Breakout Thunder star should give Rockets fans hope ahead of NBA Draft

The Rockets won't have a pick in the 2026 Draft until No. 39 overall, but they can take solace in the Thunder's example. Ajay Mitchell is proving the value of second-round picks as he dominates in the playoffs two years after being selected 38th overall. If the Rockets can make a selection with anything close to the same impact, on top of their other selections in upcoming years, they have a chance to add more meaningful talent to their young core.

The Rockets need to find their own Ajay Mitchell

Houston is in desperate need of a younger primary option, which likely won't come at pick 39. But the Rockets can still find a valuable piece in the second round with good scouting and player development. Identifying players with strong feel and intangibles should be paramount to their draft efforts, because those attributes can help identify hidden studs in late selections.

The Thunder had the luxury of developing Mitchell throughout his rookie season without any pressure, since they had a championship team around him. Houston's next rookie will not have the same advantage, as the Rockets will need him to make a deep playoff push next season. But the Rockets can still do a smart job of bringing him along steadily.

Mitchell's growth is an ideal case study of how an organization can bring a player up to NBA speed. He played sparingly but effectively in his rookie year, then increased his role over time for the Thunder in his sophomore year. He was leading bench units at first, even earning 6th Man of the Year votes, and now he's putting up 20-point games in the playoffs as a starter.

The Rockets need to find a similar hidden gem, especially in a floor general, who can help their young core unlock their full potential. Houston lacked consistent playmaking this season without Fred Van Vleet, but need to find a younger replacement for him regardless. If Van Vleet is healthy next season, he can serve as a mentor for a rookie and follow the same development blueprint as Mitchell.

Houston will have two bites at the apple

Not only do the Rockets have the 39th pick, but they will also have another shot at No. 53. Both are from guaranteeing even a rotation piece, but have potential value considering the current state of the NCAA. Players entering the draft now are more NBA-ready than ever, especially in the second round.

If the Rockets make the right selection and develop him nicely, they could have a major turnaround sooner than expected. They just need to do everything possible to find their own version of Ajay Mitchell.

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