He can only be sent to the D -league if he makes the team first. You are trying to back out. Novak and Brooks were both sent to the D-league and nobody could argue they did not make the team.
There is nothing technical about it. Dorsey would still be on the 15 man roster if he's sent to D-League. It's the same status as being inactive for a game.
Ok fine..cut straws will ya. I will forgo the 10 rebounds and just say he needs to be in a Rockets uniform and on the sideline at the beginning of the season. Not in the NBDL, not whether or not he is on a 15 man inactive list. But on the sideline at the beginning of the season. cut and dry.