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Usman Garuba's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Rockets Roster
July 30, 2021
Usman Garuba turned a breakout EuroLeague season into the No. 23 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
The 19-year-old from Spain has spent the past three years playing for Real Madrid. He appeared in all 74 games for the club between Liga ACB and EuroLeague during the 2020-21 season.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Usman Garuba
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'8"
Pro Comparison: Serge Ibaka
Scouting Report: Defense and effort have helped Garuba earn minutes in Euroleague since he was 17 years old. He's limited offensively, but he can still add value as a finisher and passer while making the right rotations, playing physical and sliding with guards around the perimeter.
Rockets Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)
John Wall, PG: $42.8M (2023)
Eric Gordon, SG: $18.9M (2024)
Christian Wood, PF: $13.7M (2023)
Jalen Green, SG: $7.5M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)
D.J. Augustin, PG: $7M (2023)
Avery Bradley, PG: $5.9M (Team option)
Danuel House, SF: $3.7M (2022)
Alperen Sengun, C: $2.7M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)
Usman Garuba, PF/C: $2M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)
Josh Christopher, SG: $1.9M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)
Kevin Porter Jr., SG: $1.6M (2023)
Jae'Sean Tate, SF: $1.5M (2023)
Kenyon Martin Jr., SF: $1.4M (2024)
Khyri Thomas, SG: $1.3M (2024)
Kelly Olynyk, PF: UFA
Dante Exum, PG: UFA
DJ Wilson, PF: RFA
Sterling Brown, SG: UFA
David Nwaba, SG: UFA
Cam Reynolds, F: RFA
Cameron Oliver, PF: RFA
Anthony Lamb, SF: RFA
Armoni Brooks, SG: RFA
Garuba was named the EuroLeague's Rising Star and Liga ACB Best Young Player last season. He averaged 5.6 points on 46.1 percent shooting and 5.3 rebounds per game in the ACB.
While still developing his offensive game, Garuba has the potential to be an impact player early in his career because of his size and length on defense. He has to become a more refined scorer to reach his full potential, but the upside is off the charts for the Rockets.
Houston also added Jalen Green of the NBA G League Ignite at No. 2 overall, Besiktas center Alperen Sengun at No. 16 and Arizona State guard Josh Christopher at No. 24 on Thursday.