Former Coach of the Year explains why Rockets shouldn't trade up for Cade Cunningham

It's been the worst-kept secret in the NBA that the Houston Rockets are looking to trade up in next week's NBA Draft. The Rockets, of course, currently hold the second pick, after securing a major victory in June's draft lottery.

The concensus top pick in the draft is Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham, who is viewed as a generational talent. The Detroit Pistons have the top pick in the draft and are reportedly enamored with Cunningham, much like the Rockets, although there have been reports that they also like Jalen Green.

On Saturday, Shams Charania reported that the Rockets have become much more aggressive in their pursuit for the top pick.

It's been reported that the Rockets have explored the idea of trading for the 13th pick from the Indiana Pacers, which would involve Eric Gordon and likely one of the Rockets' later picks in the first round. The belief is that the Rockets would then offer the 2nd pick and the 13th pick to the Pistons for the top pick in the draft.

Former Coach of the Year explains why Rockets shouldn't trade up for Cade Cunningham

But not everyone is in agreement with the Rockets' burning desire to trade up to acquire Cunningham. Case in point, 2007 NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell, who shared thoughts about such a move on Sirius XM's NBA Weekend on Saturday.

"If you have one of these top four picks, you've done a lot of losing. These top 4 players in this draft all have a chance to be really good.

They all really do. You're not trading out of the chance to draft any of these 4 guys."

Mitchell is referring to Cunningham, Green, USC big man Evan Mobley, and Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs.

The common belief is that if the Rockets were to stand pat at #2 then they would select G-League Ignite star Jalen Green, who has drawn comparisons to Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine, for his offensive repertoire. But Rockets GM Rafael Stone made it known that the team hasn't formally decided what to do with the pick altogether, whether it means making a trade or using the pick on a prospect.

One thing that's for certain is that we're surely going to hear more reports within the coming days about the Houston Rockets' attempts to make a move. Brace yourself.