NBA Mock Draft: Perfect prospect falls into Rockets' lap in new mock

The Houston Rockets may trade the 10th pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

They're certainly seen as prime candidates to make a move. That said, they were candidates to make a move in the 2024 draft as well, and ultimately, they selected Reed Sheppard.

It may depend on who's available. The Rockets can add another young player to the mix if they think he's the right guy. If a player feels like the perfect fit, don't be shocked if the Rockets go ahead and draft.

In a new mock from Bleacher Report, the perfect fit falls into their lap.

Rockets select perfect prospect in new mock

If you read SpaceCityScoop, you know where I stand on Kon Knueppel.

He's the perfect prospect for the Houston Rockets.

It's no secret that Houston needs shooting. Kon Knueppel shot 40.6% from three-point range for Duke this season. Check.

Still, shooting alone won't get him on the floor - just ask Reed Sheppard. Luckily, Knueppel won't suffer the same afflictions that Sheppard does on defense. At 6'7", he's a stout defender. Check.

Cooling on Jalen Green? You're not alone. The Rockets can't afford to move him without replacing him. Knueppel is a surprisingly solid shot creator and playmaker for a player with his profile. This is a 3-and-D guard who should also be able to create offensively.

Check, check, and check.

Knueppel is everything the Rockets need. The word perfect is coming up a lot in this piece, and with good reason. Knueppel would be perfect for the Rockets.

Is he a realistic option?

Rockets would be blessed to draft Knueppel

Bleacher Report has put together an interesting mock here.

They've got the Hornets selecting Duke's Khaman Maluach with the 4th overall pick. That's a curveball. That said, the Hornets do need a 5. They've also bucked draft expectations in the past, picking Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson. With that decision looking vindicated, the Hornets could decide that they don't care what the pundits are expecting.

That effectively forces the Jazz to take VJ Edgecombe fifth. He's the consensus fourth overall prospect in this class, and if anything, some GMs could take him ahead of Ace Bailey at third.

From there, Bleacher Report has teams opting for ceilings over Knueppel's high floor. The Wizards take Jeremiah Fears. The Nets go with Noa Essengue. These are all possible outcomes.

Still, it doesn't feel likely. Knueppel has gotten some top 5 buzz, so him slipping to 10th would be very fortuitous for the Rockets. That said, prospects slip every year. All I can say is this:

If Knueppel is on the board, the Rockets had better not trade this pick.