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Houston Rockets: 2 Pros and cons to trading back in NBA Draft

By N.B. Lindberg

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets, NBA Draft
Jayson Tatum, NBA commissioner Adam Silver (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

The Houston Rockets will make the second selection of the 2021 NBA draft. After not having a first-round pick since 2015 the Rockets are looking to make up for lost time and have three picks over the first 24 selections.

Would the Houston Rockets trade down in the NBA Draft?

Historically, the first overall pick is in a class of its own in terms of value, while picks two through five are roughly equal. The reality that the second and fifth picks aren’t all that different in terms of value opens up the possibility for the Rockets to trade back and add even more draft picks or another young player to build around.

With that in mind, the Rockets likely wouldn’t want to trade out of the top-five, which leaves the Cleveland Cavaliers (3rd), Toronto Raptors (4th), and Orlando Magic (5th) to do business with. The idea of the Rockets staying in the top-five and adding even more to their rebuild could be too enticing an offer to deny.

However, the second pick gives the Rockets their choice of prospect in a draft with four to five franchise-altering prospects. Moving back leaves them at the mercy of those ahead of them and they may end up with a player that they’re less excited about.

The Rockets have made excellent decisions under the leadership of Rafael Stone and no matter what the Rockets decide to do they’re in an excellent position to kickstart their rebuild. These are the pros and cons to trading back from the second overall pick.

Next: Pro #2