Kena Krutsinger/NBAE via Getty Images
The Houston Rockets already have six first-round picks from the last three draft classes in their rotation and could be looking for veteran help this summer instead.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported: “Most teams expect the Rockets to heavily pursue trade opportunities, either to move down the board (with teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies or Chicago Bulls) or to get out altogether if a major building block—such as Mikal Bridges—becomes unexpectedly available.”
For a team that finished 16-7 over the final month-and-a-half of the season, this is an understandable strategy, especially for this draft class.
Houston needs to temper its expectations, though. There have been a number of stars drafted over the last decade at No. 3 overall (Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball, Evan Mobley), but this year doesn’t project to carry the same amount of sizzle at the top.
Houston has a nice blend of veterans and young stars, but it’s fair to ask if everyone can reach their potential with so many mouths to feed. The playing-style difference between the likes of Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün could become an issue as well.
The Rockets should see what a package of three No. 3 overall pick and some of their young talent can fetch on the trade market, whether it be Bridges, Donovan Mitchell, Jimmy Butler or another star who fits.
Some teams like the Washington Wizards (No. 2 overall), San Antonio Spurs (Nos. 4 and 8) and Detroit Pistons (No. 5) should stay where they are and take the best player available. The Rockets are much further along in their rebuild and should be pursuing veteran help.
BS Meter: No BS. Houston should go star-hunting this summer with the No. 3 overall pick as part of their bait.
