The Houston Rockets have completely overhauled their two-way contract slots, adding three new players ahead of the 2026-27 training camp. Undrafted guards Quadir Copeland and Sean Pedulla, along with center Rafael Castro, will look to earn minutes under head coach Ime Udoka. The team's recent form shows a 2W-3L record in their last five outings, including a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
Quadir Copeland is a 23-year-old, 6'6"guard who joins after going undrafted. He averaged 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists as a senior at NC State." point guard who went undrafted in 2025. He played for several teams last season, including the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Wolves' G League team, he was named Rookie of the Year. Pedulla put up 23.6 points, 6.7 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. He's a reliable shooter, hitting 39.6 percent from deep in the G League.
Rafael Castro rounds out the trio. The 6'10" center was undrafted in 2026 after his senior year at George Washington. He averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. Castro is known for his speed, athleticism and work in the pick-and-roll. He is considered a good passer for a big man but lacks a consistent outside shot. At 224 pounds, adding strength will be a priority.
These moves signal a focus on adding young, athletic depth with specific skills. Copeland brings defensive versatility on the perimeter that Udoka values. His size for a guard could help the Rockets control matchups. Pedulla provides a scoring punch and playmaking from the backup point guard spot. His G League production suggests he can contribute offensively right away.
Castro offers a different look at center. His rim-running and shot-blocking could energize the second unit. The Rockets are betting on their development program to help these players grow. All three are 23 years old, giving the team a cluster of prospects on similar timelines.
Udoka demands tough, switchable defense. Copeland's physical profile makes him a natural candidate for that system. He can guard multiple positions and use his length to disrupt passing lanes. However, his ball security will need to improve to earn trust in the rotation. Pedulla's path to minutes is trickier. His offensive skills are clear, but his size presents a defensive challenge that often keeps players off Udoka's court.
Castro's fit is interesting. He can set solid screens and roll hard to the basket, a staple of NBA offenses. His ability to protect the rim aligns with defensive principles. But his lack of shooting range might limit how he's used in certain lineups. The preseason will be huge for all three to show they can execute the game plan. Their two-way status means they'll likely split time between the NBA and the G League.
The team's offseason moves come after a playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Their recent form was a mixed bag, with two wins and three losses in the final five games. The sequence was L-W-W-L-L, starting with a 107-98 loss to the Lakers on April 19, 2026. They bounced back with a 115-96 win on April 27 and a 99-93 road victory on April 30. But they closed the series with losses on May 2 (78-98) and April 25 (108-112). Adding young talent on two-way deals is a way to build depth for the long season ahead. These players represent cost-effective bets who could develop into rotation pieces.
