As expected, Tarik Black went undrafted, but he caught on with the Rockets’ summer-league teams and showed some promise.
The 6-foot-8 power forward is athletic and plays hard, though he lacks refinement. Maybe he’s a developmental prospect. After four years in college – three at Memphis followed by one at Kansas – Black doesn’t scream upside.
But Houston wants to see more.
Shams Charania of RealGM:
The Rockets' deal with summer league forward Tarik Black is for two years, partially guaranteed, league source tells RealGM.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2014
The Rockets, who reportedly also have interest in adding Ramon Sessions, are already facing a roster crunch. It’s unlikely they have space for Black.
Probably, this is just a way to get Black into their training camp. If they waive him, they can assign him to their own D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
But giving Black some guaranteed money, even if just a small amount, shows some commitment. That could give Black an edge when it comes to making the roster, or at minimum, it shows how badly Houston wanted him in the pipeline.
The Rockets have used the D-League well, so don’t be surprised to hear from Black at some point.
