Constructing 'Dream' Rockets team if they nailed every NBA Draft

24th overall pick in 2021 NBA Draft: Rockets select Herbert Jones

Actual pick: Josh Christopher

Christopher was a surprise selection on draft night that most experts pegged as a second-round pick. The Rockets fell in love with the 6’5 guard, and he played in 74 games as a 20-year-old rookie. His minutes and production dipped in year two, and his subpar defense and shot-making have fans questioning his role and place on the team moving forward.

Herb Jones is certainly the steal of the second round. He was taken 35th overall, but through two seasons, the 6’8 forward has the fifth-highest win shares and the seventh-highest value over replacement player (VORP) in the class. Jones is a lockdown defender that averaged 9.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals in 29.6 minutes per game last season while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 33.5 percent on his threes.

He earned the nickname “Straitjacket” for his defensive chops on the ball, and he can guard multiple positions. The Pelicans are hoping to develop the 24-year-old into an above-league-average 3-point shooter to help take his game to the next level.

Herbert Jones is a bit older than the rest of his draft class, but grabbing a lockdown defensive forward to complement their outstanding young core is just too good to pass up.