Houston Rockets: Strengths and weaknesses of the top NBA Draft prospects

The Houston Rockets are awash with options at the top of the 2021 NBA draft. With the 2nd, 23rd, and 24th picks in the draft the Rockets have the ability to move up or they could always move back to add to their options. 

The 2021 draft is one of the best in recent memory because of its incredible depth at the top. It’s rare for a draft to have five or more players that flash the potential to be a perennial all-star, but this draft truly does.

Will the Houston Rockets move up or down in the NBA Draft?

The Rockets are rumored to have their eyes on a move up to the top spot but Rafael Stone has also suggested that they’re open to the idea of moving back. Whatever decision they make will come down to their confidence in this draft’s top prospects. 

If the Rockets think there is no difference between Evan Mobley and Jalen Green, why not move back to third, add a few picks, and land whichever one falls to you. Conversely, if the Rockets think that only Cade Cunningham has MVP potential then an aggressive move up to the top spot makes all the sense in the world. 

Who should the Houston Rockets target in the NBA Draft?

The 2021 NBA draft has long been considered a five-player draft with Cade Cunningham taking the top spot, Evan Mobley and Jalen Green on his heels, and Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga flashing high-end upside. However, Keon Johnson has impressed scouts recently and has crept into the top-five discussion. 

What separates these players isn't what they do well as much as what they can't do. As the NBA increasingly becomes a perimeter and positionless game, players' weaknesses are easier than ever to exploit.

The Houston Rockets need to know the strengths and weaknesses of the top prospects in the NBA Draft

The Rockets need to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each player at the top of the 2021 NBA draft. Not only will it help them make the right decision with the 2nd pick, but it'll also let them know if they need to move up in the draft or if moving back is the right decision. Look no further than Ben Simmons to see how one weakness can cap a player's ceiling.

Every player who is drafted in the top five oozes potential and it's their strengths that capture the imagination. However, a player’s weaknesses, or lack thereof, are usually what determines their ultimate upside. These are the top-six prospects’ strengths and weaknesses and whether the Rockets should target them in the draft.

The Houston Rockets' NBA Draft trade back candidates (6-4)