Hours after the NBA Draft is over, many undrafted free agents get calls from teams asking them if they want deals for summer league or sign them to a partially guaranteed contract. Rarely teams sign a UDFA to a multi-year deal but don't tell the Houston Rockets that.
Right after the draft ended, the Houston Rockets signed Oregon State guard Gary Payton II to a three-year contract. The details of the contract aren't set yet but considering that Payton II was a UDFA, it is likely that the contract might not be guaranteed in terms of money. But either way, a three-year deal is very generous and gives Payton II a good chance of making the roster and proving his worth in the Summer League.
Payton II's time at OSU
Payton, who is famously known for being the son of former NBA point guard Gary Payton, was a good player in his time at Oregon State. He averaged 16 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. It's safe to say his impact was all around the court for the Beavers. One big criticism for Payton II is his shooting. He isn't the best shooter, shooting just 31.4% from three, but his 48% FG from the field makes up for it.
Rockets need point guard depth
Right now Houston doesn't exactly have a backup point guard. After starter Patrick Beverley, the Rockets don't have another point guard other than Nick Johnson. The way Houston plays, they don't need a point guard due to James Harden handling the ball on most possessions. But when he is on the bench, they need another ball handler. This is a good opportunity for Payton II.
He will have competition, however, as Houston signed Isiah Taylor who was a UDFA as well. Taylor played at Texas prior to declaring for the NBA draft. Houston also signed Gonzaga forward Kyle Wiltjer.