Rafael Castro, a 23-year-old big man who was recently signed to a two-way contract back in August, has officially parted company with the Houston Rockets after being waived.
After dismissing Tristen Newton to create a two-way space with Sean Pedulla and Quadir Copeland, Houston first targeted Castro. By taking a low-risk gamble on a developing big man, the front staff saw an opportunity to shift toward frontcourt depth.
It made logical sense to create a new dynamic at the time because all three of
their two-way contracts were awarded to guards. I was really aback when I learned that Castro had been waived in part because of this.
It’s difficult to determine how much of a chance he was given considering his brief tenure on the team, and his departure brings an abrupt end to what appeared to be a promising growth player. He was not even able to play for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, an NBA G League Associate team.
Castro looked good throughout the NBA free agency and pre-draft. He was not selected on draft night despite being 6-foot-11, having a wingspan of more than seven feet, and having a 36.5-inch vertical leap at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. He was soon linked to a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to early reports. Although he played for Milwaukee in both the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League, a roster jam prevented that deal from being finalized, which allowed Houston to sign him as an unrestricted free agent.
Castro’s raw physical skills, paint finishing, and rim protection were his main selling points at the age of 23. These qualities would complement Ime Udoka’s teaching methods. However according to the Houston Chronicle’s Varun Shankar, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka explained why the franchise decided to cut Castro. Udoka also expressed that the team is considering multiple candidates to fill the open two-way roster spot.
“Our abundance of bigs in camp, having three and then Oscar [Tshiebwe] is here, playing really well.”
The Rockets have quietly put together a strong youth core this offseason, but Castro’s waiver has left their developmental center spot vacant once more. Who will receive the Rockets’ third and last two-way contract?
