The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 22, as both rounds are wrapped up in one night. As it approaches, TGH will be taking a quick look some teams’ draft strategies, and shedding some light on what direction they will go with their picks.. Here is the Houston Rockets NBA Draft profile for 2023.
Summary
The Houston Rockets finished with a record of 22-60. They finished fourth in their division and 14th in the West, in front of only the San Antonio Spurs in both standings. Despite their awful record, they actually improved on their 20-62 record in 2022.
2023 Draft Picks
The Rockets have two picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
First Round (two picks):
- Pick #4
- Pick #20
Team Needs
- Players to support growth of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith
- Overall depth
Projected Targets
Pick #4: Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
Thompson may not be the best shooter, and the Rockets would be gambling it all on a very young backcourt, but this seems like the most likely move for Houston at number four.
He’d be one of the top-tier pure athletes in the league right away, and could slash to the basket like young Russell Westbrook given the opportunity. His playmaking ability could feed Green on the outside and Jabari Smith on the low block with ease from Day 1. Plus, if Thompson does develop as a shooter, he has the length to play as a shooting guard (although that’s a big “if”). Miller would a fine pick here, if available, but this is a more realistic selection.
Pick #20: G.G. Jackson, F, South Carolina
If Thompson is the pick at four, then the Rockets would be smart to grab a true scoring threat with their second pick, to balance out his lack of shooting. G.G. Jackson could be that guy if he transitions to more of a wing, as to not step on Smith’s toes.
Jackson is a catch-and-shoot threat right out of the gate, but that’s not the only trick in his bag. He’s an accomplished around-the-rim scorer and he can create his own shot with ease. The only problems lie in his inaccuracies in the playmaking games (overshadowed by Thompson) and some shot selection issues at times. But this pairing coupled with the players the Rockets already have makes a very young core to be excited about.
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