Free agency may have slowed down, but there are still a few free agents that can help a team. In fact, one of them recently signed a deal with a Western Conference contender. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, veteran guard/forward Thabo Sefolosha has signed a deal with the Rockets. The deal is said to be a one-year deal for the vet minimum.
The Rockets are signing Thabo Sefolosha, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 20, 2019
Recently, Sefolosha has been participating in a Rockets minicamp in Las Vegas. The Rockets decided to add him to their training camp roster, as they had 18 players under contract. The addition of Sefolosha puts them at 19, which is below the 20 player maximum for training camp. So, the Rockets do not have to make any moves to clear roster space.
Sefolosha started his (NBA) career with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls selected him with the 13th pick in the 2006 draft. Since then, he has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Atlanta Hawks and the Utah Jazz. He played two seasons with the Jazz before signing with the Rockets.
Throughout his career, Sefolosha has been a skilled defender. He even made NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010. He can help the Rockets on the defensive end by being a (legitimate) defensive threat. If the Rockets need someone to defend players such as Paul George, he can come off the bench (in a limited role) and do so. This move benefits the Rockets, as they have a player besides PJ Tucker to take on that challenge.
With this move, Sefolosha reunites with two teammates. He played with James Harden and Russell Westbrook during his time in Oklahoma City. Now, he joins them again as the Rockets strive to become an elite team in the West.
The NBA preseason is less than 10 days away. The Rockets signed Sefolosha as they prepare for the upcoming season. If he does what he does best (which is defend), he will help the Rockets tremendously.
Featured Image courtesy of David Zalubowski/AP
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