The Houston Rockets have signed center Thon Maker and guard Markquis Nowell to training camp contracts, according to Jonathan Feigen. Both players will look to make an impact and earn a spot on the roster for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Maker, the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, has previously played for the Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He has not appeared in the NBA since 2021 when he averaged 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.5 minutes per game with the Cavaliers. Since then, Maker has played internationally, most recently with Al Riyadi Club Beirut in the Lebanese Basketball League.
Maker found success overseas, helping Al Riyadi win the inaugural West Asia Super League (WASL) championship in 2024, where he was named WASL MVP. He also played a key role in Al Riyadi’s victory in the Basketball Champions League Asia, where he earned a spot in the Tournament Top Five. Last season, Maker averaged 15.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
Nowell, a standout guard from Kansas State, has been signed to bolster Houston’s backcourt depth. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Nowell signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.
