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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
Sam Dekker Houston Rockets, Adam Silver (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets trading down at NBA Draft Pro #2: Strength in numbers

As was mentioned before, the Rockets haven’t selected a player in the first round since 2015 when they picked Sam Dekker with the 18th pick. In fact, no player on the Rockets roster under the age of 25 was selected in the first round of the draft.

The Rockets need as much high-end talent as possible and trading the second pick for more selections or assets does just that. The Orlando Magic are the most obvious trade partners as they own the fifth and eighth pick.

Having the fifth, eighth, 23rd, and 24th picks in the draft would give the Rockets an incredible infusion of young talent to build around. It shouldn’t be forgotten that every player, no matter where they’re drafted, has the potential to blossom into a superstar.

Related Story. 37 best prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft

The Rockets need a superstar and while the second pick gives them one good chance at landing one, adding one more chance doesn’t hurt either. There’s also the chance that the Rockets could get a future pick or a young player and a pick if they swing a deal with the Cavaliers who pick third or the Raptors who pick fourth.

When you finish with the worst record in the league, as the Rockets just did, one player isn’t solving all of your problems. Trading back and adding more will allow the Rockets to plug the multitude of holes this roster has.

Next: Con #2