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by: Kris Gardner. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Naismith, USBWA, WBHOF, and Wooden awards.
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Rockets Sign Usman Garuba
Posted: August 16, 2021 -- 3:20 p.m.
Monday afternoon, the Houston Rockets announced they have signed forward Usman Garuba, who was the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. After competing for the Spanish national team in the Olympics, the 19-year-old Garuba joined the Rockets entry in the 2021 NBA Summer League, which runs through August 17 in Las Vegas.
Rookie scale contracts are guaranteed for the first two years, with team options on the third and fourth years.
Garuba's salary will be approximately $2.353 M in 2021-22; $2.471 M in '22-23; $2.588 M in '23-'24; and $4.392 M in '24-'25.
Garuba (6'8", 220) spent last season with Real Madrid in Spain's Liga ACB and was the recipient of the ACB Best Young Player award along with being named the EuroLeague Rising Star, recognizing the top player under the age of 22.
Including their run to the ACB championship game, Real Madrid posted a 38-5 mark, with Garuba averaging 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game. During the EuroLeague playoffs, he became the youngest player in the competition's postseason history to record a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds vs. Anadolu Efes.
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