Before the Rockets begin the business of this season's draft, they will turn toward a player taken last season.

Lior Eliyahu, whom the Rockets picked up with the Orlando Magic's second-round pick last season, arrived in Houston on Tuesday and will begin working out with Rockets coaches today in preparation for next month's summer league in Las Vegas.

Though the Rockets got the rights to Eliyahu, expecting him to need at least two more seasons in Europe, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Tuesday that Eliyahu's performance in workouts and summer league could determine if Eliyahu, a 6-9, 225-pound forward, earns a spot on next season's roster.

That would be fine with Eliyahu, but he said he also needs the next few weeks to learn if he is ready.

"In Israel it is the dream to be the first to play in the NBA," Eliyahu said. "I played last year for Maccabi Tel Aviv and had a pretty good season. (The Rockets) wanted for me, and any player, to come here and see the difference in playing in the NBA."

Via Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets

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