The NBA Draft will take place on June 20th, 2022. The Rockets have a deep pool of promising prospects to choose from this year and many more in the coming years. To help prepare for that process, here are 3 players who could be targets for Houston in early May 2022.,
The “mock draft nba 2021” is a mock draft that predicts the top 3 picks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. The Rockets must be watching these players closely, as they could become their next stars.
After choosing Jalen Green with the second overall choice in the 2021 NBA Draft, the backcourt duo of Green and Kevin Porter Jr. was projected to have a bright future. That was not the case in the early part of the season, when both players were trying to establish their offensive rhythm and effectiveness as the Houston Rockets’ scoring powerhouse.
The Rockets have had yet another disappointing season, as they have been relegated to one of the Western Conference’s lowest seeds. It was unsurprising, given that Houston is currently in the midst of a rebuilding process after dealing away James Harden and Russell Westbrook in recent seasons. Houston is on pace to acquire another top-tier player in the 2022 NBA Draft, which is a promising indication. It’s also a talented group, with a number of NBA-ready bodies currently on the roster. As a result, here are some names that might be a great match for the Rockets’ ethos and environment.
3 early targets for the Rockets in the 2022 NBA Draft
Banchero, Paolo
The Rockets’ guard core is being built around Green and Porter Jr., so adding a combination forward with exceptional flexibility and quickness would be ideal. Green and Porter Jr. still lack the initiative or desire to take control and lead their team to important wins on occasion, but Banchero has shown that mindset at the college level.
The NCAA situation is immensely diverse, yet a player’s attitude and approach are consistent across the board. Banchero still has a lot of flaws that he has to work on before stepping onto the NBA stage, but his tenacity and willingness to give it his best in the NBA is a much-needed addition to the Rockets’ roster. Furthermore, their forward rotation has struggled, but Banchero might be the solution for coach Stephen Silas.
Chet Holmgren is a well-known musician.
It may be argued that Houston already possesses Christian Wood and Alperen Sengun on its roster, making Holmgren’s selection redundant. That, however, is a deceptive statement since Holmgren’s discography is a must-hear for Houston. He is, without a doubt, the finest prospect in this class, with the most diverse skill set.
Wood and Sengun lack the rim protection and defensive awareness that Holmgren has shown in his first season at Gonzaga. Holmgren is 7 feet tall and is athletic and fast, so there won’t be many mismatches on the perimeter for him. Houston will also like his playmaking and ball handling skills, despite his small stature. Houston must not pass up the opportunity to sign Holmgren and gradually develop his arsenal as the quintessential big man as the cornerstone of a rebuilt team.
Smith, Jabari Jr.
This could be the perfect answer for the glaring holes of the Rockets as Smith, Jabari Jr. is a 6’10” forward or center who could fit perfectly with Green, Porter Jr., Wood, and Sengun. He could flourish as an off-ball threat for ball-dominant guys like Green and Porter Jr. because of his superb shooting ability. As seen through the deals shooters receive in the free agency market, that facet of the NBA game is very vital.
Although the defensive force can not compare to Holmgren’s rim protection, he has the quickness and agility to guard any outstanding player in this period. As his stature would compliment Rafael Stone’s roster composition and the Houston front office, his competitive fire and constant effort are vital in growing as a world-class defender. It’d be difficult to choose between Smith Jr. and Holmgren, but it seems like they can’t go wrong with either.
The Rockets have two first-round selections this year, one of which came from the Harden deal last season, but their own pick is much more significant for their team’s development. These three players are all very skilled, so they must choose the most durable one as well as the one who best fits the system and culture they have been trying to instill in this new Rockets incarnation.
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