As NBA Free Agency continues to reshape rosters across the league, two under-the-radar moves could impact depth charts in Houston and Philadelphia. The Houston Rockets have officially waived center Jock Landale ahead of his July 7 guarantee date, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have added promising forward Jabari Walker on a two-way contract.
For Houston, parting ways with Landale signals a continued shift toward a younger, more athletic frontcourt built around Alperen Sengun and newly re-signed veteran Clint Capela. Landale, who signed with the Rockets after his stint in Phoenix, never fully found his footing in Houston’s rotation. His skill set—a floor-spacing big with decent mobility—should make him an attractive low-cost option for playoff contenders in need of depth. League insiders expect Landale to sign with his preferred destination quickly once waivers clear.
On the other end of the country, the Sixers continue to quietly bolster their roster by agreeing to a two-way NBA contract with forward Jabari Walker. Walker, who spent his first three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, appeared in 188 games, bringing energy, rebounding, and defensive hustle off the bench. The move is a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for a Philadelphia team that remains in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference.
Walker’s role with the Sixers will likely center around versatility on defense and the ability to space the floor in small-ball lineups. He has shown flashes of promise as a rebounder and floor-runner, and with Philadelphia’s recent injury woes and rotational gaps, this move gives them another option to develop.
Both moves may not grab headlines like blockbuster trades or supermax extensions, but in today’s NBA, depth wins games. For the Rockets, clearing Landale’s contract creates flexibility; for the Sixers, adding Walker offers a chance to unearth another useful contributor.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Jock Landale waived by Rockets before guarantee deadline.
- Jabari Walker signs two-way deal with Sixers after 3 seasons in Portland.
- Both moves highlight the value of roster flexibility and development.
