Rockets keeping Lamb in the fold
Forward Anthony Lamb on Saturday signed his qualifying offer to return to the Rockets, a person with knowledge of the move said, bringing the Rockets’ training camp roster to the maximum of 20 players.
Lamb played last season with the Rockets on a twoway contract. He and rookie forward Matthew Hurt will go to camp this month with two-way contracts, among the group competing for the team’s final roster spots. Guards Armoni Brooks and Daishen Nix and forward Tyler Bey will be in camp with exhibit 10 contracts that can be converted to two-way deals.
Lamb, 23, played 24 games with the Rockets last season. He struggled with his shot initially after he was called up from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. But in his last 15 games, he made 39.2 percent of his 3s, indicating potential as a stretch four.
He showed greater strength and fitness during his summer league play, improvement Rockets assistant coach Will Weaver said was from diligent off-season work.
“The biggest focus this summer is defense,” the 6-6 Lamb said at the end of summer league. “I just went out trying to figure out how I can make myself more versatile, being able to switch onto multiple people, guard whoever comes against me. I’m trying to use my voice and talk to make sure that I’m really effective on that end.”
Jonathan Feigen Jordan traded, bound for Lakers: The Detroit Pistons acquired veteran center DeAndre Jordan in a multiplayer trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Pistons are expected to buy out the Texas A&M product, and he reportedly plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers.
The Pistons also got four second-round picks and cash considerations from the Nets for forward Sekou Doumbouya and center Jahlil Okafor. The Nets, who saved millions in salary and luxury tax by moving Jordan, haven’t said whether they plan to keep either of their new acquisitions.
Mercury streak at 8: Former Baylor standout Brittney Griner scored 22 points, Skylar DigginsSmith and Kia Nurse each added 14, and visiting Phoenix used a big third quarter to beat the Indiana Fever 87-65 for its eighth straight victory.
Phoenix closed the third quarter on a 18-0 run, highlighted by Sophie Cunningham’s two 3-pointers in 12 seconds, to build a 76-53 lead.
Griner made her fifth career 3-pointer, and Brianna Turner grabbed 11 rebounds for Phoenix (1710). Kelsey Mitchell led
Indiana (6-20) with 18 points.