Houston Rockets 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Projected picks and more
The Houston Rockets will have a chance to make some serious waves in the NBA draft tonight with the third pick. Given that this year's NBA draft doesn't have a generational talent sitting atop the board like Victor Wembanyama last year, teams will have to be flexible and adapt. In the case of the Houston Rockets, the team will have a chance to add to their young core.
After the Atlanta Hawks make the first pick of the draft, and the Washington Wizards make the second pick of the draft, the Rockets will then be on the clock. The team acquired the third pick from the Brooklyn Nets, and barring any trades between now and then, they will make the third pick of the draft tonight.
Of course, without a clear-cut pick, the Houston Rockets will have some tough decisions to make. Do they look to draft a guard who can complement Fred VanVleet, another big man to pair with Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt, or go another route entirely?
Ahead of the NBA draft, let's take a look at some projected picks for the Houston Rockets at No. 3.
Houston Rockets 2024 NBA Mock Draft
#1 - Alex Sarr | F/C | NBL
In a draft class without a clear-cut number 1 pick, the expectation is that Alex Sarr will go within the top two. Despite that, as we've seen in the past, players who are projected to go much higher can slip in the standings.
Given that, if Alex Sarr is available, the Houston Rockets surely wouldn't pass up on drafting the seven-footer.
#2 - Zaccharie Risacher | F | LNB A
In addition to Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher is the other player expected to go in the top two. Despite that, other players could sneak in at either the No. 1 or the No. 2 spot.
If Reed Sheppard or Donovan Clingan wind being selected in the top two, the Rockets would all but have to draft Risacher. While it's unlikely that Risacher falls to No. 3, if he does, Houston would be wise to draft the French prospect.
#3 - Reed Sheppard | G | Kentucky
This is where things get interesting for Houston. While there's a chance Sarr or Risacher fall to the third pick, it's far more likely that Reed Sheppard is available. The young guard proved his explosive leaping ability at the draft combine after an impressive season with Kentucky.
Given that Fred VanVleet is 30 years old, and the Rockets lack depth at the guard spot, Reed would not only be a good fit, he's also likely to be available.
#2: Donovan Clingan | C | Uconn
Currently, the odds indicate that Donovan Clingan is likely to go somewhere in the 3-7 range per FanDuel. While the team already has a young standout in Alperen Sengun, they could look to pair him with Clingan in the frontcourt.
Given the success we've seen from the Minnesota Timberwolves as of late with a Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert frontcourt, the era of two bigs may be upon us. While Clingan doesn't have a three-point shot in his bag, Sengun, who shot 33.3% from downtown during the 2022-23 season does.
#1: Stephon Castle | G | Uconn
While Stephon Castle was listed as a shooting guard during the NBA Draft Combine, he has indicated that he wants to play point guard in the NBA. Given that, he could be a perfect fit for the Rockets.
The team currently has starting point guard Fred VanVleet under contract for two more years, with a team option in the second season. Given that VanVleet is 30 years old, the Houston Rockets could look to draft Castle as a backup with the hope of him eventually taking over as a starter.