Waived By Houston Rockets, Kyle Fogg Set to Join NBA D-League Affiliate?

As NBA teams inch closer and closer to the regular season, more cuts are being made as each one fine tunes its roster.

Many NBA hopefuls who aimed to prove themselves during training camp are often the victims of these said cuts, and thus, many D-League players will get set to return to the minors in order to keep developing their game. Staying motivated is key, as who knows what opportunities may come their way in the near or distant future?

But as the door closes (for now) on certain NBA dreams, some amazing new doors open for others. Despite going undrafted in this past summer's NBA Rookie Draft, former University of Arizona guard Kyle Fogg quickly caught on with the Houston Rockets, joining them for Summer League in Las Vegas.

But even that experience didn't grant Fogg too much exposure. Though he did have a chance to practice and work out with other talented players on the verge of making the NBA like himself, the guard only had one opportunity to hit the hardwood in a formal contest. He did, however, log 22 minutes of work during the game.

And coincidentally enough, that was all the exposure he ended up needing. By taking part in Summer League, NBA prospects know full well that they're not only going out to impress the team whose uniform they don, but everyone else too. Other teams may be chomping at the bit to sign them once the summer session is all said and done.

But the Rockets didn't allow that to happen. After having him a part of the team and seeing him compete in practice, Houston was still pleased with Fogg enough to invite him to training camp this fall.

Joining the team last month for camp, the experience has already came and went for Fogg, who also only played in one preseason matchup. That said, the Rockets are looking to keep him in the fold once again. The former Arizona standout is reportedly getting set to join the NBA squad's D-League affiliate, the Rio Valley Grande Vipers.

As a rule, an NBA squad can "protect" three players they cut from camp for their own D-League affiliate. Perhaps Fogg isn't quite 100% ready to be a contributor at this moment and time, but the Rockets see enough in him to warrant desiring to keep a closer eye on the guard as he develops.

Fogg couldn't agree more that the D-League is the best route to go when it comes to working towards breaking into The Association. As RidiculousUpside.com contributor Gino Pilato noted earlier this month, Fogg has been more than open to the idea since the start of camp.

Passing on certain international opportunities in favor of a shot in the D-League, it's evident Fogg believes the NBADL is the best way to get noticed by an NBA team. As fate would have it, he's already got the attention of one, and if he shows even more positive signs in the minors, it's possible he won't be there for very long at all.