Former Rockets first-round pick urges media to stop spreading fake news

The 2021 NBA Draft was crucial for the Houston Rockets, as they were midway through a full-scale rebuild and were armed with a bevy of first-round picks, which was a bit unusual for the franchise . The Rockets no longer had their All-NBA backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, nor Mike D’Antoni or Daryl Morey at the helm.

The Rockets grabbed Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba in the first round and became one of the youngest teams in the league. The first two seasons of this class were supposed to be a period of ramping up, which is normal for younger, less polished players.

However, several of the four selected didn’t quite live up to the expectations of a first-round pick. Christopher was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies last season, who then released him, and Garuba was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last season.

Less than a week later, Garuba was dealt again to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who released him before the start of the 2023-24 season. Garuba signed with the Golden State Warriors, who used him sparingly (to put it politely).

However, he played considerable time for their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, and averaged 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 blocks, one steal and 65.1 percent on the ground. According to EuroHoops, the 22-year-old center is set to return to EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid, who would surely love to secure his services again.

In a now-deleted post on . or return to the club that made him a first-round prospect.

“I don’t usually write here, but this time I have to.

I understand every reporter/insider and the work they do, but they need to respect the players and teams instead of providing fake news without knowing anything about what’s going on.

My future is not yet decided, so stop spreading fake news. We continue to work. THANKS.”

According to reports, Garuba could potentially have a multi-year deal on the table to return to the EuroLeague.

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