The 2021 NBA draft is now only hours away, with a start time of 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, July 29. It will be televised on ESPN and ABC, and the Rockets will make their first selection relatively quickly — since they currently own the No. 2 overall pick in the first round.
G League Ignite guard Jalen Green is the clear favorite for that No. 2 pick, but it’s not yet a given, since the Detroit Pistons — at least as of midday Wednesday — were still debating what to do at No. 1. Should Green buck the odds and go No. 1 overall, that would potentially put Oklahoma State wing Cade Cunningham in play for the Rockets. Scenarios where Houston trades up and takes Cunningham at No. 1 are also viable.
But that’s not the only intrigue for Houston on draft night. The Rockets also possess picks No. 23 and No. 24 in the first round, which could give them as many as three first-round rookies for the 2021-22 roster.
As of Wednesday afternoon, here’s a look at who industry draft experts have the Rockets taking at each of those spots (picks 2, 23, and 24). For further breakdowns and scouting reports on each player, check out The Ringer’s detailed draft guide by Kevin O’Connor.
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