The Houston Rockets received a pleasant surprise when the pick they acquired from the Brooklyn Nets as part of the James Harden trade jumped from ninth to third in the upcoming draft. The team now has the opportunity to add a valuable asset to their roster, whether through keeping the pick or using it as part of a trade package for a veteran player. With a young and talented roster looking to make a playoff push, the Rockets are facing a crucial decision on how to best utilize the pick.
One option for the Rockets is to trade the pick for a more established veteran player who can contribute immediately to a team with playoff aspirations. However, keeping the pick would provide the team with a cost-controlled asset on a rookie scale contract for the next four seasons, which is valuable under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. As the team prepares for potential big money extensions for their young core, adding a promising rookie could provide both value and depth to the roster.
If the Rockets choose to keep the pick, some potential targets to consider include Reed Sheppard, Matas Buzelis, Robert Dillingham, and Donovan Clingan. Sheppard, a sharpshooting guard from Kentucky, could provide a boost to the team’s shooting woes, while Clingan, a 7’2 rim protector from Connecticut, could improve Houston’s interior defense. The team will need to weigh the potential upside of these prospects against their ability to contribute immediately to the team.
The decision on how to use the third pick will depend on whether general manager Rafael Stone opts for a player with higher upside or a safer bet to contribute right away. The Rockets were one of the league’s best defensive teams last season but struggled against physical inside threats, as well as lacking consistent shooting. How Stone chooses to structure the roster moving forward will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the upcoming season.
With a talented young core and a high draft pick in hand, the Rockets are poised to make significant improvements to their roster this offseason. Whether they choose to keep the pick or explore trade options, the team will be looking to address their weaknesses and build on their strengths as they aim to take the next step as a franchise. The upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the future of the Houston Rockets and their quest to become a playoff contender once again.
