Houston Rockets Add Former Local Standout Tyler Smith on Two-Way Deal

The Houston Rockets have brought home a familiar name, signing former local high school standout Tyler Smith to a two-way contract. The move adds a young, promising forward to the organization and returns a player with deep ties to Houston basketball.

Local Talent Returns to the City

Smith, a 19-year-old forward, previously starred at the prep level in the Houston area before entering the professional pathway program in the G League. He spent last season with the G League Ignite, where his size and shooting touch helped him rise among draft boards before going undrafted.

The Rockets signed him this week, giving him a chance to split time between the NBA roster and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Because two-way deals allow teams to develop young players without using a standard roster spot, the contract offers Smith a realistic pathway to meaningful minutes if he impresses during practices and G League assignments.

What Tyler Smith Brings to the Rockets

Smith offers a combination of length, mobility, and perimeter shooting. At 6-foot-10, he can space the floor and finish around the rim. He made steady progress last season, which caught the attention of several NBA evaluators.

The Rockets continue to prioritize versatile forwards who can defend multiple positions, and Smith fits that mold. His comfort playing inside and outside could help him carve out a role if he adapts quickly to the NBA pace.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

This signing reinforces the team's commitment to developing homegrown and near-homegrown talent. Houston fans often rally behind local athletes, and Smith’s return adds another connection between the franchise and the city’s strong high school basketball pipeline.

Additionally, the Rockets have used two-way contracts strategically under head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone. These deals let the coaching staff evaluate potential long-term contributors without rushing them into regular rotations.

What's Next

Smith is expected to join the Rockets for training camp and preseason activities. If he performs well, he could earn spot minutes during the regular season, especially when the team deals with injuries or needs additional frontcourt depth.

He will likely spend significant time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he can develop through consistent playing time and work closely with the organization’s developmental coaches.

For fans, his progress will be worth watching as the Rockets continue building a roster centered on youth, versatility, and long-term potential.

This article is a summary of reporting by Yahoo Sports. Read the full story here.