NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets to release Dexter Pittman

May 15, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Dexter Pittman (45) warms up before game two of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

In a bit of a surprising move, the Houston Rockets are going to release center Dexter Pittman, according Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle.

A source confirms Rockets are releasing Pittman. His absence last night was conspicuous. Signed on Friday.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 13, 2014

Not insinuating that. Meant absence indicated this move. RT @joebl10: was that the reason for his release? He didnt show up for the game?
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) April 13, 2014

The move is surprising because the Rockets just released big man Greg Smith to sign Pittman. Smith has been a solid contributor for the Rockets in the past, averaging 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game last season. He appeared in 70 games and made 10 starts.

This season, he has played in just 11 games, averaging 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game.

Pittman, on the other hand, has appeared in only 50 career games, including just two, both for the Atlanta Hawks, this season.

It seems odd that the Rockets would waive Smith to sign Pittman and then almost immediately waive Pittman.

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