Pre-Draft Outlook
The Rockets made an 11-win improvement from last season to leap from 11th to second in the West. Their first playoff appearance in five seasons lasted one round as the Warriors ousted them. Houston’s young core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason — built through the draft — gained valuable postseason experience to carry over to next season as the Rockets look to remain among West contenders.
The Way To Go
Before the first night of the 2024 Draft, the Rockets and Suns traded future draft picks that ultimately landed the Rockets the No. 10 pick in the 2025 Draft (from Brooklyn via Phoenix). As a playoff team holding a lottery pick, the Rockets could opt to trade the pick for a win-now asset. Or, if they hold onto it, they can add another shot creator — multiple mock drafts have Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis slotted here — as a potential successor to Fred VanVleet (who is extension eligible with team option for 2025-26).
— Brian Martin
Here’s a quick look at Houston’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Jalen Green
G: Reed Sheppard
G: Nate Williams
G/F: Dillon Brooks
G/F: Amen Thompson
F: Tari Eason
F: David Roddy
F: Jabari Smith Jr.
F: Cam Whitmore
C: Jock Landale
C: Alperen Sengun
Free Agents
G: Aaron Holiday
G: Fred VanVleet
G/F: Jack McVeigh
F: Jeff Green
F: Jae’Sean Tate
C: Steven Adams
C: N’Faly Dante