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Houston Rockets: 5 NBA draft prospects worth trading up for

By James Piercey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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Houston Rockets, NBA Draft
Josh Giddey of the 36ers (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets: NBA draft prospect to trade up for Josh Giddey

Guard, Adelaide 36ers (Australia)/ Projected: 9th, High: 8th, Low: 16th

A 6’8 point guard with preternatural passing instincts, an extraordinary basketball IQ, and a team-first mentality…wait, why are we talking about projected number one overall pick Cade Cunningham?

Jokes aside, Giddey does lack a couple of the qualities that make Cunningham the top prospect in this year’s draft: namely, a reliable three-point stroke and athleticism. Otherwise, the comparison is fairer than many may think.

Related Story. What the Rockets need to prioritize in the draft

During his lone season with the Adelaide 36ers, Giddey demonstrated an ability to run an offense and enhance the play of his teammates that belied his age, resulting in impressive averages of 7.5 assists to go along with 3.3 turnovers per game. For a Houston Rockets team that ranked 24th in the league in assists per game last season, Giddey’s passing chops could be a serious boon to a generally stagnant offensive attack.

At 6’8, it isn’t difficult to envision Giddey bolstering Houston’s second unit during his rookie campaign, potentially spending time at the one, two, and three spots. Giddey could be particularly valuable in a scenario where the Rockets are starting a backcourt of Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green, a scoring heavy tandem who could potentially be a little light on playmaking. With that being said, no matter who is on Coach Silas’s roster to start the 2021-22 roster, Josh Giddey would surely be a welcomed addition.