still a very good player and possible star. So you need luck on your side.
It all depends on where OKC finishes the season which would probably determine the worst spot the Rockets end up drafting at.
Actually if we don’t get a top 4 pick then we will be end up with worst of Heat or Thunder pick. OKC holds the rights, then Heat, then Rockets (unless top 4).
Confusing. Maybe Luke will break it down. Maybe he has and I just gave it the hand.
I have! Here’s what I wrote:
“The Thunder will have the right to swap either their first-round pick or the Heat’s first-round pick for the Rockets‘ first-round pick, but only if Houston’s pick doesn’t fall in the top four. In other words, if Houston gets a top-four pick, the Rockets will keep their own first-rounder; if not, the Thunder will get the two most favorable picks of their own, the Heat’s, and the Rockets’, and Houston will get the least favorable.”
Link: link to hoopsrumors.com