An underrated draft day decision the Rockets must consider

The Houston Rockets have made a habit of acquiring first-round picks.

It has served them well. The Rockets have stockpiled picks, and just as importantly, they've drafted well. It's how they ended up with one of the deepest reserves of young talent in the NBA.

In a couple of weeks, they're expected to add a piece to that collection of talent. The Rockets have the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They'll likely pick the prospect they like the most and call it a day.

That said, there are other intriguing options as well.

Rockets should keep an open mind on draft day

Alternatively, the Rockets could trade for a superstar. The 10th pick is a valuable asset, and some fans will contend that the Rockets have enough young talent.

Those feel like the two most likely outcomes. There is a third, less popular option:

Why not trade down?

The Rockets could flip the 10th pick for a lower selection and some future assets. There's one variable that should incentivize that course of action:

For all the picks the Rockets have accumulated, they don't have a selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Rockets could trade into the next draft

Moreover, the 2026 draft looks strong. Cooper Flagg may get picked first in a composite draft, but the top 3 prospects in the 2026 class would all have a strong case to be picked after him.

Like presumptive second overall 2025 pick Dylan Harper, Darryn Peterson is a 6'6" guard. He's a touch more athletic and may be a more polished scorer.

For what it's worth, I'd be taking A.J. Dybantasa second overall in the hypothetical combined draft. He's a wildly athletic 6'9" wing who scores on all three levels. Dybantasa plays with relentless aggression and should guard multiple positions in the NBA as well.

Finally, Cameron Boozer is another 6'9" wing with remarkable feel for the game. As the son of a former NBA star, Boozer knows how to leverage his size to score and make plays for teammates.

Granted, it's unlikely that Houston will flip the 10th pick for a first-rounder and a future top-3 pick. None of these guys would project as future Rockets:

But Rockets fans know that projections can be a fool's errand.

Rockets could take advantage of a rival

The Suns were not supposed to send the Rockets the 10th pick either. The NBA is nothing if not unpredictable.

Acquiring a 2026 first won't be easy, but it's something the Rockets should consider. If they could flip the 10th pick for, say, a pick in the high 20s and an unprotected 2026 first, it could be the right deal for them.

Why stop stockpiling picks now?