Rockets' regret over 2021 NBA Draft decision is only growing louder

This Houston Rockets front office has a generally strong track record in the draft, but they made a couple of egregious errors in 2021. Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher were undeniably poor selections, but what stings the most is the list of quality players they could have had.

Herb Jones is at the top of that list.

Not that the Pelicans have much to show for it. At 5-22, they're one of the worst teams in the NBA. So, there have been rumors that New Orleans could host a fire sale:

But the price of Jones is likely to be enormously high.

Rockets could have had an invaluable trade chip

Lately, rumors have been linking Jones to a Lakers team that badly needs defensive help. It seems the Lakers don't have enough to offer. Allegedly, they "wouldn't engage (at) the price point" of expiring contracts and an unprotected first-round pick.

Fair enough. Still, Rockets fans should think about that. The Pelicans wouldn't part with Jones for a first-round pick.

Imagine trying to get an unprotected first for one of Christopher or Garuba. Rival GMs would laugh Stone off the phone. They may block his number moving forward.

The Pelicans are right to value Jones. He's shooting 36.3% from deep for his career. That's a solid mark, but it looks good when you're one of the very best defensive wings in the NBA.

Which would make Jones a perfect fit in the Rockets' current culture. Ime Udoka's preference for large lineups would make Jones a perfect 2 on this roster.

How could Rafael Stone have passed on this guy?

Rockets would benefit from hindsight

Let it be said that Jones was picked 35th overall. A lot ot teams passed on him.

That said, Christopher was not regarded as a clear-cut first-round pick either. It was even speculated that the Rockets acquired him for his friendship with Jalen Green.

Let's hope that's not the case, and leave it there.

Garuba is a different case. He was supposed to be the best defender in this draft. Unfortunately, his defensive potential was overstated, and his offensive limitations were understated. Garuba isn't in the NBA.

It wouldn't be fair to harshly criticize Stone for passing on Jones. It does seem fair to state that he burned two picks on the backend of the 2021 draft. He could have picked several players who've outperformed Christopher and Garuba:

Or, he could be trading Herb Jones for more than one first-round pick as we speak.