DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
J.J. Avila talks often about seizing opportunities whenever you can get them. So far, he’s done exactly that.
The McAllen native and former McAllen High standout learned late Wednesday afternoon he made the roster for the Houston Rockets’ summer league team that will play in the 24-team Las Vegas tournament beginning Friday. After not being picked in June’s NBA Draft, Avila was invited last week for a try-out to the Rockets’ summer camp and played well enough to make the team.
“It’s amazing to get another opportunity,” Avila said during a phone interview Wednesday night. “I’m happy. I’m excited. I’ve just been trying to make the most of the opportunities I have, and now this is the biggest one I’ve had in quite a long time. I’m ready to make the most of it again.”
Avila, 24, was one of four try-out players competing for a couple of spots in Rockets camp, which started Monday. The Rockets have held four practices since then and will have one more today before leaving for Las Vegas.
A Rockets summer league coach texted Avila about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday congratulating him about making the roster.
“I just tried to play hard,” Avila said. “Their offense and the defense are good for me. They’re almost the same as what I was doing in college the last two years. I just wanted to show what I can do.”
Defensively, Avila said the Rockets’ rotations, help-side defense and the way they defend the post were similar to how he played at Colorado State the last two years. Offensively, Houston is known for its open offensive versatility. The Rockets want players who can play multiple positions. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Avila said he played small forward, power forward and center during camp this week.
“I know I’m not going to get a lot of shot attempts, and that’s fine,” Avila said. “Every time a shot goes up, I just go get it. I’m getting steals, I’m getting offensive rebounds. I’m playing hard on defense, causing turnovers. I want to do the little stuff to help the team.”
The Rockets’ summer league roster includes second-year players Clint Capela and Nick Johnson, each of whom saw considerable time with D-League affiliate Rio Grande Valley last season, and rookies Sam Dekker (Wisconsin) and Montrezl Harrell (Louisville). Forward Christian Wood, out of UNLV, is also on the team and was one of the more notable players that went unselected during June’s draft.
“The team we have is really good,” Avila said. “The way we play, a lot of guys could see some time. Hopefully I can play a lot, but if not I’ll help my teammates by being a coach on the floor and doing whatever I can do. This is the highest level you can get to and I’m ready for it.”
The Rockets begin summer league play at 9 p.m. Friday against the D-League Select Team. They play again at 3:30 p.m. Sunday against Phoenix and 9 p.m. Monday against Toronto.
Games are scheduled to be broadcast on NBA TV and can be followed at nba.com.