Rockets Rumors: G League MIP Michael Frazier Signs Contract with Houston

The Houston Rockets are stocking up ahead of the NBA playoffs, as they will sign G League guard Michael Frazier, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Saturday. The 25-year-old was named the 2018-19 G League Most Improved Player while playing for Houston's Rio Grande Valley affiliate. 

In 45 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers this season, Frazier has averaged 16.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals. 

Frazier went undrafted out of the University of Florida in 2015 but signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on Aug. 25. He played in four preseason games before the Lakers placed Frazier on waivers just two months later. 

Houston is likely adding him to help soften the blow should postseason injuries strike. The Rockets have learned the importance of depth the hard way, as this season got off to a rocky start because of injuries. 

Center Clint Capela missed 15 games in January and February with a thumb surgery. Guard Gerald Green missed a five contests from March 22 to April 3 with a strained adductor. 

Most importantly, point guard Chris Paul didn't play from Dec. 20 to Jan. 27 while he recovered from a strained left hamstring, the same injury (though on the opposite leg) that kept him out of Games 6 and 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals. His loss may have been the difference in the Golden State Warriors' seven-game series win.

Through it all, reigning MVP James Harden has carried the Rockets with a streak of 32 consecutive games with at least 30 points and a 36.2 points per game average overall. While Frazier won't be the reason the Rockets win a championship, he could help prevent injuries from being the reason the Rockets fall short.

The Rockets own a 52-28 record—good for the third seed in the Western Conference—and are seeking their first championship since 1995.