Entering Tuesday’s 2023 NBA draft lottery, the Houston Rockets had a 14% chance of selecting No. 1 overall in the first round. That was followed by 13.4% odds of the No. 2 pick; 12.7% for the No. 3 selection; 12.0% for the No. 4 pick; 27.8% for No. 5; and 20.0% for No. 6.
Unlike 2021 and 2022, when Houston gained one of the best-case outcomes at No. 2 (Jalen Green) and No. 3 (Jabari Smith Jr.), respectively, the Rockets did not have the same luck in 2023. This year, they drew the No. 4 spot as the fourth and final lottery winner.
That means the rebuilding Rockets will not be drafting Victor Wembanyama, the historically talented French big man who is now expected to be drafted by San Antonio at No. 1 overall.
However, the Rockets will still have a number of talented options to choose from. The list potentially includes guard Scoot Henderson of the NBA G League Ignite, guard Amen Thompson of the Overtime Elite, forward Brandon Miller of Alabama and many more.
Houston also owns the No. 20 pick in the first round, which they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Eric Gordon trade. With both slots confirmed, here’s a post-lottery look at who draft experts have going at No. 4 and No. 20 in their latest mock drafts.