Kofi Inkoom
The Houston Rockets find themselves in the enviable position of holding the third pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, a spot they weren’t expected to secure with just a 5.23 percent chance of moving up from their original No. 9 slot.
This marks the fourth consecutive year the Rockets will be drafting in the top four, but it’s the first time they’ve moved up rather than dropping down.
While ESPN predicts the Rockets may select Kentucky guard Reed Shepherd with the pick, Adrian Wojnarowski suggests they might trade it for a seasoned impact player, citing rockets GM.
Wojnarowski said, “Rafael Stone, the General Manager of the Houston Rockets , has shown an inclination to trade out of that pick and bring in an impact veteran player – I think that pick will be available” signaling the team’s openness to deals.
Per @wojespn
“Rafael Stone, the General Manager of the Houston #Rockets, has shown an inclination to trade out of that pick and bring in an impact veteran player – I think that pick will be available” pic.twitter.com/kXUU9yjwOm
— Mitty (@MittyNBA) May 12, 2024
Shepherd’s impressive college stats, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, contributed to Kentucky’s successful season.
Whether Houston opts for Shepherd or another top talent, their lottery luck sets them on a path towards playoff contention, a feat they haven’t achieved since the 2019-20 season.
The 2024 NBA Draft’s first round is scheduled for June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Should the Rockets decide to trade their pick for an experienced player, potential targets could include Mikal Bridges of the Nets, Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans, or possibly Donovan Mitchell of the Cavs, especially if Cleveland fails to secure the championship this season.