The Houston Rockets are making a move at the margins of their roster, and while it might not grab national headlines, it’s the kind of transaction that quietly reflects the front office’s long-term thinking. The team plans to sign 21-year-old forward Tyler Smith to a two-way contract, parting ways with guard Kevon Harris to make room.
Smith, the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, comes to Houston after a brief and largely developmental stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. His rookie year in Milwaukee was light on NBA action-just 122 minutes across 23 games-but that wasn’t entirely unexpected. He spent most of his time with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee’s G League affiliate, where he saw more consistent minutes but didn’t exactly light up the box score.
In 25 G League games with the Herd, Smith averaged 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His shooting splits-.415 from the field, .327 from three, and .824 from the line-suggest a player still trying to find his rhythm at the professional level. The potential is there, but the production hasn’t quite caught up yet.
After being waived by the Bucks in October, Smith entered the G League draft and was selected second overall by the Osceola Magic. His rights were quickly flipped to the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s affiliate, where he’s continued his developmental journey.
Through eight games this fall, Smith has posted averages of 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on .378/.243/.846 shooting. It’s a small sample size, but the numbers reflect a player still working through the adjustment to the pro game.
So why are the Rockets interested?
For starters, Smith fits the mold of a modern forward-6’9” with length, mobility, and a willingness to stretch the floor. While his shooting percentages need work, the form and confidence are there. Houston is betting on its player development infrastructure to help unlock the next level in his game.
This move also speaks to the Rockets’ broader strategy. At 13-5, they’ve been one of the surprise success stories of the season, blending a young core with a competitive edge.
Adding Smith on a two-way deal gives them a low-risk, high-upside project who can spend most of his time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s G League affiliate. Under the current rules, Smith can be active for up to 38 NBA games this season, giving the Rockets flexibility if injuries or matchups create an opportunity.
As for Kevon Harris, his departure closes a chapter that never really got started in Houston. The 28-year-old guard hadn’t appeared in a game for the Rockets this season. A seasoned G League player, Harris has logged 34 NBA games over two years on two-way deals with the Orlando Magic, but he was ultimately the odd man out in a crowded backcourt.
This isn’t a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of roster churn that can quietly pay dividends down the line. The Rockets are playing the long game-stacking talent, betting on development, and keeping their options open.
Tyler Smith may not be ready for prime time just yet, but Houston sees enough to give him a shot. Now it’s on him to make the most of it.