Ponds was solid in summer league. One thing was for sure and that he wasn't turning the ball over which is gonna give you a chance to win at the next level.
James Harden is regularly playing with Chris Clemons. James I think really trusts his game more as a spot up 3 point specialist, Clemons has a deep 3 point shot, plus a corner 3, can attack the basket with both hands, has a muscular frame. Chris Clemons will come off the bench to play with Harden and the Second Unit, when Russell rests.
Well, actually... Most likely, Clemons will be converted to a two-way contract at some point prior to the start of the regular season, ESPECIALLY if the Rockets really like him and want to keep him long-term. Converting him is the only way to negotiate a long-term deal with him this season using a portion of the MLE (just like they TRIED to do with House last season). Of course, if/when that happens, one of Ponds or McDowell-White will need to be waived. Assuming that player clears waivers, he could still be added to the Vipers as an "affiliate player".
(The full Bobby Marks post... but click on his link to reward him if you believe in such things) Houston eliminated $1.8M in financial exposure when they converted the Shamorie Ponds and William McDowell-White contract into a Two-Way. Both players were originally signed on July 2 to a standard contract but did not have an Exhibit 9 in each contract. An Exhibit 9 protects the team in case a player suffers a long-term injury. For example, Houston would have owed $898K to Ponds if he suffered a season ending injury. The team would have been charged the cap hit plus a $700K+ tax variance. The exhibit was not allowed because the Rockets at the time did not have 14 players on the roster. Both Two-Way contracts would eventually be converted into a standard contract but this time with an Exhibit 9 attached. If either player suffers an injury during camp, Houston is now only responsible for $6K. The two players also have an Exhibit 10 in their contract allowing them to receive a $50K bonus if they spend 60-days with the Rockets G-League team in Rio Grande.
The rockets unofficially drafted ponds and he was signed to two way deal. No surprises, rockets give young players shot.