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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
General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trail Blazers and General Manager Rafael Stone of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets trading down at NBA Draft Pro #1: They’ll know who their trade partner wants

The Rockets won’t be trading the second pick away blindly. They’ll have a very good idea of who each team is targeting with their picks so they should know who will be available to them.

When the Celtics traded the number one pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for the number three pick ahead of the 2017 NBA draft they knew that they wanted to select Jayson Tatum and that he would be there at three. The Celtics thought Tatum was the best prospect in that draft but knew they could land him and more assets by trading back in the draft.

For instance, if the Rockets think Jalen Suggs or Jalen Green is the right player for them and they’re confident that if they trade down that one of them will be there then trading the second pick becomes an easy decision. Trade out of two, land your favorite Jalen, add another first-round pick or player and the Rockets will have executed the trade down of their dreams.

The Rockets will know who they think are the true franchise cornerstones and how other NBA teams value them. Trading down isn’t some blind exercise, it is a highly coordinated and well-thought-out process where a team lands a player they covet while adding more assets for the future.

Next: Con #1