Rockets Convert Oscar Tshiebwe and Julian Phillips to Two-Way Contracts

The Houston Rockets finalized the back end of their opening roster Monday by converting center Oscar Tshiebwe and forward Julian Phillips to two-way contracts. The moves give Houston three two-way players alongside Quadir Copeland and create a direct developmental path between the Rockets and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Houston waived guard Sean Pedulla as part of the roster reshuffle.

Tshiebwe brings proven rebounding production. The former Kentucky National Player of the Year averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 27 NBA games with Utah last season, while posting 13.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game in the G League. Phillips, the No. 35 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, gives Houston a younger wing option. In 12 career G League games, the 6-foot-7 forward has averaged 19.0 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 41.4 percent from three.

Neither player needs to crack Houston’s regular rotation immediately for these moves to pay off. The two-way structure allows the Rockets to keep two experienced developmental pieces close while giving them consistent minutes with Rio Grande Valley. Tshiebwe’s rebounding provides an emergency frontcourt skill that can translate quickly, while Phillips offers positional size and shooting upside. With the regular season beginning this week, Houston has used its final roster decisions to preserve depth without sacrificing developmental opportunities.