Who should Houston Rockets fans keep an eye on in Summer League?

The NBA's Summer League is like Christmas for draft nerds.

They finally get to see their favorite young players in action. Yet, Summer League is even more meaningful for the players participating. Some of them will go on to be NBA stars, and others are fighting for an opportunity to be in the league.

If you're a Houston Rockets fan, you'll be watching the team's Summer League performance closely. Still, some players are worth keeping a closer eye on than others.

Who are the potential keepers on their roster?

Core Houston Rockets participating in Summer League

Let's call a spade a space. You're most excited to watch Reed Sheppard, aren't you?

The Rockets' recent third-overall pick will have all eyes on him. He's not the only potential long-term Rocket participating in the Summer League. Every Rockets fan knows that Cam Whitmore has star upside - he'll be on the Summer League roster as well.

Sheppard and Whitmore will be the two biggest names on the Rockets' Summer League roster. Is anyone else worth keeping an eye on?

Houston Rockets have a deep Summer League roster

Absolutely.

AJ Griffin is not far removed from lottery consideration. The Rockets acquired him for a lukewarm cup of corner store coffee, but they're hoping he'll far exceed his trade value. His journey towards permanent status with the team begins at Summer League.

Meanwhile, Kira Lewis Jr. is, in fact, a former lottery pick. The 13th overall pick in 2020 hasn't met expectations in his NBA career so far, but he could get back on track with the Rockets this summer.

How about N'Faly Dante? The Rockets picked him up on a two-way deal after he went undrafted this summer. Dante has been plagued by injuries throughout his young career, but he has meaningful NBA potential.

Otherwise? Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. have been riding out two-way deals with the Rockets for some time. Their NBA careers are likely hanging by a thread. A breakout performance in Summer League would bode well for either of them.

Realistically, everyone on the roster will be looking to break out. Who knows? Morris Udeze or Vonterious Woolbright could put themselves on fan's radars as the summer progresses.

For the time being, we'd keep the closest eye on Sheppard and Whitmore.