The Houston Rockets have added center Rafael Castro on a two-way deal while waiving guard Tristen Newton to create the roster spot.

Castro entered the professional ranks after completing his redshirt senior season at George Washington and becoming eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.

At the NBA Draft Combine, he recorded a 9-foot-1.5-inch standing reach and a 7-foot-1.25-inch wingspan.

He later played with Milwaukee during the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.

Before arriving at George Washington, Castro spent three years at Providence, including a redshirt freshman campaign.

He became a consistent starter after transferring, opening all 63 games during his final two college seasons.

Across those two years, Castro produced 14.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.52 blocks and 1.48 steals per game while converting 64.4 percent of his field-goal attempts.

His defensive performance earned him consecutive Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team honors.

Castro was also named a finalist for the 2025-26 Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year Award.