There’s no photo yet of Montrezl Harrell on the team’s website, but the former University of Louisville power forward is officially on the roster of the Houston Rockets today.
Thus begins his career in the National Basketball Association.
Despite being drafted in the second round, Harrell’s future with the Rockets had been in limbo for a few weeks because Houston was near the ceiling on the team’s salary cap. According to the House of Houston, “the Rockets would have to convince him to sign for the minimum salary of about $507,500 which is definitely something the team can afford.”
The Rockets didn’t get off that easily, however. Harrell was signed for a three-year deal worth $3.1 million, ESPN reported Friday. He also signed a contract with Nike.
During Las Vegas summer league action, Harrell averaged 16.5 points and eight rebounds in four contests, including a showing of 24 points and 12 rebounds (10 offensive) against the Philadelphia 76ers in the final game.
He will be remembered by UofL fans for his enthusiasm following all of those monstrous dunks, completing a record 221 slams during his three seasons at Louisville. The most memorable of all of them coming against Michigan in that 2013 national championship game, soaring from the free throw line, throttling a national TV audience.
Harrell was represented in the negotiations by Rich Paul, the same agent who represents Lebron James.