The Houston Rockets are in fine shape. After years of mining the NBA draft for talent, they've started turning a corner. That's all you can hope for after three summers of making selections in the lottery.
This summer, the Rockets will make another lottery selection. In this case, the pick is coming via the Brooklyn Nets. This is the fallout from the deal that sent James Harden to the Nets just a few years ago.
This draft is not considered especially strong. In fact, it's developed a horrible reputation. Still, rest assured that there's talent in the lottery.
Here's a one-sentence evaluation for 14 NBA draft prospects the Rockets could choose from.
14. Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn
A 6'6" combo guard who can defend multiple positions, but can the Rockets afford another shaky three-point shooter (27.3%)?
13. Cody Williams, SF, Colorado
A 6'8" wing who's a consistent jumper away from being a complete prospect - at 41.5%, why did he shoot just 1.7 threes per game this season?
Aggressive end to the season for Cody Williams as he's further removed from eye and ankle injuries. Strong takes galore to the rim for Colorado, hit his first 3 in some time, and several impressive defensive possessions in likely the final game of his college career. pic.twitter.com/nvgMb68FXW
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 25, 2024
12. Ja'Kobe Walter, SG, Baylor
Another suspect shooter, Walter could be a prototypical three-and-D guard with shot creation if he can improve on his 33.3% three-point shooting.