News for Usman Garuba - 2022 8 Category, $200 Cap, 4G/4F/2C

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Sat Oct 21 202307:00NBA Draft 2023: Second-Round Rookies to Watch Early
It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it?Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, the opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA. 

Introduction

I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2023 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2023-24 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence.As I will frequently emphasize and reiterate: in 2023, there is very little difference between the vast majority of second-round draft picks and undrafted free agents--it always all comes down to the skillsets they possess, their capacity for growth, and the situations they've landed in.Seasons will be made and broken with early identification of the diamond-in-the-rough rookies. I used to list out the many examples from the past season in this introduction portion, but we are now in a beautiful era where there are just too many to count. There is also very little separating the featured players below and those dubbed "Honorable Mentions"--so put in the work and keep an eye out throughout the regular season for who is receiving and seizing their opportunities. 

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Mon Aug 21 202316:14Usman Garuba Waived By Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Usman Garuba has been waived by the organization on Monday. Garuba was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Atlanta Hawks in June. A week later, Garuba was traded from Atlanta to OKC. The 22-year-old wasn't able to secure a spot on the Thunder roster, so they decided to let him go. Last season, Garuba averaged 3.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 12.9 minutes per game in 75 games with the Houston Rockets. He should be able to find another organization, but isn't likely to have fantasy value this upcoming season.
Source: Michael ScottoRotoBaller.com
Sun Jul 2 202309:44Usman Garuba, TyTy Washington Traded To Atlanta
The Houston Rockets traded forward/center Usman Garuba and guard TyTy Washington Jr. alongside two future second-round draft picks to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, receiving the draft rights to Alpha Kaba in return. The move helped Houston to open up some extra cap room to finish off their free agency dealings. Atlanta grabbed a pair of young players and extra draft assets. Garuba, who was a first-round pick back in 2021, will strengthen a John Collins-less Hawks frontcourt, while Washington will battle for backcourt minutes. The Kentucky product didn't do a lot in the NBA during his rookie campaign in 2022-23, but he flashed potential in the G League, averaging 26.6 points with 6.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists.
Source: Shams CharaniaRotoBaller.com
Sat Jul 9 202221:01Usman Garuba To Miss Summer League
Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba (ankle) will miss the rest of the summer league. The young forward suffered a sprained right ankle, which will force him to the sideline. The 21-year-old played 10 minutes per game across 24 contests last season. It's unlikely that his minutes are going to rise heading into next season. The Rockets used the No. 3 overall pick to select forward Jabari Smith Jr. in the most recent NBA Draft. The departure of Christian Wood might open up a few minutes for Garuba off the bench. He did have a 14 rebound game last season. However, it would likely take a few injuries for Garuba to get legitimate minutes in the rotation next season.
Source: Jonathan FeigenRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 30 202219:43Usman Garuba To Make His First Start On Wednesday
Houston Rockets rookie forward Usman Garuba will make the first start of his NBA career in Wednesday night's game against the Sacramento Kings. He will be joined in the starting unit by Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Garrison Mathews and Jae'Sean Tate. The Rockets are without Alperen Sengun (leg) and Christian Wood (hamstring) for the game and Wood has been ruled out for the season. Garuba, who stands 6'8", will function as the team's center while on the court on Wednesday. He's a scrappy defender and a solid rebounder. We'll see if the extended minutes can lead to some decent statistical production.
Source: Jackson GatlinRotoBaller.com