NBA Rockets mock draft summary ahead of first round

The Houston Rockets look to continue building their future on Wednesday.

Widely considered one of the most intriguing picks of the night — since Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr are likely to be in the top two — the Rockets have the third overall pick in Wednesday’s first round of the NBA Draft 2024, which begins at 7 p.m. CT at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

At No. 3 overall, several draft analysts, including USA TODAY’s Jeff Zillgitt, have called for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone to select Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard to pair with Jalen Green in the rear area. Sheppard started at Kentucky this season under former Wildcats and now Arkansas coach John Calipari, averaging 12.5 points and 4.1 assists per game while being named a freshman SEC year 2023-24.

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But, as is always the case on draft nights, the Rockets could trade the third pick. According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are expressing interest in trading for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

Houston Rockets NBA Draft Mock Recap

Here’s a look at the different mock drafts Houston chose in the first round of Wednesday’s NBA draft:

USA TODAY: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Can score from deep, especially off screens, using floaters or shooting upfield in transition. Lacks elite athleticism but handles the ball well enough to warrant watching the point guard. Will compete defensively and rebound well for his size. Performed well in the NBA draft with his shooting and impressive 42-inch vertical leap.

ESPN: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

As of Wednesday afternoon, there are signs that the Rockets will stick with the No. 3 pick and select Sheppard, a player they have coveted throughout the pre-draft process.

For now – unless a surprise trade scenario arises late in the process — it looks like the Rockets will continue to add young talent, and Sheppard has been the favorite here since lottery night on May 12. Houston’s ownership group traveled to meet with Sheppard in Los Angeles fairly early in the process, and he toured the Rockets’ facilities. to make his case as the best shooter in the draft.

Athleticism : Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

The Rockets’ Tuesday night trade with Brooklyn is not expected to impact the decision-making process on draft night. The team essentially traded two of the three remaining future picks it owns from the Nets to Brooklyn for a significant number of future draft selections from the Phoenix Suns. The idea was to add more capital to its cache project, as well as expand the window of its decision-making process.

CBS Sports: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Houston lands the most powerful 3-point shooter in the draft. Sheppard ranked in the 100th percentile (!) in jump shots as a true freshman at Kentucky and was an asset as a catch-and-shoot weapon to boot. He adds play on both ends as a passer and defender.

2024 NBA DRAFT:Find out everything about the NBA Draft

When do the Rockets pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

The Rockets have two picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, assuming no trades are made to move Houston up or down the draft boards. They are:

Round 1: Pick #3 (#3 overall)
2nd round: Pick #14 (#44 overall)

When does the 2024 NBA Draft start? Start time of the first round

Date: Wednesday June 26
Time: 7:00 p.m. (Central Time)

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. CT, although pre-draft coverage is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

What channel is the 2024 NBA Draft on today?

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft will air on ESPN and ABC. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a cable connection) as well as ESPN+ and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial.

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