NBA Mock Draft: Rockets land potential point guard of the future in new mock

Do the Houston Rockets have their point guard of the future?

Nobody knows. When Amen Thompson came into the NBA, he was billed as a point guard. To be sure, the idea of him as a 6'7" floor general with prodigious floor vision is enticing. Still, Thompson may be more effective as a wing unless his ability to shoot off the dribble improves.

How about Reed Sheppard? Fans need to see more of him in action. Sheppard is a smart playmaker with a lethal jump shot, but he's looked tentative with the ball at times in 2024-25. That's fine - Sheppard is just a rookie - but it will need to change if Sheppard is the Rockets' long-term point guard.

Who knows? This may call for an outside hire. The Rockets may acquire Fred VanVleet's successor through the trade market, or the draft.

A recent mock draft has them taking the latter route.

Rockets acquire floor general in new mock draft

Bleacher Report has the Rockets selecting Labaron Philon out of Alamaba with the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

It's an intriguing choice. Philon is a solid, reliable floor general who makes good decisions. He's also a defensive ace who'd likely endear himself to Ime Udoka.

He could learn a lot from Fred VanVleet. Philon's sturdiness is reminiscent of Houston's veteran, but at 6'4", he won't share some of his limitations.

Is he the perfect choice for the Rockets?

Rockets have higher upside options than Philon

Sure.

This is the 24th pick in the NBA Draft. Realistically, you're not looking for a long-term starter at that spot. You're lucky to find someone who maintains a place in your rotation.

The question of who's going to run point for the Rockets long-term is a deeper one. It's unlikely to be solved with the 24th pick. So, acquiring a guard who looks likely to carve out a sustainable role in the NBA would be sensible.

That said, there are some higher upside options left on the board. Bleacher Report has Rocco Zikarsky going to the Nets at 26th. At 7'3", he's got more potential. He could be Alperen Sengun's long-term backup, or, if Zikarsky proves himself to be a starting-caliber player, he could be a valuable trade chip down the road.

In short, Philon would be a fine choice. It does feel like an uninspired one. The Rockets should target upside in the upcoming draft if they're keeping the pick:

Don't be surprised if they move it for their point guard of the future.