New day and new team to analyze in view of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Rockets have the Nets pick which has turned into a magnificent gift. They will choose in 3rd position, but how can you use such a pick wisely in a squad already full of potential?
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Option #1: Take the best player available
This third choice is a golden opportunity for the Rockets to add a new player with high potential to a team that already includes Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. It will be necessary to clearly identify the needs of the team, but it is difficult to draft “fit” with such a high-ranking choice.
If by some miracle, one of our two Frenchies, Zaccharie Risacher or Alexandre Sarr, was still available, there is no doubt that the Texans would pounce on them. Spoiler: there is little chance of this happening, but after all why not? Zacch would directly bring plenty of scoring to the 2-3 position and would have a good chance of being considered a potential starter upon his arrival.
As for Alexandre Sarr, his style of play could not be more complementary to Alperen Sengun, who is more focused on attack. Sarr would plug the defensive gaps left by the Turkish pivot while being able to contribute on the other side of the field thanks to the passes of Fred VanVleet, much more managerial since his arrival in Texas. Regardless, we are not immune to a surprise in a 2024 Draft without a real designated leader, who often changes the projected first choice. We will have to remain vigilant among the Rockets, a windfall could well arrive.
Option #2: draft to fit
However, with the two big heads possibly leaving beforehand, we will have to think of something else, and in a squad as full of potential as that of the Rockets, it is necessary to fill needs.
Donovan Clingan, a pivot with assumed defensive inclinations, whose style of play is very complementary with Alperen Sengun, could respond to this fit. In addition, the UConn resident had two years of college basketball in his legs to prepare for NBA games. Clingan could immediately contribute to Houston, and that may be what the squad, which ended up with a balanced record, needs.
Reed Sheppard is also a name that is coming back, he who is hungry for scoring, could come off the bench, or even have reduced playing time initially, to flourish better later. Because yes, being a Draft pick in the lottery is not necessarily synonymous with big playing time, and in Houston, places will be expensive, so secure Sheppard to put him in the incubator then take him out of his box from here 1 year or 2 remains possible. Donovan Clingan, Matas Buzelis or even Ron Holland are not options to exclude either.
Option #3: transfer this choice against a confirmed player
It is not at all said that the Rockets will use this 3rd Draft choice. Rumor has it that the front office is exploring all possibilities. And these include a transfer of this choice against a confirmed player. Houston has a slew of young players with high market value and could send this type of package to a team looking to rebuild.
We are talking in particular about players like Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Donovan Mitchell and even Trae Young. Certainly players who would immediately take the Rockets to a new level and who would become attack leaders to oversee this entire young guard.
Of course, we would have to let go of talented players in return, but these scenarios are to be considered in the city of Travis Scott. Otherwise, another option would be to “trade-down” to keep assets in the future, but also to obtain another confirmed veteran, like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who have provided complete satisfaction this season.
