With the NBA Finals officially over, next on the schedule will be the 2021 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets had a season to forget, finishing with the worst record in the NBA. However, they did land the second overall pick in the NBA Draft, and they have a lot of decisions to make this offseason.
The following is a complete look at the Houston Rockets needs, as we approach the 2021 NBA Draft and Free Agency.
Houston Rockets Needs Heading Into the Offseason
Houston Rockets Free Agents
- Avery Bradley, SG (Team-Option)
- Armani Brooks, SG
- Sterling Brown, SF
- Dante Exum, PG
- Anthony Lamb, SF
- David Nwaba, SF
- Kelly Olynyk, PF
- D.J. Wilson, C
The Rockets do have some work to do this offseason. However, let’s knock some things out right now. The Rockets have three first-round picks this year, so they will most likely let Exum, Brooks, Lamb and Wilson Walk. Now, it’s likely they would want to hold on to David Nwaba and Sterling Brown. With Avery Bradley, the Rockets will likely decline his option and let him hit the market. Now, the big question comes with Kelly Olynyk. He’s been a good player for the team, but he could be pricey this offseaon, with teams needing bigs.
Houston Rockets 2021 Draft Picks
- First Round, Second Overall
- First Round, 23rd Overall
- First Round, 24th Overall
Houston Rockets Draft Targets
Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham is the overwhelming favorite to be the first selection by the Detroit Pistons. However, the Rockets are exploring at possibly trading up to the first pick, simply because Cunningham is that good. He’s an elite playmaker with excellent shooting. On top of that, he should be a solid defender right away in the NBA, and he has great court vision. Players like him don’t come around often, so everyone should be checking up on him.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green is probably the best pure scorer in the entire draft. He decided to skip college and played in the G-League this past year. His scoring and playmaking was on display. He averaged over 17 points per game and made more than a couple plays that made your draw drop. Green also has a high motor, so he could be a great defender in the NBA if he puts the effort into it. He’s a complete offensive star.
Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley is a new-school style big man who has a lot of touch around the rim. He’s on the same tier as Green as a prospect and already has the size and shot-blocking ability to contribute immediately for whoever drafts him. His offensive game shows a lot of promise. He can stroke it from anywhere inside the three-point arc, and with time, it should extend beyond that. Overall, he’s a great big man to build a franchise around.
