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2017 NBA Draft: Potential Sleeper for the Rockets – Johnathan Motley

By Michael Knight

Feb 20, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Jonathan Motley (5) dunks against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Baylor won 78-64. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Jonathan Motley (5) dunks against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Baylor won 78-64. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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The former Baylor power forward could be a great pickup in the second round of the draft.

One thing that the Rockets are lacking is a good rebounding and defensive power forward. While there are options to solve that missing link in free agency, such as Paul Millsap, the draft may be the way to go for the Rockets. One player that can solve this issue may be the sleeper of the draft, Johnathan Motley. Seeing as I attend his former university, Baylor, I have watched most of his games and feel like he could be a great player in the league.

Johnathan Motley’s Skillset

Johnathan Motley is a very skilled power forward. He can score in the post, from midrange, and rebounds at a high rate. His best game of the season last year came in Waco against the University of Texas. Motley went for 32 points and 20 rebounds in the victory. He also had 3 blocks, 1 steal, and just 1 turnover in that game. He plays hard on both ends of the court and that led him to become a Second Team All-American and a Wooden Award finalist. For the season, he averaged 17.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and just over a block per game. He would need to bulk up a little more to play at the next level, but his future is bright for a likely second-round pick.

He plays hard on both ends of the court and that led him to become a Second Team All-American and a Wooden Award finalist. For the season, he averaged 17.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and just over a block per game. He would need to bulk up a little more to play at the next level, but his future is bright for a likely second-round pick. Rockets beat writer Jonathan Feigen posted a nice article about Motley coming to the NBA, be sure to check it out.

Ex-Baylor star Johnathan Motley poised to make leap into NBA https://t.co/OMLfbNibqJ via @HoustonChron

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) June 18, 2017

Motley’s Fit with the Rockets

Motley is a raw power forward prospect that the Rockets should consider drafting. While his 3-point shot is still a work in progress, he showed improvements this season on it and was able to knock it down at times. Even if he does not develop a reliable 3-pointer, his athleticism and offensive skill would still fit in a D’Antoni system. His rebounding could be a game changer for a team that was in the middle of the pack as far as defensive rebounding. His defensive ability is great too and he can guard multiple positions on the floor. In the middle of the second round, Johnathan Motley could be an absolute steal.

In their mock draft, CBS Sports has Houston taking him with the 43rd overall pick. Check out our full post on what the mock drafts are saying for the Rockets:

Related Story: What the Mock Drafts are Saying About the Rockets.

Who do you think the Rockets should take with their two second round picks? Should they trade them in a package for a first rounder? Let us know what you think on Twitter or Facebook.