Rockets first-round draft pick decision is becoming clearer and clearer

The Houston Rockets should trade the tenth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft before June 25. They got the selection from the Nets via the Suns. Houston had the third overall pick last year, but Reed Sheppard barely saw the floor as a rookie. He remains a franchise cornerstone. Sheppard can't get minutes because the Rockets have too much depth. The last thing they need is another prospect who can find playing time.

Houston was the second seed in the Western Conference before being bounced by the Warriors in the opening round of the playoffs. They wanted to see what they had, and it quickly became clear that the Rockets needed a go-to scorer atop their roster. It is why Alperen Sengun has seen his name in trade rumors. The Rockets want a star.

The franchise cannot sit back, especially in the apron era when young teams quickly become expensive. They have zero need for a prospect who can help immediately. The Rockets should be looking to package this draft pick with young talents to acquire a marquee name before draft night.

Rockets should trade 10th overall pick in 2025 NBA Draft

Houston has a roster crunch. Cam Whitmore played just 16.2 minutes over 51 games and Reed Sheppard only appeared in 12.6 over 52. That is two 20-year-olds with immense potential. They have flaws, but the Rockets rotation could have been 12 players deep every night if head coach Ime Udoka had the minutes. That depth helped during the regular season but doomed the franchise in the playoffs.

Adding another teenager to that list only makes Udoka’s headache worse, limits playing time across the board, and stunts the prospect's growth. Nobody wants that, so the Rockets should be prepared to avoid it. Rafael Stone is already working the phones and could quickly line up a trade.

The 2025 draft has a ton of uncertainty, especially in the lottery. A consensus top-four has emerged in this class, but there is a small margin between five and the middle of the first round. The Rockets' selection is stuck in uncertain territory, which gives them one more reason to move on.

Houston wants to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but may never get the chance. The Greek Freak is questioning his future and would not have to pay state income tax in Texas.

The Rockets will use this pick to acquire a star. That is the only sensible option for the Houston Rockets if they want to be a serious contender in 2026 and beyond. It is on Stone to find the right deal and run with it. Hopefully, it all comes together, but do not expect to see the Rockets touting a fresh top-ten draft pick this year.