This 2025 NBA Draft prospect is the perfect fit for the Rockets (and it's NOT Cooper Flagg)

The NBA news cycle doesn't give fans a moment to breathe. The Houston Rockets were just eliminated from the NBA playoffs.

Now, it's time for their fans to catch up on scouting for the draft.

Granted, there are no assurances that the Rockets will keep their upcoming lottery pick. Some fans will tell you that there's no real estate for another young player. They'd have the Rockets trade this pick for a veteran who could help them win a playoff series next year.

That's reasonable. On the other hand, bringing in a young player who could be a contributor before their rookie contract runs out gives the Rockets a chance at surplus value. Using the pick would be defensible, but the Rockets have to use it well.

One prospect stands out as a perfect fit with this roster.

Rockets should target Duke sharpshooter in draft

No, it's not Cooper Flagg.

Naturally, the Rockets would love to land the first overall pick and select Flagg. It has a 3.8% chance of happening. We'll find out if the Rockets defy the odds on May 12, but for now, it's best to assume the pick will land in the 9th to 12th range.

That might make it difficult to acquire Flagg's teammate Kon Knueppel. He figures to have his name called before 9th.

If he is on the board when the Rockets are due to select, he's a no-brainer.

Knueppel is a 6'7" off-guard who shot 40.6% from three-point range for Duke this year. The Rockets have a drastic need for shooting, but Knueppel's positional size should allow him to thrive in Ime Udoka's vaunted defense. He's the perfect fit for this roster.

He might be the perfect replacement for a player who's already on it as well.

Rockets need to upgrade backcourt

Yes, it is Jalen Green.

As the kids (?) say, "sorry, not sorry". Green was putrid in this year's playoffs. He's been a rollercoaster from the moment he entered the league, but by now, it feels like the rollercoaster has featured decidedly more climbing than riding.

If I was Rafael Stone, I'd be aggressively looking to move Green. That may not be the plan. The Rockets seem to be exercising extreme patience with their rebuild. That's a generally wise plan, but they could make an exception for Green.

I digress. Let's assume the Rockets want to keep Green. They at least need to get more guards on this roster. Someone who has a chance to usurp Green long-term would make for a sensible addition.

Knueppel is the guy. He's not just a tall shooter. Knueppel is also a high feel player who can create for himself and his teammates. It wouldn't be far fetched to wonder if he could start for the Rockets within the next 2 or 3 seasons.

Hopefully, he can help lead them out of the first round.