Oklahoma State wing Cade Cunningham and University of Southern California (USC) big man Evan Mobley each had kind words for the Houston Rockets during Friday’s media session with reporters.
Along with G League Ignite guard Jalen Green, Mobley is believed to be a top consideration for the Rockets at No. 2 in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft. While Cunningham is widely expected to go before that at No. 1 overall, media reports have suggested that Houston has interest in potentially trading up with Detroit for that pick to take him.
“They’re a very young team,” Mobley said of Houston during Friday’s NBA draft media availability. “Very athletic. That’s very exciting.”
Cunningham said he views Houston as an “intriguing spot” based on the roster’s youth and athleticism, and he identified young guard Kevin Porter Jr. as a big reason for the Rockets being on the right path.
Cunningham says the youth and athleticism of the Houston Rockets "definitely" intrigues him.
He says Kevin Porter Jr. is the reason why they're on the right path and headed to something special soon.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 23, 2021
Cunningham said he has yet to formally meet with the Rockets, since he believes that he will be the draft’s No. 1 selection. However, that is subject to change, should Houston successfully execute a trade.
“I wanted to meet with the team that had the No. 1 pick, because I feel I’m the No. 1 pick,” Cunningham said. “If the Rockets get the No. 1 pick, I’d meet with them, if there is enough time.”
See below for a roundup of other Rockets-related quotes by Mobley and Cunningham from Friday’s chat. Green is poised to meet with the media on Monday, three days prior to the draft on Thursday, July 29.
Cunningham: "I wanted to meet with the team that had the No. 1 pick because I feel I'm the No. 1 pick. If the Rockets get the No. 1 pick, I'd meet with them if there is enough time."
— James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 23, 2021
Cade Cunningham on the #Rockets: "Having young pieces you can build with and build on is important."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) July 23, 2021
Evan Mobley on the potential of being selected by the Rockets: "They're a very young team. Very athletic. That's very exciting."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 23, 2021
Former USC 7-footer @evanmobley, who could potentially being taken by the #Rockets ,made available to the media by the NBA via Zoom, with some thoughts on Houston: “They’re a very young team & very athletic. I’m also young and athletic. So that’s very exciting.” pic.twitter.com/qkZntsIxM5
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 23, 2021
Cade Cunningham called the Rockets an "intriguing spot". He had praise for both Kevin Porter Jr and Christian Wood.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 23, 2021
Former USC 7-footer @evanmobley,who could potentially being taken by the #Rockets ,made available to media via Zoom:”I think I’ll be a generational player that no one has really seen before.That’s what I’m aspiring to be.I’m gonna keep working & stay in the gym until I get there” pic.twitter.com/wfrESoDwPx
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 23, 2021
Evan Mobley wants to be in the best situation possible. He said he would like to play alongside players like Christian Wood and thinks it would be a cool fit.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 23, 2021
Former USC 7-footer @evanmobley,who could potentially being taken by #Rockets ,made available to the media by NBA via Zoom, on his versatility: “I feel like I can guard almost every position..I can shoot the ball..as well as put it on the floor,run the floor as well really good” pic.twitter.com/F2KWDaiNdk
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 23, 2021
Mobley says he would be excited to join the Rockets if they picked him.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 23, 2021
Evan Mobley wants to win a championship, then goes on to say multiple championships, for the team that drafts him.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 23, 2021
