Rockets 2022-2023 Player Review: Josh Christopher Showcases Growth Since G-League Stint
HOUSTON — TyTy Washington Jr. was not the only player who spent a portion of the 2022-23 campaign going back and forth from the G League to the Houston Rockets.
One of the most surprising moves earlier in the season was when the Rockets assigned Josh Christopher to the G League. The decision came a month after former coach Stephen Silas vowed that Christopher would not go down to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers despite his lack of playing time.
Silas credited building Christopher's confidence as the primary facet of his G League assignment. But the main objective for the second-year guard was to get himself back into a rhythm.
He averaged 25.5 points on 56.0 percent shooting from the field in five games with the Vipers.
The results led to Christopher finishing the season strong. In the 24 games post-All-Star, Christopher appeared in all 24 games and played a role in helping the Rockets add nine more wins since March 4.
Christopher's best game of the season took place in the Rockets' 124-103 win over the Denver Nuggets on April 4.
He played 18 minutes and added 13 points, three rebounds and three steals. Christopher was a part of the five-man lineup that held the Nuggets to seven points at the start of the fourth quarter.
"I love Josh," Silas said. "We have had a lot of talks about his playing time and what can get him on the court and how he can stay on the court longer. There was a time when he wasn’t in the rotation. We sent him to the G League. He came back and got into the rotation, and his minutes have been kind of up and down."
Silas said he and Christopher held several discussions and agreed a short stint in the G League would be best for both parties. And now it appears that a second year in the G League will result in Christopher playing a prominent role for the Rockets amid his third season.
Stats: Averaged 5.8 points and 1.1 assists in 64 games played with the Rockets.
Contract: Christopher will become entering the third season of his rookie contract next season.
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