Houston Rockets open to trading third-overall pick in NBA Draft

Jan 16, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Inexperienced (0) reacts with forward-center Christian Wooden (35) after being known as for a foul towards Sacramento Kings ahead Harrison Barnes (40) throughout the second quarter at Golden 1 Heart, Report: Houston Rockets open to buying and selling third-overall decide in NBA Draft. Obligatory Credit score: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports activities

The NBA Draft Lottery simply happened on Tuesday night, and the Houston Rockets ended up touchdown the third-overall decide within the draft. Contemplating they had been projected to get the primary decide, it wasn’t the best ending for Houston.

Nevertheless, whereas they is probably not choosing first, having a top-three decide on this 12 months’s draft continues to be wonderful. There are a clear-cut group of prime three prospects, and the Rockets will probably find yourself with considered one of them.

If the Rockets land Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., or Paolo Banchero, it might be wonderful for his or her franchise. That being stated, there’s no assure they’ll even be choosing third, according to GM Rafael Stone.

Report: Houston Rockets open to buying and selling third-overall decide in NBA Draft

Stone stated that if a deal presents itself that may profit each events, he’d be prepared to pay attention. This might make for a wild bidding manner on the NBA Draft if sufficient groups have an interest. (H/T Bleacher Report)

The Rockets chosen Jalen Inexperienced and Alperen Sengun within the first spherical of final 12 months’s draft, and whereas they’ll probably make one other decide within the draft this 12 months, Stone’s feedback make it appear as if they could not decide at three.

Transferring up appears unlikely. The Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder are two rebuilding groups who will in all probability need their decide of the litter of the highest picks.

Nevertheless, some groups who fell within the lottery might be prepared to surrender additional belongings so as to bounce up into the highest three. In that case, it might be price it for the Rockets.

One group that involves thoughts is the Detroit Pistons. They had been slated to have a top-three decide, however after falling to the fifth decide, they could wish to transfer again up.

Different groups that come to thoughts are the Indiana Pacers and the Washington Wizards. The Pacers could wish to add to their present core, and if the Wizards lose Bradley Beal this summer time, they might look to kickstart a rebuild.

No matter occurs, if the Rockets do find yourself making a transfer on draft evening, it will likely be a wild flip of occasions. Be certain to maintain an eye fixed out to see if Houston shakes issues up.