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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
Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets trading down at NBA Draft Con #1: Evan Mobley might be the best player in the draft

While con number one was the Rockets would lose any slim chance at landing Cade Cunningham, con number two is they’d likely miss out on Evan Mobley, who could be the best player in the draft. As great as Cunningham was at Oklahoma State, Mobley was just as good if not better for the USC Trojans.

Mobley led the NCAA in two advanced statistics, win shares and Box Plus/Minus, which are both good historical indicators for a prospect’s NBA future. What makes it even more promising is that every freshman to lead the NCAA in those statistics is a bonafide superstar.

The list includes Anthony Davis, Kevin Love, Zion Williamson, and Kevin Durant. When the worst possible outcome for a player is Kevin Love you know you’re in some good company especially considering Mobley projects to be a plus on defense, which has long been Love’s lone weakness.

Next. 3 reasons the Houston Rockets should select Evan Mobley

If the Rockets trade down from the second pick then they’re giving up on a chance to land a player who could be the best player in this draft. Mobley might not have the press right now, but if he plays like his statistical peers have in the NBA, then the Detroit Pistons might regret their decision with the number one overall pick.