With the James Harden era another year removed, the Houston Rockets are in the business of accumulating young, high-upside players for the next great era in the franchise’s storied history. In the meantime, the Rockets have only 37 wins over the last two seasons, pivoting hard to the future both in the Harden deal and in subsequent moves. The 2021 draft was kind to Houston, particularly with the additions of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, and the 2022 draft provided even more opportunities for the organization to add to its coffers.
Heading into the night with the No. 3 overall pick and another pick at No. 17, the Rockets had the chance to continue their roster transformation, pairing Green with another top-end talent at the center of the team’s rebuilding plan. Before the festivities even began, Houston added another first-round pick in a swap involving Christian Wood, as they continued to prioritize what they hope is a bright future.
Roster Needs: More defensive talent, a long-term creator at the point guard position, overall upside
Jabari Smith (No. 3 Overall), A-: This wasn’t the result most envisioned, but it’s an easy choice for Houston after the way the top two shook out. Smith should fit seamlessly alongside Jalen Green with the Rockets, as the 6’10 forward is one of the best shooters in the draft with great size. He also projects as a plus defender, and his ceiling is sky-high if Smith can continue to develop as a ball-handler and playmaker.
Tari Eason (No. 17 Overall), B+: Houston’s nice night in the draft continued with their second selection. Eason is a bit raw on offense, but this is a strong value for the LSU forward. He is a tenacious and aggressive defender that creates positive events on that end of the floor and rebounds quite well. On offense, he attacks the rim effectively and has room to grow as a shooter. Houston could use more defensive help, and Eason can bring it.
TyTy Washington (No. 29 Overall), A-: It was a tumble for Washington, but this is a nice landing spot, all things considered. He finished as a top-20 player on my board and can come along slowly next to Jalen Green. He is kind of a tweener as a combo guard, but Washington’s skill level is high and he can stick in Houston.
2022 Free Agents:
Dennis Schroder (UFA)
Bruno Fernando (RFA)
Anthony Lamb (RFA)
Trevelin Queen (RFA)
Roster:
John Wall
Eric Gordon
Jalen Green
David Nwaba
Alperen Sengun
Kevin Porter Jr
Usman Garuba
Josh Christopher
Garrison Mathews (non-guaranteed)
Kenyon Martin Jr (non-guaranteed)
Jae’Sean Tate (team option, non-guaranteed)
Daishen Nix
Boban Marjanovic
Trey Burke
Sterling Brown
Marquese Chriss
Jabari Smith
Tari Eason
TyTy Washington
