The Houston Rockets are casting a wide net as they evaluate options at center behind new starter Alperen Sengun. Even after signing Bruno Fernando and Willey Cauley-Stein in recent weeks, it appears general manager Rafael Stone isn’t done.
Veteran Minneapolis sports reporter Darren Wolfson says on a new podcast that young center Daniel Oturu could be an option.
“Daniel Oturu has an opportunity to either sign with a team in Turkey or the Houston Rockets,” Wolfson said, per HoopsHype. “I’m told (they) have at least inquired about a training camp deal.”
Now 22 years old, the 6-foot-10 Oturu was picked at No. 33 in the 2020 NBA draft, which suggests he has an upside — or at least was believed to have one less than two years ago. So, it could be worth a flyer to Stone and the Rockets.
The onetime University of Minnesota standout has played only sparingly at the NBA level over his first two professional seasons. In the G League, Oturu averaged 20.6 points (63.2% FG, 37.5% on 3-pointers), 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game last season.
Daniel Oturu was UNSTOPPABLE on offense last night ‼️ pic.twitter.com/yav5YySwq1
— Windy City Bulls (@windycitybulls) November 7, 2021
Houston has a full roster heading into training camp, though it’s believed that at least three players (Sterling Brown, Marquese Chriss and Trey Burke) will be traded or released prior to camp. Thus, roster constraints shouldn’t be a problem.
For Oturu, the decision might come down to how much risk he’s willing to accept and/or any assurances he receives from the team. If he believes there’s a legitimate chance to play his way on to the Rockets at backup center and eventually earn an NBA contract, that’s the most lucrative path — both professionally and financially.
On the other hand, if he thinks Houston is simply trying to secure his G League rights following a post-preseason release (once rosters need to be trimmed), then certain international deals could be more lucrative. After all, it’s not clear whether that same offer would be available at a later date. Time will tell as to Oturu’s answer.
