Prominent NBA analyst outlines nightmare scenario for Rockets

The Houston Rockets have a bright future.

Few teams around the NBA have as many talented young players. The Rockets also have a deep collection of draft assets. This team is in a fantastic position.

Is it the best position in the NBA? That would be a hard case to make. The Rockets have a lot going for them. Unfortunately (for them), the Oklahoma City Thunder exist. The Thunder have an equally impressive collection of young talent and even more draft capital. If their situation improved even more, the Rockets would have to be concerned.

One NBA analyst is outlining a situation where that plays out.

Rockets rival could land generational prospect

Dear God.

This would be a disaster for the Rockets. Flagg is a potentially generational defensive prospect. He should have a tremendous two-way impact. The Thunder are already strong enough, aren't they?

Yes. That said, the odds of this happening feel low. The Clippers are in for a difficult season, but they shouldn't be among the league's bottom feeders. As Rockets fans know, James Harden is an optimal floor-raiser. Sure, he's out of his prime, but it's hard to imagine him letting the Clippers hand the Thunder strong odds at the number one pick.

Besides, there's another Rockets rival with a much better chance of landing Flagg.

Rockets should be watching different rival

In 2024-25, the Spurs shouldn't impede the Rockets in their path to the play-in tournament.

Victor Wembanyama is likely to be the best player in the NBA in short order. Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes were sensible additions. The Spurs should be more of a challenge in 2024-25. Still, there's too much unproven talent on this team. The Spurs feel like a team who's likely to start maximizing their lottery odds early if they're outside of the play-in tournament.

That could be a disaster for the Rockets. Unlike the Thunder, the Spurs control their own destiny. If they want to make a play for Flagg, they can do so.

How could the Rockets respond?

Rockets still have a bright future

Let's be honest. Every Rockets fan is rooting for an Eastern Conference team to land Flagg. He'd look awfully good in a Wizards jersey.

Still, the Rockets remain in a strong position no matter what happens. If the Spurs land Flagg, they may want to consider pivoting by acquiring a superstar. In time, Wembanyama and Flagg would be an insurmountable obstacle. The Rockets could try to open a title window while that duo is still developing together.

If the Thunder land Flagg, the situation gets more interesting. He isn't likely to be a contributor right away. The Thunder would likely scale his role down while they compete for an NBA title, and gradually increase his responsibilities.

That sounds like another potential budding dynasty. Perhaps that situation would also motivate Houston to switch gears, but it wouldn't change the league's long-term landscape like a Wembanyama/Flagg duo might.

Although, either feels like a nightmare for the Rockets.