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

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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Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets trading down at NBA Draft Con #2: What If Cade slips?

Cade Cunningham has emerged as the clear number one overall prospect in the 2021 NBA draft. He combines elite shooting, shot creation, passing, and size for a perimeter-oriented player.

That being said, Evan Mobley has a compelling case to be the number one overall prospect and all it takes is for the Detroit Pistons to zig when everyone is zagging. If the Rockets trade out of the second pick and Detroit skips over Cunningham then the Rockets will have missed a golden opportunity to add a franchise cornerstone.

The chances that Cunningham slips past one remain low but if there are any rumblings that Detroit is interested in another prospect then the Rockets would be making a massive mistake to trade away the second pick. Whenever a team trades down they’re running the risk that their initial intel will change.

As slim as the chances are that Detroit skips Cunningham, it’s worth it to the Rockets to hold onto the second pick just to see if it happens. At worst the Rockets land the second-best player in the draft and at best they land Cade Cunningham.

Next: Pro #1