After defying the odds to land the No. 2 overall pick in Tuesday’s 2021 NBA draft lottery, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone made it clear that all options are on the table. That could include even trading the pick, should an elite player be made available.
At this stage, though, it isn’t clear whether any superstars worthy of trading such a top asset will be up for grabs. Should Stone keep the pick, he’s likely to have his pick of the entire draft outside of Oklahoma State forward Cade Cunningham, who is likely to be taken by Detroit at No. 1.
In Tuesday’s post-lottery press conference, Stone made it clear that the Rockets will target the best player available that they believe can eventually become a star — with position not a high priority. “The goal is to find a star player,” he said. “That’s always our goal. When you bring in young players, you’re really looking for star potential.”
According to most draft analysts, the top prospects available at No. 2 are USC center Evan Mobley; Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs; and Jalen Green of the G League Ignite. Courtesy of the latest mock draft by For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky, here’s an early look at all three players.
I'm not sure what the Houston Rockets do at No. 2 overall. Do you go Evan Mobley or look at either Jalen Green/Jalen Suggs? That'll give the Cleveland Cavaliers a very tough decision as well.
I mused on that, and projected all 60 picks, in my latest mock:https://t.co/8JCVVQp1KM
— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 23, 2021
