Houston Rockets 2022 NBA Draft Best Picks
The Rockets get another shot at building its young core team with another solid NBA draft lottery year. The team landed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 first round for a second consecutive year. They acquired Jalen Green for the 2020-21 season, and now, the team clinched a No. 3 pick in the 2022 first round with a fortunate draw.
Despite holding onto a 27.4% chance of securing a pick at No. 2 or higher last year and a 40.1% of coming into a No. 3 pick or higher, the lottery draw played to their benefit for a second straight year.
Houston keeping the No. 3 pick brings several opportunities to draft one of the top-three prospects. With that, Nitrobetting flips through the three best targets for the Rockets for the third pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Who’s under the radar in the 2022 NBA Draft for the Houston Rockets?
READ MORE: Orlando Magic 2022 NBA Draft Best Picks
C Chet Holmgren – Gonzaga
Gonzaga center/power forward Chet Holmgren is arguably the best rim protector in the class of 2022. The narrow-framed seven-footer has surprisingly decent handles for his size. His potential as a shot-blocker and a flexible big man should be worth the tip pick alone. He’s confident in other areas where most big men face difficulties. He can score at multiple levels, catching lobs, draining threes, and remaining consistent around the perimeter. Basically, the 20-year-old introduces fluidity to any team’s offensive efforts.
Holmgren has a feel for the game unlike any other prospect in his class. He sports good handles and vision that could elevate any team’s ball rotation. His competitive edge can bring another dimension to the Rockets’ lineup. Nevertheless, Chet Holmgren needs some polishing, mainly his lightweight frame. This could be limiting against heavier defenders. He can ease into the game as a stretch four while working on physical aspects.
PF Paolo Banchero – Duke
Another player that could bring more grit to the Rockets’ unit is Paolo Banchero from Duke. He is likely one of the few players primed for professional basketball at six-foot-ten, 250 pounds. Banchero is a mismatch nightmare even for seasoned NBA players. There’s more untapped potential when looking at his current game, but his impressive footwork and shot creation skills already highlight firm foundations. If Houston can develop him into becoming a better defender, he could be headed for a bigger role in no time.
Banchero has the creative ability to go with strength and agility. This means he doesn’t have to take shots to become an effective starter. Few prospects have what he has, and if he can work on his shooting and sharpen his handles, his game can transition into something more flexible.
SG Jaden Ivey – Purdue
One of the more exciting college basketball players is Purdue’s Jaden Ivey. He has the flair and scoring ability that could spark a powerful duo with Jalen Green. The six-foot-four guard boasts three-dimensional scoring levels. He’s explosive, creative, and has a top-notch basketball IQ that could make him a good pick for the Rockets.
Ivey is a consistent scorer for his team. He’s explosive around the rim, creative in the midrange, and continues to elevate his shooting capabilities. Combining him with a robust young rotation, it’s hard to see him not working well with Houston’s current lineup. Lightning-fast moves, proper ball handler, and star-level shot-making make him a good addition to the team. Although Ivey is impeccable on offense, he needs to develop a better defense. He has his bad moments given that he is used to ball-dominant basketball, but this could be improved under the right system.
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