No deal is finalized yet, but the Rockets are closing in on a deal with big man Tim Ohlbrecht, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). As I outlined this morning, Houston is one of 14 NBA teams with at least one open roster spot, so the club wouldn't have to waive a player to make room for Ohlbrecht.
Ohlbrecht has spent the season playing for the Rockets' D-League affiliate. In 32 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the 6'11" German is averaging 13.4 PPG and 7.4 RPG in 26.6 minutes per contest. He also earned a spot in the D-League's All-Star Game earlier this month.
Agent Tyler Glass told Emiliano Carchia of Sportando last week that Ohlbrecht had turned down a 10-day contract offer from the Celtics, which makes more sense now that the Rockets appear ready to sign him. If past deals with young players like Greg Smith are any indication, Houston is likely to make Ohlbrecht a contract offer that includes at least one team option, though that's just my speculation.
That’s all speculation. The Rockets already have enough forwards/centers in Asik, Smith, T. Jones, Donatas Montiejunas, recently acquired Thomas Robinson, and Royce White. They are in serious need of a backup point guard in case anything happens to Lin or Patrick Beverly.