NBA News: Rockets Waive Center; Celtics' Pursuit Ends

David

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Post on Jul 06, 2025

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NBA News: Rockets Waive Center Usman Garuba; Celtics' Pursuit Officially Ends

The Houston Rockets have waived center Usman Garuba, ending any potential pursuit by the Boston Celtics and opening a new chapter for the young Spanish big man. This move, announced late Tuesday, comes as a surprise to some, but signifies a shift in the Rockets' roster strategy as they continue their rebuild. The Celtics, who had reportedly shown interest in acquiring Garuba, will now have to look elsewhere to bolster their frontcourt depth.

Garuba's Time in Houston: A Story of Potential Unfulfilled

Garuba, selected 23rd overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, showed flashes of potential during his two seasons with the Rockets. His athleticism, defensive instincts, and impressive wingspan made him an intriguing prospect. However, consistent playing time proved elusive, hampered by injuries and the team's overall developmental focus. His limited offensive game also hindered his progress to becoming a consistent contributor. While his defensive potential remains tantalizing, his lack of consistent offensive production ultimately contributed to this decision.

Celtics' Frontcourt Needs Remain Unmet

The Boston Celtics, having reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, were reportedly eyeing Garuba as a potential depth piece to add versatility and defensive prowess to their frontcourt rotation. Their interest, however, ultimately didn't translate into a trade or acquisition. With this waiver, the Celtics' frontcourt needs remain unaddressed, leaving them to explore other options in free agency or potential trades before the start of the regular season. Their pursuit of a versatile big man continues, and fans will be watching closely to see how they address this need.

What's Next for Usman Garuba?

Garuba now enters the free agency market, giving him a chance to find a team where he can receive more playing time and continue to develop his skills. Several teams could be interested in taking a chance on his considerable potential. His size, athleticism, and defensive prowess are attractive qualities, even if his offensive game needs refinement. The key for Garuba will be finding a team with a coaching staff willing to invest in his development and provide the necessary opportunities for growth. Look for teams needing frontcourt depth to be closely monitoring his situation.

The Rockets' Roster Restructuring

This move by the Rockets signals a clear intention to streamline their roster and focus on developing their core young players. By waiving Garuba, they've created more roster flexibility and potentially opened up opportunities for other players to compete for minutes. This decision aligns with the Rockets' long-term strategy of building through the draft and developing young talent. This is a calculated risk, but one that reflects their commitment to a long-term rebuild.

Conclusion: The waiver of Usman Garuba marks a significant development for both the Houston Rockets and potentially interested teams like the Boston Celtics. While Garuba's NBA journey in Houston has concluded, his future remains bright, and his next destination will be closely watched by NBA fans and analysts alike. The Rockets' strategic roster move continues their rebuilding efforts, while the Celtics will need to look elsewhere to address their frontcourt needs. This situation highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the NBA offseason.