The Houston Rockets remain a complete mystery in recent mock drafts

As the NBA draft approaches, consensus usually begins to crystallize. We are starting to get a sense of who is likely to be selected and where.

This year it’s different. To begin with, it is generally considered a weak class. Additionally, two teams unexpectedly found themselves in the top 3: the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets.

We’re here to talk about what the Rockets could do. Still, the Hawks have the better selection – their decision could impact the Rockets’ pool of picks. Rumors link the Hawks to Donovan Clingan. Alexandre Sarr is generally seen as the most popular choice at 1.

Could the Hawks go rogue? Could they consider negotiating – possibly with the Rockets? The Rockets are a winning team now. Will they consider trading their project completely for veteran help?

So many questions and so few answers. A few recent mock builds haven’t helped clear things up.

Houston Rockets linked to two different prospects

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor calls on the Rockets to select Reed Sheppard.

It’s a popular choice in Houston. The Rockets were one of the poorest shooting teams in the NBA last year, and Sheppard is the best shooting prospect in the class. It’s an open and shut case, right?

Not so fast. Yahoo’s Krysten Peek calls for the Rockets to select Clingan.

Right now, most publications have the Rockets picking one of these two. Who knows? The Hawks could snatch Clingan with the top pick. The Wizards would likely select Sarr, and the Rockets could move on from Sheppard to select Zacharie Risacher.

Let’s assume that things go roughly as planned. The Hawks take Sarr and the Wizards capture Risacher. The Rockets are next, and Sheppard and Clingan are both on the board.

What should they do?

It’s a difficult decision.

Drafting to accommodate the third pick would be a cardinal sin. The Rockets shouldn’t just take Sheppard because he’s a very powerful shooter.

Still, some would argue he has a higher ceiling than Clingan anyway. Outside of some nifty stationary passes, Clingan doesn’t project to play a prominent offensive role in the NBA. In contrast, Sheppard might be such a knockdown shooter that his strong handle and burst allow him to be a primary ball handler.

Looks like we’re leaning towards Sheppard, right? Honestly, we’re not sure. Clingan may be a limited offensive player, but he seems almost guaranteed to be a high-end rim protector in the NBA. In a weak draft, landing such a player third would be a blessing.

Of course, Clingan doesn’t go well with Alperen Sengun. The Rockets can fix this problem later. Think about it. The Hawks are apparently considering Clingan. Reports have indicated that the Spurs and Grizzlies may consider trading him. Everyone wants Clingan – why wouldn’t the Rockets do it?

Ultimately, it won’t be an easy decision. The Rockets need to block out the noise and select the one they believe is right for their future.

This year we have no idea what they might do.