By KEVIN L. SMITH
The Houston Rockets converted Rochester native Nate (Jeenathan) Williams to a two-way deal, according to NBA.com’s transaction log.
Williams’ upgraded deal means he has a spot on Houston’s roster and a guaranteed NBA salary. The former University at Buffalo standout will also split time between the Rockets and their G-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Williams signed a training camp deal with the Rockets in August. The move came after he was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers in July.
In five preseason games for Houston, the ex-University Prep Charter star averaged 8.6 points-per-game on 63.3% shooting in just 10.2 minutes-per-game. Williams’ best preseason game for Houston was a 19-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 18.
Williams signed with the Blazers on April 1. In five regular-season contests for Portland, Williams averaged 10.6 PPG, 25.4 MPG, 3.0 RPG and 2.0 APG. Williams was also part of the Blazers’ NBA Summer League squad this year.
He was not picked in last year’s NBA draft, but joined the Utah Jazz during the 2022 NBA Summer League season.
Williams played for the Utah’s G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Appearing in 32 games and starting 28 of them for the Stars, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG and 29.8 MPG.
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