In an official press release, the Golden State Warriors announced the two-way contract signing of former Houston Rockets big man Unman Garuba:
“The Golden State Warriors have signed center Usman Garuba to a two-way contract, it was announced today,” the Warriors wrote. “Garuba, 21, owns career averages of 2.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 12.2 minutes in 99 games (three starts) over two seasons with the Houston Rockets. Originally selected by the Rockets with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft, Garuba averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.45 steals and 1.00 blocks in 24.6 minutes over 11 games as a rookie with Houston’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Prior to the NBA, the Madrid, Spain, native spent three seasons with Real Madrid (2018-21) in Spain’s top league, Liga ACB. Garuba has competed internationally for his home country in both the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2023 FIBA World Cup.”
This is a solid signing for Golden State, who will get a low-risk look at a 21-year-old big man with some NBA experience. This could also be a great opportunity for Garuba, as the Warriors do not have much front court depth. Two-way players usually don’t get many NBA minutes, but Garuba could have his number called at some point next season.
