Houston Rockets make surprising move, assign preseason standout JD Davison to G-League
The preseason often serves as a stage for unheralded players to capture the hearts of fans, particularly those who emerge from obscurity. It’s a familiar narrative in basketball, where undrafted talents or former high picks seeking redemption can turn heads with their performances. This year, the Houston Rockets have witnessed this phenomenon firsthand, particularly with JD Davison, a player who appeared poised to make a significant impact.
The Rise of JD Davison
In the wake of Fred VanVleet’s unfortunate torn ACL, the Rockets found themselves in desperate need of a point guard. VanVleet, a crucial leader and the team’s floor general, left a gaping hole in Houston’s roster. Reed Sheppard, the only other pure point guard available, has been impressive, but the uncertainty surrounding the team’s backcourt made Davison’s presence even more vital.
Having been signed to a two-way deal after a stellar season in the G-League, Davison came with a reputation. His previous performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the G-League MVP title with averages of 25.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. Despite the buzz surrounding him, the signing of Davison passed largely under the radar—a typical fate for two-way contracts.
Impressive Preseason Performances
Davison took full advantage of the preseason to showcase his talent. In his first game against the Atlanta Hawks, he dazzled fans with a remarkable stat line: 17 points, four assists, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from beyond the arc, all on just nine shots. Over the course of the preseason, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.25 steals, while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and an impressive 47.1 percent from three-point range.
With these performances, Davison seemed to position himself as a potential candidate for Ime Udoka’s rotation. Fans and analysts alike began to envision a role for him, one that could help fill the void left by VanVleet.
Unexpected Assignment to G-League
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Rockets made the decision to assign Davison to their G-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Vipers. This move left many fans and observers scratching their heads, especially given his standout performances during the preseason. Despite playing only five games for the Rockets this season, where he averaged just under five minutes on the court, Davison’s potential seemed to warrant a longer look.
As the Rockets navigate their roster and seek to find the right balance, Davison’s journey reflects the unpredictable nature of professional basketball. While his time in the G-League may provide him with valuable playing time to further hone his skills, the assignment also serves as a reminder of the challenges that young players face in climbing the ranks of the NBA.
