Days away from the season opener, the Houston Rockets reshaped the back end of their roster.
The Rockets announced Monday that they signed center Oscar Tshiebwe and forward Julian Phillips to two-way contracts, which allow players to move between NBA teams and their G League affiliates. Each team can have up to three two-way players. Houston waived guard Sean Pedulla to make room for Tshiebwe and Phillips alongside wing Quadir Copeland.
Tshiebwe, 26, is an undersized center who excels around the basket as a play finisher and offensive rebounder. In 27 NBA games with the Utah Jazz last season, he averaged 16.6 minutes, 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
In 23 G League games, he averaged 28.1 minutes, 13.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game while shooting 58.5% from the field. Tshiebwe was the 2022 National College Player of the Year with the Kentucky Wildcats. He was also the G League's Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a two-time All-NBA G League first-team selection.
Phillips, 22, is a 6-foot-7 forward from Killeen. The 35th pick in the 2023 NBA draft signed with Houston, his third NBA team, in July. He has averaged 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes in the NBA, according to the release.
In 12 career G League games, Phillips has averaged 19 points, 7.4 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 41.4% from 3-point range.
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There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Houston Rockets reshape roster with two-way contracts for Oscar Tshiebwe and Julian Phillips.