Former Houston Rockets center Montrezl Harrell is working towards an NBA comeback, with a potential reunion in Houston looking possible. The 32-year-old, who was a Rockets second-round pick in 2015, recently participated in the Rio Grande Valley Vipers' open tryouts following his BIG3 season. Harrell's last NBA action came in the 2022-23 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Rockets' recent form shows a 2W-3L record in their last five games, including a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on 2026-05-02.
Montrezl Harrell's professional career began when the Houston Rockets selected him with the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He spent his first two seasons in Houston, averaging 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game. Harrell then developed into one of the league's most explosive reserves. His peak came with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he won the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year award. That season, he put up 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest off the bench.
His energy in the paint and efficiency on pick-and-roll plays made him a valuable asset. After stints with the Lakers, Wizards, and Hornets, Harrell played 57 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022-23. He hasn't appeared in an NBA game since, instead competing in the BIG3 league this past summer. His appearance at the Vipers' tryout is a clear step towards returning to the league.
The Rockets are always evaluating ways to add veteran presence and interior depth. Harrell knows the organization and could provide a spark with his relentless style of play. While his prime years are behind him, his experience as a former award winner could be valuable in a locker room. Houston's recent results have been mixed, with a sequence against the Lakers showing both promise and struggle.
They secured a 99-93 road win on 2026-04-30 and a dominant 115-96 home victory on 2026-04-27. But they also suffered close losses, like a 108-112 defeat on 2026-04-25 and a 101-94 loss on 2026-04-22. Adding a player like Harrell wouldn't be about star power now. It would be about adding a specific skill set and toughness for spot minutes. Fans can track the team's ongoing roster moves on our roster page.
The immediate next step is seeing if Harrell's tryout leads to a contract with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' NBA G League affiliate. A strong performance there would be his most direct path back to an NBA roster. For the Rockets, the offseason will involve many decisions about player development and roster construction. Integrating a veteran like Harrell would be a low-risk move with potential upside.
Harrell's attempt to return highlights the difficult transition many players face after leaving the league. His effort to fight his way back through the G League is a sign of his dedication. The Rockets' front office will weigh his current physical condition and fit with their long-term plans. Their recent 78-98 loss to close the season indicates areas that need addressing. Whether Harrell becomes part of that solution is not yet clear, but his journey back to the NBA is officially underway.
