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Michigan State Basketball: Deyonta Davis gets another shot with Rockets

By Connor Muldowney

TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - AUGUST 07: Deyonta Davis #23 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - AUGUST 07: Deyonta Davis #23 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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Could former Michigan State basketball star Deyonta Davis be facing his final opportunity to impress an NBA team after being claimed by the Rockets?

It’s been a long, bumpy road in the NBA for former Spartan Deyonta Davis. He’s gone from star freshman at Michigan State to potential lottery pick to second-rounder and now he’s bounced around on a few NBA rosters, looking for a home.

It looked like he would stick with Memphis as guys like Vince Carter and Marc Gasol had nothing but good things to say about him, but he spent just two years with the Grizzlies and averaged 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in his second season. He was then let go and picked up by the Atlanta Hawks where he played in nine games, averaging 4.0 points and 4.0 rebounds.

The Hawks waived him after signing a two-year deal this offseason which was a bit of a surprise but it didn’t take long for him to find a new home with the Houston Rockets.

This wasn’t blockbuster NBA news, by any means, but it was a big move in the career of Davis who is looking to find a spot where he fits best. Will Houston keep him on board through the summer and into the 2019-20 season? It’s possible, but he has a ton to prove.

Many have questioned Davis’ motor and lack of emotion. Some say he’s not passionate enough for the game. No matter who you talk to, there’s a different concern about Davis.

Why else would a 6-11, 237-pound athletic specimen at center not be able to cut it in the NBA? He was a shot-blocking machine at Michigan State and has all the talent in the world. How has that not yet translated?

Next. MSU Football: 10 post-spring bold predictions for 2019. dark

Maybe the Hawks waiving him was his wakeup call. Either way, he’s getting another opportunity, and third chances don’t often come in the NBA these days.

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