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DJ Augustin joins Rockets front office
Kelly Iko: Former NBA guard D.J. Augustin is joining the Houston Rockets in a front office capacity, sources tell @TheAthletic. The 37-year-old, who played for Houston in 2021, spent 14 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2024.
Jorge Sierra: Donovan Mitchell moved ahead of Derrick Rose in scoring last night. He's No. 252 all-time now. Also: Jerami Grant passed Yao Ming, Marcus Camby and DJ Augustin.
DJ Augustin: Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the game I’ve loved for so long. Basketball has been more than a sport, it has been a journey filled with unforgettable memories, friendships, lessons and experiences beyond the court. From growing up in New Orleans, with a dream of making it to the NBA to having a 15 season career, fulfilling that dream. I’m grateful for every high and every low, every team, every city, and every fan who’s supported me and my family along the way.
DJ Augustin: I want to thank my wife for making every house a home, my children for being my motivation, my parents for their sacrifices, my sisters and my family for their unwavering support. I’m thankful for my teammates for the brotherhood we share. To my coaches and staff, thank you for your guidance. To the fans, your love and support has made this journey unforgettable. As I walk into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the values that basketball has taught me: resilience, hard work, and dedication. I may be retiring as a player, but I’ll always be connected to this game we all love. Thank you for being apart of my story.
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Michael Jordan, especially early on his tenure as owner, was hands-on. He would make himself accessible to players. Occasionally, he even reminded them of why he’s, arguably, the greatest player of all time. Gerald Henderson: We were getting our ass kicked for about a week. I show up to the training room the next morning. I was a rookie so I had to get my stuff out of the way first and he’s already in there stretching and he’s got practice gear on. I said “What are you about to do, man?” He said “I’m gonna come up there and kick y’all ass.” He’s in there talking s–t for however long. He comes up there and he gets into our scrimmages. He jumped on our second team. Our first team had like Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, and — who else started that year? — Boris Diaw. On our second team it was me, Derrick Brown, DJ Augustin, maybe Tyrus Thomasand somebody else. He looked like prime Michael Jordan, without the quickness and the jumping ability. But it was just all MJ work. Talking smack the whole time.
Participants included former NBA players Metta World Peace, Otis Thorpe, Mario Elie, Gerald Green, DJ Augustin, Derek Harper, Cadillac Anderson, Ryan Hollins, and Trevor Ariza; former NFL players Yancey Thigpen and Vince Young; Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards; and professional long driver and 2022 XLD Texas League champion John Zook, whose team finished first.
Kelly Iko: The Houston Rockets plan to sign veteran point guard D.J. Augustin to a minimum rest-of-season contract, source confirms to @TheAthletic. Team had to have at least 14 players under contract by 3/23.
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Ky Carlin: Notable free agents still available: LaMarcus Aldridge Dwight Howard DeMarcus Cousins Montrezl Harrell Hassan Whiteside Carmelo Anthony Trevor Ariza Blake Griffin Paul Millsap Rodney Hood Andre Iguodala Jeremy Lamb Ben McLemore DJ Augustin Dennis Schroder Rajon Rondo
D.J. Augustin, who joined the Lakers just in time for the bottoming out, said he senses a shift within the locker room. “Internally we feel like we’re a great team and we can do something special,” said Augustin, who was perfect from the field on seven shots and buried six 3-pointers. “Make a run. Get into the playoffs. And make a run in the playoffs.”
Augustin did not miss a shot in the first half, making all six of his shots from the field and all five of his threes, for 17 first-half points. He didn’t miss a shot the entire game, going seven for seven from the field and six for six from three-point range. Augustin credited LeBron James and Russell Westbrook for having faith in him and passing him the ball during the Lakers’ 131-120 win over the Cavaliers. “Just being ready to shoot,” Augustin said. “Playing with guys like Bron and Russ, they create and draw so much attention and they’re so willing at passing and finding guys. All we have to do is be ready to catch and shoot and knock it down. Just staying ready. That’s the biggest thing.”
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