Who are the Houston Rockets likely to pick at NBA Draft 2023?

Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone will have two first round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone will have two first round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Houston Rockets own the fourth and 20th picks of the 2023 NBA Draft. New coach Ime Udoka will have in his hands an even younger team than the one that competed last season with Houston’s selections on Thursday.

The Rockets have slowly but steadily improved their win total over the past three years. They had 17, 20 and then 22 last season. With this year’s picks, the development of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., their win-loss slate could be much better.

Houston is already replete with young and emerging talent but it can’t allow this draft to pass it by without getting the best available talent.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.


The Houston Rockets are reportedly torn between Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore

Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson are expected to be the first three names to be called on Thursday’s draft night. The Houston Rockets, who will be on the clock with the fourth pick, are rumored to be mulling over between Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.

How the No. 4 pick will fit with the roster may be what the Rockets are trying to think over. Cam Whitmore of Villanova is the more natural fit alongside “KPJ,” Green, Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. He is just tailor-made for Houston’s best four players.

Whitmore is one of the youngest players in the draft as he will not turn 19 until Summer League in July. Despite that, he already has an NBA-ready body. He is 6-foot-7 and weighs 235 pounds.

The Villanova superstar is an explosive athlete who has shown enormous potential on both ends of the floor. Scouts have raved about his elite two-way playmaking ability. He might just be what the doctor ordered for the Houston Rockets.

Amen Thompson is another player who will undoubtedly make the Houston Rockets better. Thompson has elite athleticism and is explosive in going to the basket. His defense and his playmaking are considered top-notch.

The Rockets will have an interesting logjam at the point guard spot if they draft Thompson as Kevin Porter Jr. is already on the roster. Houston may just go ahead with that scenario and worry about how to blend things later.


Olivier-Maxence Prosper could be available for the Rockets with the 20th pick

Olivier-Maxence Prosper seems to be surging in several mock drafts. The former Clemson and then Marquette standout has garnered interest with his interesting combination of physical gifts and work ethic. He is 6-8 with a 7-1 wingspan.

More than just the obvious tools, it’s his reported dogged determination and energy in workouts that have impressed observers. Prosper has the kind of size, length, quickness, strength and smarts that make him a potential nightmare to contend with on defense,

Analysts also noted that his impact does not often reflect on the box score. He just does the little things that help teams win. The Houston Rockets could use someone like him on their team.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now