After getting signed just five days ago, the Houston Rockets have decided to release Ray Spalding after he suffered an Achilles injury in his second appearance Monday night, per Jonathan Feigen.
Spalding was signed to a two-way deal on Feb. 12, having played in two games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League Bubble. Spalding averaged 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks for the Vipers.
He played 19 total minutes in two games for the Rockets before suffering an Achilles injury Monday night against the Wizards. In his 19 minutes, Spalding put up four points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
The 23-year-old center was drafted 56th overall out of Louisville by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018 and has played 16 career NBA games to date. Spalding also played 67 career games in the G League, averaging 14.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
The time frame for Spalding’s return to play and his specific diagnosis has yet to be determined, but Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said that his “prognosis is not good” following the loss on Monday night.
