The Houston Rockets had a successful season, winning 41 games and securing the third overall pick in the draft lottery. This pick was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets as part of the James Harden trade in 2021. The Rockets now have had a top-four pick in each of the last four drafts, selecting players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson. General manager Rafael Stone acknowledges the strength of the draft class but admits it’s difficult to evaluate young players.
Speculation surrounding what the Rockets will do with the pick includes the possibility of trading it. Top prospects like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, and Rob Dillingham are being considered. With a roster already filled with young talent, including former lottery picks Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore, acquiring an established player through a trade may be a more viable option for Houston. The team’s own pick landed at 12th and will be sent to Oklahoma City due to a previous trade involving Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
Houston’s decision to trade James Harden for future draft picks was initially criticized but has proved to be beneficial. The Rockets have used these picks wisely, selecting players like Tari Eason in 2022, who has made a significant impact on the team. They still have swap rights in 2025 and 2027, along with Brooklyn’s pick in 2026. This will be the third time in franchise history that the Rockets have had the third overall pick, with previous selections including Jabari Smith Jr. in 2022 and Rodney McCray in 1983.
The third overall pick has a history of producing future All-Stars, with notable players like Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Doncic being selected at that spot. This track record bodes well for the Rockets as they consider their options for the upcoming draft. Stone and the rest of the front office will have to weigh the potential of drafting a promising young talent against the possibility of trading the pick for immediate help in their quest to build a competitive team for the future. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Houston to see how they navigate this crucial decision.
