​The Houston Rockets announced on Wednesday that they have signed former NC State guard Quadir Copeland to a two-way contract. Copeland, who enjoyed a standout season at NC State, was named to the All-ACC third team after averaging 13.9 points, 6.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. He shot 39.7 percent from beyond the arc, and he also ranked 11th in the nation with 222 total assists, the 10th-most in a single season in program history. The undrafted guard is part of a group of players who posted at least 13 points, six assists and 1.7 steals per game last season. Copeland had four games with 10 or more assists, including a 16-assist performance on February 3, which marked the most assists by a player in a game without a turnover over the past seven years.
Copeland began his college career at Syracuse, playing two seasons there before transferring to McNeese State for his junior year. In the 2024-25 season with McNeese State, he earned All-Southland Conference second-team honors after posting averages of 9.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. Now 22 years old, Copeland will split his time next season between the NBA and the Rockets’ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He is eligible to appear in up to 50 NBA games and will earn $678,882, which equates to 50 percent of the minimum salary for a player with zero years of service.
In addition to his two-way contract status, Copeland will participate in the NBA Summer League with the Rockets, starting this Friday against the Denver Nuggets in Las Vegas. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN2. The Rockets’ acquisition of Copeland marks another step in their efforts to blend experienced depth with promising young talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This note about Copeland’s signing originated with Rookie Wire, which covered the Rockets’ decision to add an undrafted guard to a two-way contract, highlighting the potential for increased SEO reach and visibility. The move underscores the Rockets’ plan to leverage Copeland’s playmaking ability and shooting prowess as they navigate the demands of a demanding NBA calendar while continuing to develop talent through their G League system. Copeland’s versatility as a guard who can distribute, shoot from long range, and contribute on the defensive end makes him a compelling fit for a team seeking depth and future upside. The combination of his assist numbers, scoring ability and prior success in different college environments adds a intriguing dimension to Houston’s roster-building strategy as they enter the new season.