Does Usman Garuba take the next steps for the Rockets in 2022?

Usman Garuba didn't have an explosive entrance to the NBA with the Houston Rockets, but more minutes in 2022 could be a welcome sight.

While Rockets fans probably shouldn't expect some monumental jump from Usman Garuba during his second year in the NBA with so many other options on the roster, 2022 should at least be better than this past year for the rookie from Spain.

2021 was filled with injuries, losing, and a tough rotation to crack at times due to Houston doing everything in its power to see what would stick with their roster and personnel decisions.

For all intents and purposes, Garuba is going to look like a rookie on the team again this year, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing for the Rockets.

Changes are coming as the team tries to move on from some vets in favor of some younger options. Christian Wood could be on his way out, Alperen Sengun looks in position to score some more minutes, and a rookie big looks like a lock to join the rotation too, but there is still room for a few more guys to crack the rotation.

While limited minutes during one season is hard to judge a guy on, Garuba does have the talent to evolve into a rotational player over the course of the season.

Staying healthy, shooting well, and finding a way to up his defense are easy ways for Garuba to prove that he belongs on this roster and on the court as this team pulls itself out of the depths.

Garuba isn't going to wow anyone with his three-point shooting, similar to a Jae'Sean Tate at the four, but he can eat up space and provide another depth guy to lean on at the four or the five if he makes the most of this offseason and the reps he should get in the coming months.

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