Houston Rockets Sign Nene Hilario
By Yoni Pollak
The Houston Rockets have signed PF/C Nene Hilario, according to Adrian Wojnarowski (The Vertical).
Free agent center Nene has agreed to a deal with Houston, sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2016
It’s a one-year, $2.9 million deal, according to Wojnarwoski.
Nene Hilario will be 34-years old when the season tips off in the fall. The veteran big man hasn’t played more than 70 games since the ’10-’11 season but has been productive when healthy. In 57 games with the Washington Wizards last season, Hilario averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.
More from Houston Rockets
- Houston Rockets and Texans: Two different coaches with one glaring similarity
- Houston Rockets: Dig in, make threes, win series
- Houston Rockets: The time to make a statement is now
- Houston Rockets: Rest Russell Westbrook for remainder of the OKC series
- Houston Rockets: G2: What has put the team in driver’s seat against OKC
The Rockets nearly signed Nene back in 2011 after nearly acquiring Pau Gasol. However, that trade fell through due to “basketball reasons” and Nene went on to sign a five-year deal elsewhere. Five summers later the Rockets have finally signed Nene and he’ll likely compete for the backup center role.
The Brazilian native is a more-than-respectable backup big man. He’ll be a good fit in Mike D’Antoni’s offense with his ability to finish down low and his above-average skills as a passer.
It’s a low risk move by GM Daryl Morey who will look to continue to add to this roster. The Rockets aren’t done yet and will likely make a few more moves as they get ready to open the season in a few months.
Next: In Morey We Trust? Not So Much
NBA Free Agency is officially underway and expect the Rockets to be involved in many rumors over the next few weeks.
Click here for more on the Rockets’ offseason.