NEWSLETTER
Houston Rockets 2024 NBA Mock Draft – The NBA is changing it up this year with a revamped draft format for the 2024 season. This year’s 78th annual draft will be spread over two nights, a first since the league standardized the draft to two rounds in the late 1980s. Previously held in a single-night spectacle, the draft will now take place on June 26th at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the first round, followed by the second round on June 27th at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.
The second round will also see an extended time allotment between picks, with a shift from two minutes to four. Continuing a trend from the past two years, the draft will feature 58 picks instead of the usual 60 due to tampering penalties levied against the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
The Houston Rockets find themselves at an intriguing crossroads. A treasure trove of young talent and draft picks fuels speculation about their next move. Should they consolidate their assets and make a push for a superstar?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The Rockets could certainly justify a blockbuster trade if a truly elite player became available. However, the prudent path might be to hold onto their assets and nurture the development of their young core.
Key questions linger: Can Jalen Green flourish playing alongside Alperen Sengun? Will Amen Thompson refine his shooting and ball-handling skills? With so many unknowns, a rash decision could prove detrimental. The Rockets possess a valuable asset – time. Their youthful core allows them the luxury of patience and organic growth. I think the 2023-2024 season exceeded preseason expectations both inside and outside of the building, and building patiently upon that should be the focus.
Houston Rockets 2024 NBA Mock Draft – Pick No. 3
Reed Sheppard – Kentucky Wildcats
Position: PG/SG
Size: 6’3″, 187 lbs
Age/Year: 19, Freshman
Nationality: American
Pro Comparison (per The Ringer): Derrick White
Sheppard possesses an impressive shooting ability with a fast, high release and a wide shooting range. Although Kentucky didn’t utilize him in off-screen situations, he demonstrates the capability to shoot while in motion, and his dribbling skills bode well for his overall potential. When given space, he is quick to take the shot.
Despite his small stature, he has a significant defensive impact due to his exceptional instincts and quick hands. He is a disruptive force when defending the ball and displays playmaking skills when in possession. While he excels as a defender, his size could be a disadvantage against larger, more powerful players, leading to potential challenges and limitations in containing them.
This teams needs more shooting and floor spacing based on the current roster, and Sheppard fits the bill toward the top of this class.
2024 NBA draft order: First Round
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets (via BKN)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via GS)
15. Miami Heat
16. Philadelphia 76ers
17. Los Angeles Lakers*
18. Orlando Magic
19. Toronto Raptors (via IND)
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL)
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NO)
24. New York Knicks (via DAL)
25. New York Knicks
26. Washington Wizards (via LAC)
27. Minnesota Timberwolves
28. Denver Nuggets
29. Utah Jazz (via OKC)
30. Boston Celtics
*The New Orleans Pelicans have the option to take the Los Angeles Lakers pick at No. 17 overall or defer it to 2025. They have until June 1st to decide.
