NBA Mock draft: Rockets pick up pair of intriguing prospects in latest mock

It's too early to start thinking about the 2025 NBA Draft. Oh, who are we kidding...

It's never too early to think about the NBA Draft.

There are experts out there thinking about the 2029 draft. They're scouting kids who are still due for a growth spurt. So yes, it's acceptable to publish a 2025 NBA mock draft.

Bleacher Report just did exactly that. They've got the Houston Rockets picking up a pair of exciting young players.

Houston Rockets select versatile forward

Some Rockets fans wanted the team to trade for Paul George. In the end, he found his way to the 76ers.

The Rockets may benefit from his change of scenery anyway.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have the right to swap their own selection with either the Rockets or the Clippers. It once felt like a foregone conclusion that they'd be stealing the Rockets' selection. In George's absence, Bleacher Report forecasts they'll be grabbing the Clippers' pick.

So, they have the Rockets grabbing South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles with the 14th overall pick. He's an interesting player. Murray-Boyles is a 6'7" forward. He's a non-shooter and a subpar vertical athlete.

On the positive side, he's got exceptional lateral quickness. Murray-Boyles should be able to guard multiple positions at the NBA level. He's also got a unique offensive skillset, with a strong handle that helps him score around the rim.

Frankly, we wouldn't take him with Duke big man Khaman Maluach on the board. As a 7'2" big man with a 7'6" wingspan and some shooting ability, we think he could be the defensive anchor the Rockets need to complete their rebuild. Maluach could play alongside Alperen Sengun and cover his defensive limitations.

Still, Murray-Boyles would be a fine selection. We suspect that he'd endear himself to Ime Udoka with his defensive ability.

Who else does Bleacher Report have the Rockets picking?

Houston Rockets select talented scorer

With the 21st pick coming by way of the Suns, Bleacher Report has the Rockets selecting Karter Knox. He's a 6'6" forward out of Kentucky with superb scoring chops.

This would be a fantastic pick. Knox is a 6'6" forward with explosive athleticism and impressive shot-making abilities. He also looks like a competent defender on the wing. There aren't many discernable holes in the younger brother of NBAer Kevin Knox.

One wonders if he'll slip to 21st at all...

Fine, it's too early to project 2025 NBA Draft for Houston Rockets

Fine!

In fairness, Bleacher Report knows this. They've labeled this a "way-too-soon" mock draft.

It's worth looking at this class if you're curious. If you want to know a draft class, you should follow it as soon as possible. Still, it's worth noting that we have no idea what's going to happen at this juncture.

The Rockets may still be forced to send their pick to the Thunder if the Clippers' new pieces coalesce. Alternatively, the Suns are a major injury or two from sending the Rockets a higher pick - with an injury-prone roster. We have no idea what might happen:

That doesn't mean it's too early to think about it.