Draft Outlook
Trade demands from superstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook wrecked the first season of the Stephen Silas and Rafael Stone era in Houston, but the plunge to the bottom of the West shouldn’t last long. Armed with three picks — No. 2, No. 23 and No. 24 — the Rockets have good odds to select at least one franchise-changing talent in the Draft to add to the talented young core of 25-year-old Christian Wood and 21-year-old Kevin Porter Jr., along with rising second-year players Jae’Sean Tate and Kenyon Martin Jr.
A Stat That Matters
23.8 — For the second straight season, the Rockets allowed a league-high 23.8 transition points per game, according to Synergy tracking.
The Way To Go
Houston selected Yao Ming No. 1 overall in 2002, and this is its highest pick since. So, it’s extremely important. Cade Cunningham is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. With Cunningham likely off the board, Houston could pair Wood inside with USC big man Evan Mobley, a 7-footer that can move like a wing. Jalen Suggs and Jalen Green are likely to be considered at the No. 2 spot, too.
Under Contract
G: D.J. Augustin
G: Eric Gordon
G: Khyri Thomas
G: John Wall
G/F: Danuel House Jr.
G/F: Kevin Porter Jr.
F: Kenyon Martin Jr.
F: Jae’Sean Tate
F: Christian Wood
Free Agents
G: Avery Bradley (team option)
G: Armoni Brooks (restricted)
G: Dante Exum (unrestricted)
G/F: Sterling Brown (unrestricted)
G/F: David Nwaba (unrestricted)
F: Anthony Lamb (restricted)
F: D.J. Wilson (restricted)
F/C: Kelly Olynyk (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Kenyon Martin Jr.*
* = acquired via trade
— Michael C. Wright