With as much roster turnover that takes place in the NBA over the course of an entire year, it's sometimes difficult to remember two-ways, or players near the end of the roster priority list on standard contracts.
It's especially difficult when Onsi Saleh is running the show in the front office. Getting attached to any player - outside of the immediate core - would be foolish.
Last season, not too long before opening night against the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta brought in Caleb Houstan. The potential of him finally hitting his stride in Atlanta was intriguing, as in spot minutes for the Orlando Magic over the course of two seasons, he looked like an excellent role player.
His ability to make defenses pay from beyond the arc will be heading to the Western Conference, as he was just picked up by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Houstan will have opportunity to prove he's worthy of a deal
Being this late into the offseason, any player that's picked up is usually via an Exhibit-10 contract, and that was the case for Houstan landing in Portland.
He'll likely have a chance to suit up with the main ball club in their final preseason action, but soon after, he could hit waivers.
However, this won't mark the end of his journey with the franchise, as his rights will almost certainly be retained by the organization's G League affiliate - the Rip City Remix.
From there, he can work his way up the ranks by showing out in the G League.
Several standout performances could eventually help him get inked to a two-way contract, and who knows, maybe that could be turned into a standard deal before the year's end.
In Atlanta, Houstan began his tenure on an Exhibit-10 deal. It was quickly converted into a two-way, and before the conclusion of the regular season, it was converted into a standard contract for the rest of the way.
Every team could use a reliable outside shooter, something Houstan is
Portland, in recent history, hasn't been the most consistent product from beyond the arc.
They've certainly addressed those struggles over the last year, bringing back Damian Lillard and trading for former Hawk Vit Krejci, but a team can never have too many quality outside shooters.
Houstan's shot at least 40% from deep in each of the last two seasons, and looks to do the same this time around. Portland may have landed a steal.
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