The Houston Rockets on Friday called up center Ray Spalding from their NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and signed him to a two-way contract. It is the Vipers’ first call-up of the season and their 45th all-time.
Spalding recorded a double-double in both of the Vipers’ games this season, averaging 18.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks. He appeared in 20 games for Rio Grande Valley last season prior to signing a two-way contract with Charlotte on Jan. 15, 2020.
In a related move, the Rockets waived guard Brodric Thomas, who was transferred to the Vipers prior to the start of the season.
Thomas had been a key performer statistically in the first two games of the season, averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 assists. Thomas is still in the G League bubble at the Wide World of Sports Resort at Disney, near Orlando, but he is no longer on the Vipers’ roster, according to Vipers officials.
The Vipers (1-1) return to action at 2 p.m. Saturday against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (0-2).
