2024 NBA Draft: Rockets Identifying Positional Need

While the Houston Rockets may consider selecting the most talented player available regardless of position, the question arises: which player profile would best suit the Rockets in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft? With a probable top-10 pick, Houston will have a range of options at their disposal, likely encompassing quality players across various positions and skill sets.

While the Rockets are currently in a rebuilding phase where prioritizing the best available talent may be prudent, it’s intriguing to ponder the team’s positional and skill needs both in the present and the future.

Starting with the point guard position, Fred VanVleet is set to lead the offense in the upcoming season, with Amen Thompson slated as the team’s long-term point guard prospect. The off-ball guard positions also seem well-covered with emerging talents like Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore.

At center, Alperen Sengun stands out as the franchise cornerstone, complemented by the returning Steven Adams. The frontcourt offers versatility with players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, each bringing unique strengths and attributes.

However, the Rockets’ depth at traditional wing positions appears somewhat lacking. While players like Whitmore and Eason can adapt, there’s a noticeable gap, with Dillon Brooks being the primary option. Yet, Brooks might not represent the ideal long-term solution for the wing position in Houston.

Therefore, it seems evident that the Rockets have a need for a perimeter player in the 2024 NBA Draft, someone capable of shooting from beyond the arc and defending against versatile forwards. While numerous prospects might fit this description, Houston isn’t necessarily confined to drafting based solely on positional fit at this stage of their development.