Houston Rockets sign Gary Payton II to three-year deal
By Kyle Tomasi
The Rockets looking to shop Patrick Beverly, sign Gary Payton II to a three-year deal.
Former Oregon State guard Gary Payton II didn’t hear his name called in the 2016 NBA Draft, but he did sign a three-year deal with the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets did not own a pick in the first round but spend second round picks on center Chinanu Onuaku with the 37th overall pick and another center in Zhou Zi with the 43rd overall pick.
Houston may be looking to towards the future with this signing as they were making calls hours before the draft trying to shop current starting PG Patrick Beverly.
Beverly has been one of the most consistent players on the Rockets the past few seasons from a defensive standpoint. He is really the defensive anchor for them and Payton fits seamlessly into that role.
Beverly averaged 8.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, and 1.2 spg last season in just 26.7 minutes.
Payton is a high-flying lefty who posterized a few unsuspecting souls this past season at Oregon State where he averaged 16.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 5.0 apg. His athleticism and instinct to score will be much needed in the struggling Rockets team.
If Beverly is traded, Payton will be able to compete for the starting role at the point guard position against veteran Jason Terry and could make an immediate impact. An unselfish player who can score when called upon and find Harden when he’s hot might be the missing piece.
The Rockets made constant headlines last year, but for reasons no team wants to be known for. Chemistry was practically non-existent and turmoil surrounded Dwight Howard and James Harden.
More moves will be needed in the offseason to get the Rockets back to a Western Conference powerhouse.
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