Rafael Castro Waived By Houston Rockets After Brief Two-Way Stint

The Houston Rockets have officially waived 23-year-old two-way center Rafael Castro. Head coach Ime Udoka explained that the decision was driven by the team's abundance of big men in camp, including Oscar Tshiebwe. Castro, who went undrafted out of the 2026 NBA Draft Combine despite impressive athletic measurements, was initially signed in August to bolster frontcourt depth after a roster jam prevented a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. His departure leaves Houston's developmental center spot vacant.