After they won the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone put on his poker face with regard to their offseason plans.
“I think the caveat to it was always we’d be willing to move it if we got something that was worth us moving it,” Stone says. “But at the same time, valuing the player that we think we’d bring in.”
“Probably at least a slightly better chance that we’ll like the player more at 3 (than a trade). Probably a much better chance we’ll like the player more…,” Stone continues. “But also, potentially maybe others will too. So maybe other teams will be more aggressive in trying to trade in for that.”
With those comments, Stone’s interest in keeping the pick —feigned or not —inherently increased its value.
If the Rockets are perceived to want the pick for a particular prospect, they may have leverage in trade negotiations. To that point, while many are critical of the quality of this upcoming draft, multiple lottery prospects have star potential.
Rockets’ Plans for No. 3 Pick, Revealed?
Houston’s starting lineup may already be set, with multiple players waiting in the wings. However, the midseason rumors surrounding Jalen Green haven’t been forgotten and his future with the team is still cloudy. Indeed, the Rockets could look to package Green and the No. 3 pick together for a wing upgrade.
To that point, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Houston is likely to make the pick available for a ‘win-now piece’ (h/t Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports).
In the ever changing NBA, this could result in any number of stars being targeted.
When Green was rumored to be on the trade block, Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges was in their crosshairs. A defensive-minded wing who is a consistent 3-point threat, Bridges is coming off of an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. Yet, his efficiency and two-end impact are more en vogue with the Rockets’ needs than what Green has usually offered.
It’s also possible that the NBA soap opera leads to the Cleveland Cavaliers moving Donovan Mitchell. If Mitchell is reluctant to sign a contract extension with Cleveland, Houston may be able to swoop in with an offer that springs him out of Northeast Ohio. An elite scorer and two-way playmaker, Mitchell may move the needle more than any player they can acquire.
What If They Keep It?
If the Rockets keep the No. 3 pick, a prospect such as JL Bourg forward Zaccharie Risacher or Colorado wing Cody Williams could fit right in with their efficiency beyond the arc and defensive upside. However, neither Risacher nor Williams may have star potential, which is what’s expected of a No. 3 pick. At that point, Houston has to weigh the value of acquiring a prospect that fits their needs (and on an affordable contract) versus pulling the trigger on an established player.
One that may come with no guarantees, considering Bridges’ 2023-24 campaign and Mitchell’s contract status.
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