Rockets Should Keep No. 4 Selection and Maintain Patience

The Houston Rockets are in an interesting situation entering June’s draft, sitting at a crossroads in what the franchise could do next.

Although they had the second highest odds entering Tuesday’s lottery, their pick slid to No. 4 overall. With that in mind, this is a class that has multiple prospects with star upside that will be available at this spot. Houston will have a chance at the likes of Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson, Jarace Walker and Cam Whitmore at fourth overall.

As first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Rockets are expected to use this pick as trade bait as they look to take a significant step forward this season. Not only is a James Harden reunion in free agency still very much on the table, but Houston could trade the fourth pick for another piece that’s ready to expedite the timeline.

With that in mind, going all-in this quickly could be a mistake long-term.

Sure, the Rockets should feel some pressure to win next season considering Oklahoma City owns their 2024 first-round pick (top four protected). However, that doesn’t mean Houston shouldn’t maintain some level of patience. After having the worst record for the NBA for two-straight seasons, followed by a 22-win campaign last season, it’s easier said than done to simply become a much improved team over one offseason.

Would Harden make this team better? Yes. Would the No. 4 pick fetch another quality winning piece? Also, yes. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

Adding one of the top four players in this class would be significant both now and in the future. The Rockets could even attempt to move up in the draft. All it takes is Jalen Green taking a step forward towards stardom, Alperen Sengun continuing to improve or Jabari Smith Jr. to have a breakout sophomore campaign for the Rockets to win upwards of 30 games next season. That would be positive progress.

It’s unclear exactly what Houston will do this summer, but maintaining patience and adding another piece to the talented young core is the best path forward. The Rockets could still add Harden to help develop some of these young pieces without having to go all-in now. The reality is that Houston won’t be competing for a championship next season no matter what moves are made. It’s about thinking big picture with a longer term vision.

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