Houston Rockets: Options at guard for the 2018 NBA Draft

By Michael Knight
OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks to passes the ball against Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks to passes the ball against Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 17: Devonte Graham #0 dribbles the ball during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 17: Devonte Graham #0 dribbles the ball during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Devonte’ Graham

Depending on who you talk to, Devonte’ Graham is a player that could go anywhere from the late first round to the late second round in this year’s draft. He is a dynamic four-year player that just finished a great career for the Kansas Jayhawks.

Graham is a very skilled player that could be NBA ready. While he doesn’t have the maximum potential of some of the top-tier players, he arguably would be a first-round pick in other draft years.

Pros

Devonte’ Graham is a great shooter. As an organization that values shooting and creating your own shot, he could be a perfect fit for the Rockets. Over his four years at Kansas, Graham shot 41% from downtown on an average of 5 attempts per game. Coach Bill Self allowed him to shoot and he delivered.

Graham is also a very talented passer. He could instantly be a backup point guard in the league, especially with Houston. DG averaged 7.2 assists a game last season for the Jayhawks. He may not need to be all the time due to CP3 and/or Harden being on the floor at all times, but the ability certainly helps.

Cons

The main con of Graham is his isolation issues. He is not a great finisher at the rim. The Rockets run quite a bit of isolation, so that could become a problem for the team if they want him to do the same. Still, he can run some offense and hit open 3s, so that is where his value will mainly lie.

Next: Prospect No. 2

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