Last July, the Houston Rockets and general manager Rafael Stone opted to use the No. 23 overall selection on Usman Garuba. A 19-year-old power forward listed at 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, many scouts saw Garuba having potential to become a high-level defender in the NBA.
Prior to any U.S. experience, Garuba had developed a reputation as a phenomenal defensive prospect with Spain’s Real Madrid. He averaged only 3.1 shot attempts per game during 38 Euro League games but flashed plenty of athletic potential to justify a dice roll from Houston.
The hope was that Garuba’s 7-foot-3 wingspan could eventually transform into a doable offensive player and elite defender for head coach Stephen Silas, with potential to grow into more on offense.
