The Houston Rockets are ready and willing to part with the third pick in this year’s draft. GM Rafael Stone has made it clear.
But it takes two to tango. And it will be difficult to find a dance partner depending on this year’s draft.
Of course, talk of this year’s draft class being worthless is egregious and greatly exaggerated, but there is no franchise cornerstone this time.
It all comes down to exploration.
However, the Rockets are looking for a more established player.
Which will be an arduous task this year.
Stone’s admission that the pick is available has led to many mock trades, as the front office is supposed to part with the pick. However, if they keep it up, there are a wide variety of outcomes that could occur.
Credentialed media member Lachard Binkley made a pretty surprising recommendation with the third pick (assuming the Rockets retain it).
“When picking the number three overall, you’re looking for a player who fits a specific need and a player who can one day be more than just a really good role player, and that’s where Buzelis comes into the picture.
The Rockets, of course, have Alperen Sengun, one of the best offensive centers in the league, and with Steven Adams on the roster for next season, the center position is one of Houston’s strongest areas. Still, they are missing a versatile forward who can not only score inside but also get his man off the dribble with regularity.
Buzelis is one of the most versatile players in the draft.
The 6’10 big can score from mid-range in the paint and has a good enough handle to get his defender off the rebound consistently. He is a good transition scorer and has a high basketball IQ. Constantly moving and scoring without the ball is a valuable skill for any team. Even on the defensive end, Buzelis showed that he could stay in front of the ball handler and not be a traffic cone on that end.”
The Rockets have been looking for a rim-running big man since trading Clint Capela. However, it would be a big mistake to select Buzelis at number three. Binkley will have to be wrong on this one.
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