After missing the last six weeks with a fractured left wrist, rookie Usman Garuba is no longer on the injury report for the Houston Rockets, according to the new update for Sunday’s game in New Orleans.
According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Garuba was able to participate in Saturday’s light practice without restrictions.
Garuba, a 6-foot-8 forward who recently turned 20 years old, has played only sparingly with the Rockets in the 2021-22 season. The No. 23 pick of the 2021 NBA draft had logged more significant minutes for Houston’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.
With the Vipers, Garuba averaged 9.0 points (45.0% FG), 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes. In the long run, the Spanish big man is widely regarded as one of Houston’s best defensive prospects.
Given Houston’s rebuilding status and an obvious need to develop young talent, head coach Stephen Silas will likely try to find some minutes for Garuba over the final 15 games of the 2021-22 season. Garuba is the fourth member of Houston’s prized rookie class from the 2021 first round, joining Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Josh Christopher.
Rockets center Usman Garuba was able practice today for the first time since his surgery. He may be to play soon according to coach Silas. #Rockets #Sarge pic.twitter.com/zZXnzyfEZ7
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 12, 2022
