Rockets Sign Intriguing Duo To Compete In Training Camp

Exhibit 10 contracts gives teams more flexibility.

They’re non-guaranteed one-year contracts that give players the chance to prove themselves in training camp. If a player is waived, they can then make up to $75,000 by spending at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate. In this case, the affiliate team is the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, who have the most championships in G League history.

Players can also have their Exhibit 10 deal converted to a two-way contract ahead of the regular season. However, the Rockets already have the three maximum allotted slots for two-way players filled, so they’d have to waive a player to make that happen. Thus, Maker and Nowell’s direct competition could be Jeenathan Williams, N’Faly Dante, and Jack McVeigh.

Despite neither player playing extensively in their most recent NBA season, there is an open spot on the Rockets’ 15-man roster with former first-round pick AJ Griffin leaving basketball behind to follow his faith. Houston could very well promote one of their two-way players, most likely Williams, signing him to a standard contract. Nonetheless, it does increase the likelihood that at least one of Maker or Nowell makes it through training camp.

Both players could also serve a purpose in terms of being key depth pieces.

Thon Maker

Maker, an athletic stretch big and shot-blocker at 7-foot-0, has the best chance to replicate Jabari Smith Jr.’s performance of any player on their roster. If the former lottery pick was to go down, having Maker at their disposal would make it easier to survive without him.

There is a concern with the 27-year-old’s last NBA season coming in 2020-21.

However, he’s been keeping busy. In 2021-22, the 2016 No. 10 pick played for the G League’s Long Island Nets. Over the past two seasons, he’s played 83 games for the CBA’s Fujian Sturgeons. In that time, he’s seemed to hone his jumper, even shooting 39.4 percent from deep in 2023-24.

Markquis Nowell

If the Rockets believe in heart over height, as their fascination with Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard suggests, Nowell could be their man.

Because Sheppard can do much of what VanVleet can, the depth at their position is more insulated. Nonetheless, both VanVleet and Sheppard figure to have important roles for Houston next season. Thus, having a band-aid ready to slap on in case things go awry is useful.

At 5-foot-8, Nowell is an effective scorer and two-way playmaker. He slithers and saunters his way into the paint, showing deft touch. He has excellent anticipation as a facilitator, in either the open or halfcourt. The two-time All-Big 12 All-Defensive selection is also a sneaky pickpocket, using his height to his advantage instead of it being a detriment.